Visiting The Margaret River Region winter? You're in for a treat! The world-famous region truly shines in the colder weather with its stunning coastline, world-class wineries, and lush verdant forests. When the rain may deter you from heading out to the pristine beaches and famous Cape to Cape track, the region transforms into a cozy, sensory-rich wonderland when the clouds roll in. Here are the top 10 things to do in Margaret River when it rains.
What better way to spend a rainy day than to head underground? The caves of the Margaret River Region and magnificent to behold from the adventure playground of Ngilgi Cave to the cavernous Mammoth Cave, these dramatic limestone formations have formed over millions of years and stood the test of time. Pick from a self-guided tour or experience the caves with an experienced guide, the magical ambience will make for a memorable adventure.
Busselton Jetty in the Margaret River Region.
A trip out on the 1.8 kilometre timber-piled jetty in Busselton is a must-do when visiting the Margaret River Region. The Heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is home to only of six underwater observatories in the world, and you don't even need to walk out on the jetty yourself, you can take the train! The electric, solar-powered train will take you on a scenic 45 minute round-trip out to the end of the jetty (and back), allowing you the time to fully appreciate the beauty of being out at sea!
With over 200 vineyards in the Margaret River Region, it is no stretch to call this place a wine lover’s paradise. Spend an afternoon sampling award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, all within cozy cellar doors paired with warm hospitality and roaring fireplaces. Popular wineries like Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate and Vasse Felix have perfected their craft over their decades of producing wines in the region.
If you're looking for cellar doors that are kid-friendly, check out Swings and Roundabouts and The Berry Farm, both of which have epic playgrounds catered for the little ones while you're tasting the wines of the region.
When it rains, why not... slither into Discover Deadly, the region's largest display of reptiles, amphibians, birds and arachnids! Plan your day out with their reptiles shows and reptile feedings, meet the snakes and learn more about these creatures and what makes them tick. Their keepers will help educate kids and adults of all ages and give out advice on staying safe around snakes in the wild or in your own backyard.
Don't miss out on the chocolate chip cookies at Gabriel's Chocolate! Image: Gabriel's Chocolate
That's it, chocolate. Need we say more? Sample handmade truffles, watch chocolate being crafted through the viewing windows, and sip a decadent hot chocolate. Browse the walls of chocolate on display at Margaret River Chocolate Company, or taste the world's best chocolate chop cookies at Gabriel's Chocolate, the chocolatiers of the Margaret River Region never disappoint.
A quick shout-out to the newly-opened Little Otto's Big Choc Shop in Busselton, bring the kids here to run a little mad as this choc shop welcomes 'voracious ratbags'!
It's not hard to see why local artists are so inspired when you see the paradise they live in! Step into the galleries of the Margaret River Region to admire (or pick up!) paintings, woodwork, and sculptures and more by local artists. Many studios offer a quiet space to chat with the artists or even take part in workshops.
A hub for local artists and producers alike, Origins Market Busselton is truly unique in its vision. Their rotating schedule of workshops and events means there's always something new to see at this one-stop shop to artistic creativity!
Yallingup Aboriginal Art is the largest Aboriginal art gallery in the region and welcomes visitors to immerse in the Dreamtime.
Mind-bending illusions! Image: Janice Platt
For something a little different, head on over to WOW Illusions to have your mind bend in the best way! Jump into their world of weird and wonderful illusions with 3D art, mirror maze, and even a gravity defying room! Visitors will have a ball experiencing and trying to make sense of all the exhibitions, before you know it, half the day will have melted away!
Embrace the slower pace of a rainy day with a rejuvenating massage or facial. Spas such as Bodhi Wellness Spa Retreat and Empire Spa Retreat offer luxurious treatments using native ingredients, perfect for unwinding and warming up. Uniquely Balanced has a unique holistic method of working with sound and vibration to bring you to a state of deep relaxation.
Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or sharpen your culinary skills with a class focused on regional produce. Cooking schools like Wildwood Valley Cooking School will have you whipping up a delicious feast in no time, or learn how to whip up amazing meals from produce you can grow in your garden with Fair Harvest.
If cooking isn't your thing, then we recommend checking out Vasse Virgin and their many workshops. Create your very own scent with their Perfumery workshop! For those looking to test out their creativity, Happs Pottery will take you through throwing clay, to designing your own piece of pottery in one workshop.
Margaret River shines in every season, and when the rain comes, the region offers a different kind of magic—slower, richer, and more introspective. Luckily our three Margaret River Region parks offer cozy cabins to watch the rain pitter patter from. Check out Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park, Margaret River Tourist Park and Riverview Tourist Park for your rainy day Margaret River Region accommodation today!
