Margaret River: Wine & Nature 4WD Tour with Canoeing & Lunch

Summary

Margaret River wine adventure with canoeing, honey tasting and wild coastline

You’ll paddle down Margaret River itself, sip coffee by the ocean at Gnarabup, taste honey near Yalgardup Falls, and share a winery lunch inside Fraser Gallop Estate’s barrel room. With only six guests and an expert guide leading every step (and joke), this is one day trip that feels personal—like Margaret River lets you in on its secrets if you’re paying attention.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding down the actual Margaret River — not just looking at it from some bridge — when Sean, our guide (and honestly, part-time comedian), handed me a paddle and grinned like he knew I’d never done this before. The water was glassy, birds fussed in the reeds, and I kept thinking how weirdly quiet it felt for a place that’s supposed to be famous. No crowds, just six of us and the occasional splash when someone (okay, me) got distracted by the light flickering off the gum leaves.

Coffee came next at Gnarabup’s White Elephant Café — which is apparently where locals go after their morning swim. The smell of salt and espresso mixed together in the breeze; I’m still not sure which one woke me up more. Sean pointed out a couple of surfers who looked like they’d been here since dawn. It’s funny how quickly you start to feel like you belong somewhere when everyone’s relaxed around you.

After that we stopped at Yalgardup Falls — not huge or dramatic, but there was something about the sound of water over rocks and the way Sean talked about Wadandi country that made me pause. He passed around some local honey for us to taste (I tried to describe it as “earthy” but probably sounded pretentious), and then we headed off to Fraser Gallop Estate. Walking into their barrel room for lunch was almost surreal: cool air, wood everywhere, plates full of local produce paired with wine that actually tasted different after hearing how it was made. I didn’t expect to care about grape varieties but here we are.

The last bit was a hike along the Cape Track — cliffs dropping straight into wild surf below, kangaroos watching us from the bush like they owned the place (which they kind of do). My shoes got dusty, my hair smelled like sea wind for hours afterward. We all just stood there for a while without talking much. Sometimes you get these moments where you realize you’re really far from home but exactly where you want to be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Margaret River wine and nature tour

• Depart from Margaret River Visitor Centre
• Canoe on the Margaret River
• Enjoy coffee at White Elephant Cafe
• Visit Yalgardup Falls and taste local honey
• Lunch and wine at Fraser Gallop Estate
• 4WD access to remote Cape Walking track
• Hike scenic section of Cape Track

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Margaret River wine tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; tours depart from Margaret River Visitor Centre at 100 Bussell Highway.

How many people are on each Margaret River wine & nature tour?

The tour is limited to only 6 guests per group for a personalized experience.

Do I need canoeing experience for this day trip?

No experience needed; the canoe section is gentle and suitable for beginners.

Is lunch included during the Margaret River tour?

Yes, a gourmet lunch featuring local produce is served in the Fraser Gallop Estate barrel room.

What wineries do we visit on this private wine tour?

The main winery visited is Fraser Gallop Estate with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can children join this Margaret River adventure tour?

The public group tour is for ages 17+; families with children must book privately.

What else is included besides wine tasting?

You’ll also enjoy local honey tasting, morning tea or coffee at Gnarabup café, canoe hire, luxury 4WD transport and expert guiding throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes small group travel by luxury 4WD from Margaret River Visitor Centre with an award-winning local guide leading canoeing on the river itself (no experience needed), morning tea or coffee at Gnarabup beach café, honey tasting near Yalgardup Falls, premium wine tastings plus a gourmet lunch served inside Fraser Gallop Estate’s barrel room before returning late afternoon.