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Are you looking for Margaret River activities for families? Many people think that Margaret River is just for adults but this isn’t true! There are so many things to do in Margaret River with kids too!
It is a beautiful place to visit and definitely worth adding to your Western Australia bucket list, even if you aren’t a wine drinker!
We are sharing with you all the best Margaret River attractions, family-friendly activities and more to help you plan your ultimate family visit!
Check out our 4-day Margaret River itinerary for families
Margaret River With Kids: A Guide For Families
Margaret River may be famous for being one of Australia‘s most prominent wine regions, but that’s only one of the many reasons to visit this beautiful part of Western Australia.
The area is surrounded by natural attractions, from stunning coastal scenery to lush forests and rolling vineyards – making it the perfect destination for a nature-themed holiday.
Check out our kid-friendly 4-day Margaret River itinerary from Perth.
And if you’re travelling with kids, don’t worry because Margaret River has plenty of activities to keep them entertained as well!
But first, let’s plan your visit before we get to the fun stuff:
How Far Is Margaret River From Perth?
Margaret River is approximately a three-hour drive south-west of Perth, making this the perfect long weekend from Perth.
If you’re arriving by train or bus, there are regular services that connect Margaret River with other major towns and cities throughout Western Australia.
The best way to get to Margaret River is by car since this gives you the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.
You can easily hire a car from Perth airport or the other major airports within Western Australia if you are flying in.
Where To Stay In Margaret River
There is a range of accommodation options available in Margaret River, from camping and caravanning through to luxury chalets and beach resorts.
During peak tourism season and during WA school holidays, it can get very busy so alternatively, many people opt to stay in nearby Busselton, which is around a 25-minute drive from Margaret River.
If you’re looking for family-friendly places to stay, we recommend checking out the holiday parks, such as Margaret River Tourist Park, which has great facilities for travelling with kids, including a swimming pool.
There are also a lot of holiday homes available, that can be a perfect option if you are looking for that home away from home experience. Some of these are also pet-friendly if you are bringing your furry friend.
What To Do In Margaret River With Kids
Now that you have everything sorted for your family trip, it’s time to start planning what to do in Margaret River with kids!
Thankfully there are so many things to do in Margaret River that will appeal to all ages, so you don’t have to create an itinerary that is focused entirely around the kids. That’s right mum and dad – you can have fun too!
There is no shortage of things to keep them entertained, from swimming at the beach to exploring Margaret River caves and forests or enjoying some of the incredible family-friendly wineries and breweries that cater to the whole family.
Here are some of our favourite family activities in Margaret River:
Caves In Margaret River
Caves are one of the most popular things to do in Margaret River, with a number of caves open for exploration throughout the region.
One we loved is Ngilgi Cave on Caves Road which has an incredible series of limestone caverns and spectacular rock formations that will fascinate the kids.
Our kids thought the Tunnel of Doom was great fun. It’s crawling space only so once was enough for me. 7 times for them!
Each of the main caves in Margaret River offers a semi-guided tour.
Your guide will give you a history of the cave and its significance, explain what you will see once inside and then take you into the cave to allow you to then explore at your own pace.
Here are the best caves in Margaret River:
- Ngilgi Cave – Previously called Yallingup Cave, it is suitable for all ages.
- Lake Cave – Suitable for all ages with Lake Cave Deck suspended over the cave for an incredible view.
- Mammoth Cave – Mammoth Cave is the most accessible of all the show caves in Margaret River, with wheelchair access to the first chamber and suitable for all ages.
- Jewel Cave – The biggest show cave in Western Australia with fully guided 1-hour tours suitable for all ages.
- Giants Cave – This is an adventure cave for ages 6 and up as it involves ladder climbs, hardhats and torches.
- Calgardup Cave – Suitable for all ages.
Find out more about the Margaret River cave tours and opening times.
Visit Margaret River Wineries
Even when you’re visiting Margaret River with kids, a couple of wineries should definitely be on your must-visit list!
There are a number of family-friendly wineries throughout the Margaret River wine region that offer activities to keep the kids busy as well as plenty of delicious food options so you can relax with your feet up and a wine glass in hand whilst the kids enjoy themselves.
Here are our favourite Margaret River wineries to visit with kids:
Happs Winery
Happs Winery is a beautiful winery and pottery store that is set in the sprawling gardens of the owners.
The wine tasting experience itself is fantastic with self-serve pump tops in an outdoor setting, with a view over the gardens.
For the kids, there is play equipment throughout the garden, including swings, a seesaw and an obstacle course.
There is also a tub of balls and bats to play with and the option to purchase small tasting platters with cheese and crackers.
