Family Activities Guide: Memorable Things to Do in Margaret River with Kids

Margaret River sits in the southwest corner of Western Australia, about three hours south of Perth. Between the limestone caves, old-growth forests, surf beaches, and family-friendly wineries, there’s a genuine variety of things to build a trip around. If you’re planning to bring your children, here’s everything you need to know about things to do in Margaret River with kids.

That ease extends across the wider region too, which stretches from the coast inland through forest and farmland. Most of the best family experiences don’t need much planning or advance booking, and there’s room everywhere for kids who need to move after a day of driving. Town itself is the natural place to start.

(This post includes affiliate links for which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase. See our full disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information)

Margaret River Town and the Main Street Experience

The main street through town is walkable and genuinely pleasant to spend time on. There are independent shops, food options that suit different ages and appetites, and a relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t feel rushed. The town has a small-town feel that makes it easy to let kids wander without the stress of a busy city environment.

Rotary Park, near the town center, has a playground and open grass that younger children appreciate after a long drive. The Margaret River itself runs through the area, and there are walking paths along the riverbank that are easy going for families with strollers or younger kids.

Free Things to Do When You Want to Save Money

A Margaret River family trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Several of the region’s best experiences cost nothing at all.

• The beach access points along the coast are free, and many of the most popular swimming spots have no entry fee
• The Boranup Forest drive is accessible by car at no cost
• Walking trails throughout the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park are generally open to the public
• The main street of Margaret River town is free to explore, and the Saturday farmers market is a low-cost way to spend a morning with kids
• Watching the surf at the main breaks costs nothing and can be genuinely entertaining for children who’ve never seen big wave surfing

For families traveling on a tighter budget, building free beach and forest time around one or two paid experiences is a practical way to structure the days.

Family-Friendly Wineries and Breweries

Margaret River is well known as a wine region, but several of the wineries and breweries have made a real effort to cater to families rather than just adults. The ones worth seeking out are those with playgrounds, open lawns, and casual food options that are child-friendly.

Xanadu Wines has a relaxed setting with space for kids to move around while adults enjoy a tasting. Will’s Domain has a playground and a setting that feels more like a garden than a formal winery, which takes the pressure off parents trying to keep young children occupied. CBCo Brewing (formerly Colonial Brewing Co) and Cheeky Monkey Brewery both lean toward the casual end of the spectrum, with outdoor seating, kid-friendly food menus, and a generally easygoing atmosphere. These aren’t places where children feel like an afterthought.

Beaches, Surf, and Coastal Adventures

The Margaret River coastline runs along the Indian Ocean and is one of the most varied stretches of coast in Western Australia. Some beaches are calm and sheltered, genuinely suited to young swimmers. Others face open-ocean swells and are better suited to watching than to swimming. Knowing which is which makes a real difference when you’re traveling with children.

Best Beaches in Margaret River for Swimming and Sunbathing

Gnarabup Beach is the most family-friendly of the main swimming beaches near the town. It has a sheltered bay, relatively calm water for most of the year, and a grassed area above the sand that makes it easy to set up for a long morning. The water is clear and the beach is wide, giving younger children plenty of room.

Prevelly Beach is nearby and has a similar character, though conditions can vary depending on the swell. For families with children who are not yet confident swimmers, Gnarabup is the more consistent choice.

Surfing in Margaret River: Breaks for Every Skill Level

The Margaret River region has surf breaks that range from gentle beach breaks suitable for beginners to powerful reef breaks that attract professional surfers from around the world. For families with older children or teenagers who want to try surfing, there are surf schools operating in the region that offer lessons at the more forgiving beach breaks.

The main breaks at Margaret River mouth are not suitable for beginners, but they’re worth watching from the headland. Seeing experienced surfers on a solid swell is genuinely impressive and gives children a real sense of what the region is known for.

When to catch the Margaret River Pro Surf Competition

The Margaret River Pro is a World Surf League Championship Tour event held at the main breaks near the town. It typically takes place in autumn, though the exact timing shifts from year to year depending on the competition schedule. Watching from the headland gives your family a close view of elite surfing in a dramatic coastal setting.

Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, and Kayaking on the Coast

The coastline around Margaret River offers conditions that suit a range of water sports beyond surfing. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular at several spots along the coast where consistent sea breezes create good conditions, particularly in the warmer months. Kayaking is a gentler option that works well for families with children old enough to paddle independently or sit in a tandem kayak.

Hamelin Bay and some of the calmer inlets further north offer more sheltered water for kayaking, which suits families who want to explore the coastline at a slower pace. Local hire and tour operators can advise on current conditions and suitable locations.

Canal Rocks and Injidup Natural Spa

Canal Rocks is a granite-boulder formation near Yallingup where the ocean pushes through narrow channels in the rock. It’s a striking place to visit, and the boardwalk makes it accessible for families with younger children. The rocks themselves are not suitable for climbing with small kids, but the views and the water’s movement through the channels are genuinely engaging.

