Margaret River

"Margs" - because we're basically locals at this point, is simply an amazing region and with it just a short three hour drive from Perth, this was already our second visit. Funny that.

Margaret River really does have it all and the beauty of it is that it delivers all year round. World class wineries, incredible food, stunning natural landscapes and the great outdoors on your doorstep - it's the kind of place that's very easy to keep coming back to and very hard to find fault with. What more could you ask for?

For coffee, we visited:

Drift

A cosy little gem right in the heart of Margaret River town. Drift serves up fantastic coffee and a breakfast menu that had us coming back for a second morning in a row - which really says it all. It's clearly a local favourite and gets busy for good reason, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table. Well worth it though.

Margaret River Bakery

A visit to Margaret River Bakery is pretty much non-negotiable when you're in town. I treated myself to a coffee and a pastry mid afternoon and it was the perfect little indulgence to break up the day. Sometimes the classics just hit the spot.

For food and drinks, we visited:

The Voyager

Voyager Estate is something else entirely. From the moment you arrive, the immaculately kept grounds feel more like a grand English country estate than a winery in Western Australia, honestly stunning in every sense and instantly setting the tone for what's to come. Winners of the WAGFG Regional Restaurant of the Year 2025, the acclaim is well deserved. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but this is one of those experiences where you understand every cent spent. The food was beautifully thought out and the service was impeccable from start to finish. The menu you follow, dependant on dietary requirements, is illustrated by a local artist and was a beautiful touch.

Vasse Felix

The oldest winery in Margaret River and recently awarded the prestigious title of number one winery in Australia by the Halliday Top 100 Wineries, Vasse Felix carries a reputation that delivers on every level. The grounds are beautiful and the stunning main building looks directly out over the vineyards, setting a scene that's hard to beat. Beyond the wines, the food was absolutely unbelievable - the kind of long, leisurely lunch you lose track of time over. Needless to say, we didn't leave empty handed, with a couple of very well chosen bottles making their way home with us. A world class experience from start to finish.

La Scarpetta Trattoria

Italy, right in the heart of Margs. This charming little trattoria is the kind of place that wraps you in warmth the moment you walk through the door, serving up big, comforting plates of food that feel like a genuine taste of Italian home cooking. The freshly made pasta is a must and extra brownie points for offering freshly made gluten free pasta too, which is always a winner in my husband’s eyes. It gets busy for good reason, so be sure to reserve a table ahead of your visit. A lovely, unpretentious gem that stands out in the best possible way.

Morries

Morries is an absolute must during your time in Margaret River and the queue of people being turned away at the door on the night we visited says everything you need to know. Do yourself a favour and make a reservation. The food was amazing, the cocktails were on point and the energy inside is that perfect combination of loud and lively yet somehow still feeling intimate, the kind of buzzing atmosphere that just makes a night out. A little tip we've filed away for next time is they also offer a happy hour featuring cocktails and small dishes, which is firmly on the agenda for our next visit.

Rhum Burgundy

When a bar makes the WAGFG Top 25 bars list, you simply have to check it out and Rhum Burgundy did not disappoint. The cocktail list is extensive and seriously impressive, the kind you take your time working through rather than rushing. The vibe in this small but perfectly formed bar is free, relaxed and unpretentious - exactly what a great bar should feel like. A definite recommendation and a great way to round out an evening in Margs.