Margaret River: Wine Tasting, Local Produce & Scenic Drive

Summary

Margaret River day trip with tastings, wild coast and local stories

You’ll breathe in salty air on Margaret River’s wild coast, taste fresh local cheese and wine with a small group, laugh with your guide over stories and snacks, and maybe spot dolphins or kangaroos if you’re lucky. This day trip includes hotel pickup, food tastings, a glass of wine or beer — plus plenty of time to just look around and take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we stepped out near Leeuwin-Naturaliste was the salt in the air — sharp, almost sweet. Our guide, Dave (third generation local, apparently), handed out these little bites of cheese from some dairy up the road. I tried to act like I knew what I was tasting but honestly just grinned and nodded. There were dolphins out past the waves — or at least Dave swore there were; I squinted for ages but only caught a glint of something silver. The wind kept flipping my hair in my face while he told us about shipwrecks and old timber mills. It felt like being let in on secrets you’d never find on your own.

After that we rolled along Caves Road — eucalyptus trees flashing past, that kind of blue-green haze you only get in Western Australia. We stopped at two wineries (I remember the second one better because the owner’s dog kept sneaking over for pats). The Margaret River wine region is famous for its cabernet sauvignon, but I liked the chardonnay more — maybe because it was cold and it matched the weather. There was this moment when everyone went quiet tasting olive oil; someone said it tasted “like summer”, which made us all laugh because it was actually drizzling outside.

We finished with more snacks from a local producer (I still don’t know what half those things were — one had macadamia in it?) before weaving back through Yallingup Hills. Dave slowed down so we could spot kangaroos lounging under trees; they looked as unimpressed by us as teenagers at a family dinner. By then my shoes were muddy and my head was fuzzy from wine and stories, but I didn’t mind at all. If you want a day trip from Busselton or Dunsborough that isn’t just ticking boxes, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore National Park and Wine Country

• Visit Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
• Enjoy local produce tastings
• Sample complimentary local wine or beer
• Spot Bottlenose Dolphins or take photos
• Drive down scenic Caves Road
• Visit two wineries
• Taste at local gourmet producer
• Return via Yallingup Hills
• See Western Grey Kangaroos

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Margaret River tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Busselton or Dunsborough.

What kind of wine tastings are offered on this day trip?

You’ll visit two wineries in the Margaret River region for tastings; both red and white wines are available.

Are food tastings part of the experience?

Yes, you’ll sample local produce including cheese and other regional specialties during stops.

Can children join this Margaret River wine tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is included but substantial food tastings are provided throughout the day.

Will we see wildlife like kangaroos or dolphins?

You may spot bottlenose dolphins at Leeuwin-Naturaliste and kangaroos in Yallingup Hills if conditions allow.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, the tour runs rain or shine; dress appropriately for changing weather conditions.

How long does this day trip last?

The tour covers a full day including travel between sites before returning to your drop-off point.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Busselton or Dunsborough, guidance from a knowledgeable local who shares stories along the way, generous food tastings featuring regional produce, visits to two wineries for tastings (with your choice of a glass of local wine or boutique beer), plus time to explore scenic spots before heading back through kangaroo country in Yallingup Hills.