Injidup Natural Spa is a rock pool nearby where wave action fills a natural hollow in the granite with seawater. It’s a popular spot, and the experience of sitting in naturally churning water is something older children tend to enjoy. The access path involves some uneven terrain, so it’s worth assessing with younger children in mind before committing to the walk.

Caves, Forests, and Natural Wonders

The inland part of the Margaret River region sits above a limestone ridge that runs the length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Underneath it is a network of caves that took millions of years to form. Above ground, the karri and marri forests that cover parts of the region are among the most distinctive landscapes in Australia. This combination of underground and above-ground natural experiences is one of the things that sets the region apart for families.

Boranup Forest Drive and Karri Tree Walks

The Boranup Forest is a stand of karri trees south of Margaret River that can be reached via a gravel road. Karri trees are among the tallest flowering trees in the world, and driving through a dense stand of them gives a real sense of scale that children respond to. The road is generally accessible to standard vehicles, though it’s worth checking conditions after heavy rain.

There are short walking trails through the forest that are suitable for most ages. The forest floor is relatively open, and the light through the canopy is striking, particularly in the morning. It’s an easy half-day stop that doesn’t require much planning.

Exploring the Underground Caves of the Region

The caves of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste region are a genuine highlight of any family trip to Margaret River. There are several caves open to visitors, each with a distinct character and varying suitability depending on your children’s ages.

• Ngilgi Cave, near Yallingup, is well suited to children under five and offers a self-guided experience that moves at your own pace
• Mammoth Cave is also suitable for younger children and has a self-guided audio tour that keeps kids engaged as they move through the chambers
• Lake Cave has a permanent lake inside the cave, which makes it visually striking, but the tour format is longer and better suited to older children
• Jewel Cave has three large chambers and an easier walking track than some of the other caves, though like Lake Cave it involves a guided tour that works better with children who can manage a longer structured experience
• Giants Cave involves crawling and climbing through passages and is not suitable for young children

Which Cave Suits Your Kids’ Ages

For families with children under five, Ngilgi Cave and Mammoth Cave are the practical choices. Both allow you to move at your own pace, which makes a real difference with toddlers or children who need to stop and start. Mammoth Cave’s audio tour gives children something to listen to and follow, which helps hold attention.

For children aged six and up, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave are available options. The permanent lake inside Lake Cave is the kind of thing that genuinely surprises children who haven’t seen anything like it. Jewel Cave’s three chambers and more straightforward walking track make it a good choice for families who want a guided experience without too much physical challenge.

Giants Cave is best left to teenagers or adults who are comfortable with confined spaces and underground physical activity.

Cape to Cape Track: Hiking One of Australia’s Great Walks

The Cape to Cape Track runs for around 135 kilometers between Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south. Walking the full track takes most people around eight days, which isn’t realistic for most families with young children. The more practical approach is to pick a section that suits your family’s fitness level and your kids’ ages.

Several sections of the track pass through coastal heath and forest with ocean views, and short day walks of two to four hours are achievable for families with children aged six and up. The northern sections near Cape Naturaliste tend to be more accessible and less exposed than the southern sections. Trail notes and maps are available from the relevant park authority.

Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Highlights

The Margaret River coast and surrounding waters support a range of marine wildlife that families visiting from outside Australia are often surprised by. Dolphins are a regular presence in the bays and inlets, and the waters off the southwest coast are part of a well-established whale migration route. On land, the region has its own character at dusk and dawn when native animals are most active.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Along the Margaret River Coast

Humpback and southern right whales migrate along the southwest coast of Western Australia during the cooler months, generally from around mid-year through to spring. Dolphins are present year-round in many of the bays and can sometimes be seen from the shore. Whale watching tours operate seasonally from nearby ports, and availability depends on the time of year. Check with local tour operators for current season timing and departure points before building this into your itinerary.

For children who haven’t seen whales before, even a distant sighting from a boat tends to be memorable. The scale of a humpback surfacing close to a small vessel is the kind of thing that stays with kids for a long time.

Hamelin Bay and Its Friendly Stingrays

Hamelin Bay is a sheltered bay about 40 kilometers south of Margaret River town, and it’s known for the stingrays that come into the shallows near the boat ramp. The rays are wild animals that have become habituated to human presence over many years, and they move through the shallow water close enough to observe clearly without any structured tour or entry fee.

For families with young children, it’s worth knowing that the rays are large and move unpredictably in the shallows. Watching from the edge of the water is fine for all ages, but wading in with very young children requires care. Older children who are comfortable in the water tend to find the experience genuinely exciting. The bay itself is calm, and the beach is pleasant for a picnic.

Sunset Spots That Will Stop You in Your Tracks

The west-facing coastline of the Margaret River region means that sunset views over the Indian Ocean are a regular feature of an evening here. Prevelly and Gnarabup both face west and have clear sightlines to the horizon, making them reliable spots to end a day.

