Getting There

It's a 3-hour drive to Margaret River from Perth; take the inland South Western Highway or the more scenic Old Coast Road to Bunbury, and pick up the Bussell Highway to Busselton, the gateway to the region.

Air Australia (tel. 08/9332 5011) operates charter flights from Perth's Jandakot airport, for A$550 (US$440/UK£224) same day return for up to three passengers. Leeuwin Estate winery (tel. 08/9430 4099) arranges charter flights from Perth for A$405 (US$324/UK£165) per person (based on two passengers), including flight, tea tour and tastings, and a la carte lunch in the restaurant.

Southwest Coachlines (tel. 08/9324 2333) runs a daily service to Margaret River from Perth for about A$31 (US$25/UK£13). The Public Transport Authority (PTA; tel. 1300/602 205 in Western Australia, or 08/9326 2600) also runs a coach service from Perth. The services take between 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 hours, so are not recommended. There is no train service to Margaret River, though the twice-daily Australind train does run from Perth to Bunbury, with coach connections onward.

Self-drive is the best way to get here and have the necessary freedom to get around.

Visitor Information

The Margaret River Visitor Centre is one of the best and most useful in the country. It's at 100 Bussell Hwy. (at Tunbridge St.), Margaret River, WA 6285 (tel. 08/9757 2911). Pick up a winery guide, a guide to the artisans of the region, and maps, here or at the Dunsborough Visitor Centre, Shop 14, Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre, Dunsborough, WA 6281 (tel. 08/9755 3299). Both are open daily from 9am to 5pm; closed December 25.

Getting Around

Two north-south roads service the area, Bussell Highway and the slower, winding Caves Road. Numerous smaller roads connect the two, or loop down to bayside settlements renowned for their surfing opportunities. The Bussell Highway turns due south 9km (5 1/2 miles) past Busselton, and runs down the middle of the region, through Margaret River town to Augusta and windswept Cape Leeuwin. Caves Road runs past Dunsborough then swirls southward, closer to the coast, past limestone caves and karri forests toward Augusta.

A car is close to essential. Hertz (tel. 13 30 39 in Australia, or 08/9758 8331) has an office in Margaret River, or call Avis (tel. 1800/679 880 in Australia for reservations in the Southwest). For a taxi, call Margaret River Taxi Service (tel. 13 10 08 or 08/9757 3444).

Several companies run sightseeing and winery tours from Margaret River or Perth.