Margaret River is famous for its world-class wineries and exceptional food and wine, but venture beyond the cellar doors and you'll discover so much more. From ancient limestone caves and towering karri forests to hidden beaches and spectacular coastal walks, it's a beautiful region to explore with someone special.
Whether you're visiting for two nights or six, there's no shortage of ways to fill your days. Our advice? Make sure you leave time to enjoy your retreat, too.
At Losari Retreat, just eight minutes from Margaret River town, you can spend your days exploring before returning to your own beautiful, private spa villa. With romantic surroundings and all the little luxuries that make a getaway special, it's somewhere you'll want to spend just as much time enjoying as the region itself.
Here are some of our favourite local gems, the best caves to visit and a few tips to help you plan your Margaret River getaway.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Margaret River?
One of the most common questions when planning a Margaret River getaway is whether two or three nights will be enough. The answer really depends on how much you'd like to explore and how much time you want to spend simply enjoying your accommodation.
Two nights: Perfect for a quick escape from Perth. You could enjoy a leisurely lunch on arrival, explore a local beach or cave the following day and still have time to relax at your retreat.
Three nights: Our favourite option for couples wanting a balance of exploring and unwinding. You'll have time to visit a few local attractions, enjoy a long winery lunch and spend an afternoon relaxing without feeling you're missing out.
Four to six nights: Ideal if you'd like to venture further north towards Cape Naturaliste or south to Augusta, explore sections of the Cape to Cape Track and discover more of the beautiful coastal towns and hidden gems along the way.
Our advice? Leave a little space in your itinerary. Some of the loveliest holiday moments happen right in your villa at Losari Retreat. Hint: think a long soak in your private spa overlooking the lake or a cosy evening by the eco fireplace.
What Are Some Hidden Gems in Margaret River?
Margaret River has its famous wineries and surf beaches, but some of the region's most memorable experiences are found a little further from the usual tourist stops.
Redgate Beach: Wild Coastline and Granite Boulders
If you love dramatic coastal scenery, Redgate Beach is well worth a visit. Large granite boulders frame the shoreline, while turquoise water and rolling waves create some spectacular views.
It's a lovely place to bring a coffee, wander along the sand and enjoy the fresh ocean air. Swimming conditions can be hazardous, so we recommend appreciating the scenery unless conditions are suitable and you're confident in the water.
Margaret River Mouth: Where the River Meets the Ocean
Just beyond Prevelly, the Margaret River Mouth is a beautiful spot where the river meets the Indian Ocean.
The landscape changes with the seasons, and it's particularly interesting to see how the river and ocean interact. You can enjoy a short coastal walk, take photographs or simply find somewhere to sit and watch the water.
It's a wonderful reminder that there's so much more to Margaret River than its wineries.
Boranup Karri Forest: A Beautiful Drive Through the Trees
There's something quite extraordinary about driving into Boranup Forest and suddenly finding yourself surrounded by towering karri trees. The forest feels completely different from the coastline, with enormous pale trunks, filtered sunlight and a peaceful atmosphere.
Take your time driving through, stopping where it's safe to admire the scenery. It's particularly beautiful on a clear morning when sunlight catches the trunks of the trees. If you're visiting in spring, keep an eye out for native wildflowers adding splashes of colour to the forest floor and surrounding bushland. It's a lovely time of year to explore this part of Margaret River.
Which Cave in Margaret River Is the Best to Visit?
Margaret River's limestone caves are among the region's most fascinating natural attractions. Hidden beneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, these underground landscapes have formed over thousands of years.
If you only have time to visit one cave, here's how we'd choose.
Lake Cave: Best for a Beautiful, Atmospheric Experience
Lake Cave is particularly memorable for its underground lake, delicate crystal formations and dramatic entrance through a forested sinkhole.
The guided tour takes you deep beneath the surface, where the still water creates beautiful reflections of the formations above.
For couples looking for a special experience, this would be our first choice. Keep in mind that the tour involves a substantial number of stairs.
Mammoth Cave: Best for Exploring at Your Own Pace
Mammoth Cave is a wonderful option if you enjoy natural history and prefer a little more flexibility.
