Margaret River, Australia, is the perfect base to lose yourself in culinary delights. In the area, you will find countless wineries and breweries. Add to that all the local products, such as regional cheeses, olives, jams, distilleries where you can even make your own gin, and farms where you can buy the most delicious compotes and spreads, and the feast is complete. About a 3.5-hour drive from Perth airport, you’ll find this gem. Trust me, this is a magical place you do not want to miss during your journey along the west coast of Australia. And with these tips, you will find the best culinary hotspots in Margaret River.
Plan Your Day in Margaret River
When embarking on a culinary adventure in and around Margaret River, it’s essential to plan wisely. Keep in mind that most vineyards, breweries, and shops close at 5:00 PM. Not all venues offer lunch options. At the tourism office in the center of Margaret River, you can pick up a detailed map of the region, showing many breweries, wineries, and farms/shops. Each location indicates whether you can have lunch there. Plan your day so that you schedule several (non-alcoholic) tastings in the morning, such as at Temper Temper Chocolate, Nuts & Cereals, and The Berry Farm. Just before lunch, do a wine tasting and then enjoy lunch with a view of the Margaret River vineyards. You might plan another vineyard visit before ending the day at a brewery. If you prefer not to drive yourself (alcohol checks are frequent and strict – you are allowed a maximum of 2 glasses when driving), you can always choose to book a tour where transportation is arranged.
Farm Shops in Margaret River
The many specialized farms where you can buy all sorts of delicacies are often just shops. For example, you don’t see the production process. At most shops, you can taste the products (including Margaret River wine), and often there are even little restaurants or cafes where the products are used in delicious dishes. It might be that you leave within fifteen minutes, having seen and tasted everything in the shop, but it could also be that you are absorbed by all the impressions, smells, and flavors, and you don’t leave until three-quarters of an hour or an hour later. Or not until after lunch or a nice coffee break! Make sure you have some budget when you start your culinary journey through Margaret River, Australia. You certainly won’t come home empty-handed!
Berry Farm
Pancakes, scones, tarts, and delicious liqueurs, all made with berries from their own land. The Berry Farm is the perfect place for brunch, a coffee stop, or lunch.
Temper Temper Chocolate
Attention, chocolate lovers! You do not want to miss Temper Temper in Margaret River, Australia. A chocolate tasting of 10 flavors from different corners of the world. You start with milk chocolate and gradually increase the cocoa content to bitter dark chocolate. Each type of chocolate is explained, highlighting the unique flavors from different continents, from Indonesia and Uganda to Chile. A chocolate journey around the world, indeed. A favorite is the Wild Amazon flavor made from 68% cocoa from Bolivia. Besides the opportunity to buy special chocolates (e.g., white with strawberry, milk with macadamia nuts), you can enjoy a delicious hot or cold chocolate milk. The presentation of chocolate is also a treat: warm milk served with chocolate shavings in a separate container, allowing you to flavor the chocolate milk to your liking. Highly recommended is the spiced chocolate milk…
Cheeky Monkey Brewery
The perfect way to end a day in the wine lands around Margaret River is with a drink at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery with a magnificent view. Of course, there is the opportunity for another tasting. Naturally, you must try the one and only Margaret River wine when in this special area!
Margaret River Nuts & Cereals
A small shop but definitely worth it for nut lovers. On the corner of the counter, there are various cereals and nuts you can taste. A recommendation is the hot & spicy almonds. It might be a shop you walk through relatively quickly, but chances are you’ll leave with at least a bag of cereal or nuts!
Margaret River Providore & Coward & Black Vineyards
A large store, but don’t let that deter you. Various types of olive oil with different flavors, Margaret River wine, marmalades, jams, pasta sauces, olives, different kinds of mustard, compotes, tapenades, and spreads make this a store where you can easily spend three-quarters of an hour. You can taste almost everything, as often as you like…
Brookland Valley Estate
A relatively small vineyard that we walked into by chance and left pleasantly surprised. Perhaps the main reason for the successful visit was the saleswoman who had a great deal of knowledge. Or maybe it was the seven different types of Margaret River wine we tasted. In any case, we walked out three-quarters of an hour later, each with at least one bottle of wine in hand.
Eagle Bay Brewery
Admittedly, Eagle Bay Brewery is about a three-quarters of an hour drive from Margaret River, but this is one you do not want to miss. Chances are you will be heading to Dunsborough, and Eagle Bay Brewery is the perfect lunch stop. You will want to visit just for the view! A beautiful lake in a wide field where kangaroos and other wildlife graze. Idyllic picnic tables in a beautiful garden and a delightful tasting of six beers before you choose your favorite.
You Win Some, You Lose Some
With so many choices and offerings, you are bound to miss the mark occasionally, only to be pleasantly surprised again. For instance, we had high expectations of the Yallingup Cheese Company but left somewhat disappointed due to the limited selection, which included imported cheese from the Netherlands. On the other hand, we were extremely enthusiastic about Brookland Valley Estate, where we walked in by chance. The well-known vineyards like Leeuwin are always a hit, but they also hit your wallet a bit harder.
How to Get to Margaret River
I personally rented a car online via Sunny Cars before departure. Very convenient, as all insurances are included. Sunny Cars arranges everything for you with the most affordable provider, so you can hop in as soon as you arrive. You don’t have to worry about a thing! I made a road trip along the west coast of Australia from Perth to Margaret River. If you want to travel further through the northwest of Australia, read our travel route from Perth to Broome. Going on holiday to Australia? Consider a city trip to Singapore as a stopover!
Applying for an E-Visa for Australia
You need a visa for Australia, including for your visit to Margaret River. An e-visa is sufficient, which you can arrange online up to 72 hours in advance. You can apply for a free visa for Australia via this website. After clicking the link, choose ‘individuals and travelers’ and then ‘visa’. In the visa finder, select a ‘holiday or vacation’ visa and fill in the questions: ‘what is your country of passport’ and your age. You will then see an overview where you can apply online (in English) for a free visa for Australia (visa number 651). You need to create an account with ‘immiaccount’. In most cases, you will receive the visa directly via email! If you find all this a bit too much hassle, you can also apply for your visa via e-visums.nl, where you only need to fill in one form (in Dutch). You will pay €14.95 for your e-visa Australia.
Specifications of Your E-Visa Australia
The visa is valid for one year, allowing you to stay in the country for a maximum of three consecutive months. The visa has multiple entries and is only valid for tourists or family visits. It is recommended to take a printed copy of the visa with you. In our experience, it is not asked for when entering Australia as the visa is linked to your passport. But still, better safe than sorry; so print it!
Margaret River is truly a paradise for food and wine lovers. With its diverse selection of wineries, breweries, and farm shops, it offers an endless array of culinary delights. From tasting world-class wines and craft beers to indulging in locally produced cheeses, chocolates, and olive oils, every stop on your journey promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re planning your visits to the vineyards and breweries, or exploring the charming shops filled with gourmet products, each moment spent in Margaret River will leave you craving more. The stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and exceptional quality of food and drink make it a must-visit destination on your West Australian adventure.
As you explore Margaret River, remember to take your time, savor each taste, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this region has something special for everyone. So pack your bags, prepare your palate, and embark on a culinary journey through one of Australia’s most enchanting regions. Margaret River awaits, ready to delight and inspire you with its culinary treasures. Safe travels and bon appétit!