Swings and Roundabouts
Swings and Roundabouts is a more premium winery with a cellar door, restaurant and iconic swing chairs. It is pet friendly, but the biggest stand out is the playground area.
There is a massive nature playground to keep the kids busy and at the time of our visit, there was a second large playground being built as well.
You will have trouble getting the kids to leave this winery!
Amaze’n Margaret River Maze
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Margaret River, head to Amaze’n – the only hedge maze in Margaret River. It is also one of the largest hedge mazes in all of Australia!
A maze’n Margaret River has a half-hectare giant hedge maze, an 18 hole mini golf course and five hectares of stunning gardens to explore or picnic in.
They also have a cafe, playground and giant garden games to entertain the entire family.
Find out more about Amaze’n here.
Wildlife Encounters In Margaret River
One of the top things to do in Margaret River with kids is visiting a wildlife park, where you can experience being up close with animals. And there are loads of opportunities for wildlife experiences in the region.
- Sunflowers Animal Farm and Farmstay – Sunflowers is a 315-acre cattle farm with over 350 animals to pet, feed and interact with. There are farm animals, kangaroos and emus, with daily feeding sessions and tractor rides.
- Discover Deadly – If you love reptiles, amphibians and arachnids, Discover Deadly is for you! Open 6 days a week with talks and animal feedings at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm each day, this is a unique way to meet some of Australia’s deadly creatures and unique wildlife.
- Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre – Eagles Heritage is home to one of the largest collections of Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls in Australia with 2 daily flight shows at 11 am and 1:30 pm.
Visit The Beaches
Margaret River has some stunning beaches that are amongst the best beaches in Western Australia!
The Margaret River region stretches from Cape Naturaliste in the North to Cape Leeuwin in the South, and you will have no trouble finding a beautiful stretch of white sand to set your towel down.
Some of our favourites are Smiths Beach, Bunker Bay, Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay.
There is also plenty of opportunities to join in some watersports, such as surfing lessons, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and boat tours.
Yallingup Maze
If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids that isn’t a winery, how about Yallingup Maze? Much like the giant hedge maze at A Maze’n, Yallingup Maze is fun for the whole family.
Yallingup Maze is the only timber maze in the region, and it reminded us of the wooden maze in Wanaka, NZ. There is also an adventure playground, jumping castle, and an indoor puzzle cafe where you can play with the puzzles for free.
Plan your visit to Yallingup Maze.
Visit The Breweries
If beer is more your style, or you like both, thankfully there are some great family-friendly breweries in Margaret River as well!
The breweries are often some of the best places to grab lunch or dinner when you’re in Margaret River, with delicious menus and snack options.
Our favourite Margaret River breweries we visited with the kids were:
- Wild Hop Brewing Company – They have a great menu using local produce, a beautiful outdoor dining area with a view and a very cool playground to keep the kids entertained. Make sure you try the truffle oil popcorn!
- Beer Farm – The Beer Farm is a dairy farm converted into a brewery and it is huge! Their menu has some more unique dishes but they have an incredible kids platter with fruit, popcorn and veggie sticks. There is a playground plus during summer, they have an inflatable waterslide running on certain days.
- Cheeky Monkey Brewery – Great food, drink and a fun playground for the kids.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
If you’re looking for a half or full-day activity to do with the family, why not visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and do some of the walking trails around the national park.
The lighthouse offers amazing views of the coastline and Indian Ocean, in the fully guided tour to the top.
It is an easy climb with just 59 steps and an interesting insight into the working lighthouse.
After you’ve been up the top, head down to the new viewing platform for more exceptional views before giving the kids some time at the nautical-themed playground.
There is also a cafe on-site serving up light meals and snacks, as well as ice cream.
If you’re feeling more energetic, there are numerous walking trails of various lengths that start near the lighthouse. These are mostly wheelchair accessible and are perfect for nature lovers!
Whale Watching
During the whale watching season (May-November), there are a few companies in the Margaret River and Busselton region that offer tours out to see these gentle giants as they make their annual migration.
The best part is, most of these tours have a guaranteed sightings policy, so if you don’t see any whales on your trip, you can go again for free!
- Whale Watching Cruise from Busselton, Augusta or Dunsborough – Experience some of Western Australia’s best whale watching plus dolphins, sea birds and seals. They also offer complimentary admission to the Busselton Jetty, morning tea, a photo CD and anti-nausea wristbands if needed.
- 2-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Cruise from Augusta – Be on the lookout for Humpback Whales, Southern Right whales, Dolphins, Seal Lions and migratory birds in Geographe Bay on this 5-star whale watching experience. They provide warm blankets, and rain ponchos to suit the weather and colour-in sets for kids.