With an audio-guided experience, you can explore the impressive chambers while learning about the ancient fossils discovered within the cave.
It's an interesting choice for visitors who like taking their time and discovering the stories behind the landscape.
Jewel Cave: Best for Spectacular Crystal Formations
Located further south towards Augusta, Jewel Cave is famous for its enormous chambers and intricate limestone formations.
The guided tour reveals beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and delicate crystal decorations that make it one of the most visually impressive caves in the region.
If you're planning to explore the southern end of Margaret River, it's well worth including in your itinerary.
You can compare cave tours and current booking information through Caves of the Margaret River Region.
What Can You Do in Margaret River Besides Visiting Wineries?
While Margaret River is famous for its wine, there's a whole world of local flavours and experiences to discover beyond the cellar doors.
If wine isn't your thing, why not try a craft beer tasting at one of the region's boutique breweries or sample locally distilled gin, whisky and liqueurs? At Margaret River Distilling Company, you can even join a gin-blending experience and create your own personalised bottle to take home.
Food lovers will be equally spoilt for choice. Spend a morning sampling handcrafted chocolates, artisan cheeses and locally produced olive oils. A visit to Olio Bello near Cowaramup is a lovely way to discover the region's olive-growing heritage, while Margaret River Chocolate Company is always a tempting stop for something sweet.
For something a little different, why not get creative together? Try a pottery workshop or book a natural perfumery experience at Vasse Virgin, where you can explore different scents and learn the art of creating your own fragrance. It's a wonderful way to take home something more personal than the usual holiday souvenir.
You could easily fill an entire day with these experiences, but we'd recommend choosing just one or two, stopping somewhere lovely for lunch and heading back to Losari Retreat with enough time for a couples' massage or a relaxing afternoon in your private spa.
Where Should You Stay for a Relaxing Margaret River Retreat?
When choosing between retreats in Margaret River, it's worth thinking about how you'd like to spend your time when you're not out exploring.
Would you prefer to be right in the centre of town, or somewhere peaceful with beautiful surroundings and space to unwind?
At Losari Retreat, our luxury villas are nestled amongst landscaped gardens and natural bushland. Each villa features its own private outdoor jacuzzi, giving you somewhere to relax after a day discovering the region.
You can spend the morning exploring caves and beaches, then return to your villa for an afternoon massage or simply some quiet time overlooking the gardens.
Being just eight minutes from Margaret River town also means you're close to restaurants, shops and local attractions while enjoying the privacy of a countryside retreat.
Explore our luxury Margaret River accommodation and discover a beautiful base for your next getaway.
Make Time to Enjoy Your Margaret River Retreat
Margaret River is one of those places where you can discover something new on every visit. Whether it's a quiet beach, a spectacular cave or a beautiful stretch of forest, there's always another reason to come back.
But remember, a getaway doesn't have to be about seeing everything. Sometimes the best part is returning to your villa, slipping into the warm water of your private spa and enjoying the feeling that, for a little while, there's nowhere else you need to be.
Explore Losari Retreat and start planning your next Margaret River escape.
FAQs About Planning a Margaret River Retreat
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If you're looking for a peaceful couples' getaway, consider retreats offering private accommodation, beautiful natural surroundings and facilities such as outdoor spas or in-villa massages. Losari Retreat offers six luxury villas across 66 acres, with private outdoor jacuzzis and easy access to Margaret River town.
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We recommend three nights if you want to enjoy a balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Two nights can work well for a short getaway, while four or more nights gives you time to explore Augusta, the caves and surrounding coastal towns without rushing.
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Lake Cave is a wonderful first choice for its underground lake and beautiful reflections. Mammoth Cave is ideal for those who enjoy natural history and self-paced exploration, while Jewel Cave is known for its spectacular crystal formations. Check tour requirements and accessibility before booking.
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Boranup Karri Forest, Redgate Beach and the Margaret River Mouth are three beautiful places to explore beyond the region's wineries. Each offers a different perspective on the South West landscape, from towering forests to rugged coastline and peaceful river scenery.
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Absolutely. Margaret River offers limestone caves, coastal walks, beautiful beaches, galleries, local food producers and relaxing wellness experiences. You could easily spend several days exploring the region without visiting a single winery.