Western Australia location profile
Margaret River WA 6285
Margaret River is a renowned wine, surf and forest town offering a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle with a strong arts and food scene. It blends small-town community feel with year‑round tourism, cellar doors, breweries, and easy access to beaches and national parks.
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Why families consider Margaret River
Diverse mix of families, hospitality and wine industry workers, creatives, and sea/tree‑changers. Lifestyle revolves around vineyards, surfing, mountain biking, and festivals; vibe is laid‑back, eco‑minded, and community‑oriented.
Amenities & services
- Margaret River Central (Coles) shopping complex
- Woolworths Margaret River
- Margaret River Farmers’ Market (Saturdays)
- Margaret River Hospital (public)
- Margaret River Medical Centre and local GP clinics
- Main Street cafes, restaurants, breweries and cellar-door dining
- Margaret River Library – 16 Fearn Ave, Margaret River
Transport & connectivity
- No local train station; nearest is Bunbury (Australind line)
- Transwa coach services (Perth–Margaret River–Augusta routes)
- Bussell Highway (State Route 10)
- Caves Road (tourist drive to coastal hamlets and beaches)
- Wallcliffe Road (link to Prevelly/Gnarabup)
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) ~50 km NE with flights to Melbourne (seasonal/periodic)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Gloucester Park & Margaret River Recreation Centre (pool, gym, courts, ovals)
- Surfers Point and Rivermouth (surfing, coastal walks)
- Margaret River HEART (Hastings Entertainment & Arts Centre)
- Local wineries, breweries and cellar doors
- Caves and adventure tours (e.g., Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave)
- Wooditjup National Park (formerly Bramley)
- Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
- Rotary Park & Heritage Trail
- Wadandi Track (rail trail)
- Surfers Point & Rivermouth Reserve
- Barrett Street Weir
- Amaze’n Margaret River gardens and maze
Education context
Multiple long day care and family day care options in town (e.g., community childcare and private centres), plus OSHC at local schools; demand can be high with seasonal waitlists.
- Edith Cowan University (ECU) South West Campus – Bunbury (~95 km north)
- South Regional TAFE – Margaret River Campus (vocational; nearest tertiary option in town)
- University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University – main campuses in Perth (~270 km north)