Simmo’s Ice Creamery
If there is one thing that kids love, it’s ice cream! Simmo’s Ice Creamery in Dunsborough is iconic to the Margaret River region with a massive 60 flavours!
But there is more than ice cream at Simmo’s!
The fun park area has mini-golf, a playground, expansive gardens with picnic tables and coin-operated rides for young kids. There are also BBQs that you are welcome to use, providing you get yourself an ice cream while you’re there.
This is a great stop on your way back to Perth from Margaret River or as a half-day activity to entertain the family.
Best Things To Do In Margaret River On Rainy Days
While the Margaret River region is best known for its stunning beaches, sunny days and good wine, there are still plenty of things to do in Margaret River when it’s raining or during winter.
Many of the above activities are perfect for rainy days, with caves and indoor wildlife exhibits being great for staying mostly dry or having a meal at a winery or brewery.
Here are a few more indoor and wet weather ideas for Margaret River:
- Xcape at the Cape – Fun park located in Dunsborough with laser tag, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, water park, putt-putt, trampolines, climbing walls and plenty of other fun things to do no matter the weather.
- Margaret River Chocolate Company – The Australian chocolate factory is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day) and has a huge range of chocolates and gifts. You can watch them making chocolate through the viewing window and enjoy a tasting as you enter.
- Margaret River Fudge Factory – Watch the fudge being made then sample a few before picking your favourites to take home with you.
More Family-Friendly Activities In Margaret River
There are plenty of other things to do in Margaret River for families so here are a few more quick ideas if you’re still looking for more or visiting for a longer stay:
- The Berry Farm – Wines, fruit liqueurs, sauces plus playgrounds for the kids.
- Sweet Things Lolly Shop – Sweets and the Cellar Door at Three Lily’s.
- Jesters Flat Horse Riding – Horse riding experience for the family.
- Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour – Enjoy a new perspective from the water on a paddleboarding tour.
- Margaret River Surf School – Learn how to surf in Margaret River for a fun new skill to go home with.
- Margaret River Skate Park and Youth Precinct – If your kids don’t go anywhere without their skateboard or bike, they will love this impressive skate park.
- Next Level Monkey Business – Ziplining and ropes course through the tall trees that is fun for kids of all ages 4 and up (and the grown-ups too).
- Hamlin Bay – Head to the boat ramp area and splash around the surface of the water and you may be lucky enough to see stingrays and eagle rays who come looking for food when the boats return. Very cool!
Day Trips From Margaret River
Busselton
Take the family on a day trip to visit the famous Busselton Jetty and explore this unique piece of architecture. This is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching over 1.8 km.
But don’t worry, there’s no need to have the kids walk the length of the jetty and back. There is a train that takes you to the end where you can also visit the Busselton Jetty aquarium.
Busselton also has great restaurants, playgrounds and beach areas to enjoy and is less than half an hour from Margaret River. Yallingup Foreshore includes an incredible nature-based playground that kids will love.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
At the most south-westerly point of Australia, you will find the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia – Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This white limestone lighthouse is a striking sight against the rugged coastal environment.
The tour will take you up the top of the working lighthouse, which even to this day continues to keep vessels safe navigating the cape. You will also be able to learn more about the lighthouse history in the Interpretive Centre.
Please note that children under the age of 4 are not allowed to climb the lighthouse if you are planning to visit with young children.
Margaret River is one of the most stunning places in Western Australia. Whether you’re looking for great things to do with kids in Margaret River, or activities on rainy days, we’ve got you covered! Consider taking your family on an adventure to explore the beautiful beaches and natural beauty that surrounds this region. Or stay dry and sip wine at one of the world-famous wineries while enjoying fun ways to spend time together as a family. Either way, there are plenty of great adventures waiting for you in Margaret River!
Which of these Margaret River kids activities are you most excited to do?
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- Flights – We use Skyscanner or WayAway to research, set price alerts and book flights.
- Car hire – compare the best car rental prices.
- Trains & Buses – We book with Omio
- Accommodation – We use Booking.com or Agoda to book most of our hotel accommodation when we travel.
- Travel insurance – Protect yourself and your belongings with Hey Mondo.
- Tours & attractions – Our preferred attraction and tour booking sites are Get Your Guide and Viator. Booking ahead will mean you don’t miss out on popular tours!
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- Things to do in Busselton
- Things to do in Geraldton
- What to do in Jurien Bay
- Day trips from Perth
- Things to do in Fremantle
- 5-day Kalbarri road trip
- 10-day Western Australia road trip
- Perth with kids
- Margaret River wineries & breweries for families
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