The headland above the main surf break at Margaret River mouth gives a wider view of the coast in both directions and is worth the short walk up from the car park. Canal Rocks at dusk, when the light hits the granite boulders, has a different quality to the open beach sunsets and is worth timing a visit around if you’re already in the Yallingup area.

Cape Naturaliste, Cape Leeuwin, and the Lighthouse Trail

The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is bookended by two headlands, each with a working lighthouse. Cape Naturaliste sits at the northern end of the park, Cape Leeuwin at the southern end. Both are worth visiting as family destinations in their own right, and together they frame the full length of the coastline that runs through the Margaret River region.

Visiting Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse sits on a headland at the northern tip of the park, about 12 kilometers from Dunsborough. The lighthouse is still operational and guided tours take visitors up inside the tower for views across Geographe Bay to the north and the open Indian Ocean to the west. The walk from the car park to the lighthouse is short and manageable for most ages.

The headland is also a good vantage point for whale watching during the migration season, and the surrounding heath is home to native birds that are easy to spot along the nearby short walking trails. The setting is open, and the wind can be strong, so it’s worth bringing a layer for younger children.

Cape Leeuwin: Where Two Oceans Meet

Cape Leeuwin is the most southwesterly point of the Australian mainland, and it’s where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. The meeting of the two oceans is visible in the way the water moves around the headland, and it’s the kind of geographical fact that lands well with children who are old enough to understand what it means to stand at the edge of two different oceans.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland, and guided tours are available. The surrounding area includes the ruins of a waterwheel used during the lighthouse’s construction, adding a historical layer to the visit. The walk around the headland is relatively flat and accessible for families with children of most ages. Tours run most days, though access to the tower can vary by season.

Other Family Friendly Activities

Beyond the beaches, caves, and forests, the Margaret River region has a solid range of structured activities that work well on days when your family wants something more organized. These are the kinds of experiences that tend to fill the gaps between bigger natural attractions and give children something active and hands-on to look forward to.

Glass Making

Several studios in the region offer glassblowing and glassmaking experiences for visitors. These sessions are typically hands-on and guided by a working artist, which makes them engaging for older children and teenagers who want to try something they’ve never done before. The finished piece goes home with your family, which gives the experience a lasting quality beyond the session itself.

Scenic Flights

Light aircraft and helicopter flights operate from the region and offer a perspective on the coastline and forest that’s genuinely different from anything you can get on the ground. The contrast between the dark green of the karri forest, the white sand beaches, and the blue of the Indian Ocean is striking from the air. Flights vary in length and route, and most operators can accommodate families with children. Check with local operators for current availability and age or weight requirements.

Quad Biking

Quad biking tours operate in the Margaret River region and are a popular activity for families with older children and teenagers. Most operators run guided tours through bush and farmland terrain, which keeps the experience structured and safe. Age and height restrictions apply, so it’s worth asking a specific operator before booking if you have younger children who want to participate.

Animal Farm

Sunflowers Animal Farm at Ludlow, north of Margaret River near Busselton, is a working farm that opens to families for animal encounters. Children can meet and feed a range of animals including sheep, goats, rabbits, and various birds. The tractor ride is a standout for younger children and is often the part they talk about afterward. It’s a relaxed, unhurried experience that suits families with children under ten particularly well.

Mazes and Mini Golf

Two maze experiences operate in the region, each with distinct characteristics worth knowing about.

Amaze’n Margaret River features a large hedge maze, an 18-hole mini golf course, and landscaped gardens. It’s a well-rounded stop that offers your family several things to do in one location, and the mini golf is suitable for a wide age range.

Yallingup Maze offers a wooden maze, a playground, and a cafe. It’s a smaller, more relaxed experience that suits younger children and works well as a half-day stop when you’re already in the Yallingup area.

Ropes Course and Zip Line

Next Level Monkey Business is a bushland ropes and zip-line course structured into age-tiered levels, making it one of the more thoughtfully designed kids’ activities in Margaret River for families with children of different ages. There are separate levels for younger children, older kids, and teenagers, so everyone in your family can participate at a challenge level that suits them. The bush setting enhances the experience, and the course takes most participants about 2 hours to complete.

Horse Riding and Trail Rides

Two operators in the region offer family-friendly horse riding experiences. Jesters Flat and The Humble Horse both cater to beginners and offer options that range from introductory horsemanship lessons to longer scenic trail rides through the surrounding countryside. For children who haven’t ridden before, beginner lessons provide a foundation before heading out on a trail. Both operators work with families, so it’s worth contacting them directly to discuss what best suits your family’s ages and experience levels.

Indoor Activities in Margaret River

Margaret River runs warm and dry through summer, and the middle of the day can get hot enough that families are glad of an indoor stop between beach and forest time. These two options are worth keeping in mind, both right in town.

The Hangout Margaret River, Boulder Play Connect

This indoor play and climbing space sits right in town, with a mix of climbing walls, ball pits, and play structures for a wide range of ages, plus a cafe if the grown-ups want a coffee while the kids burn off some energy. It’s a genuinely good escape from the midday heat, and it’s easy to combine with a morning at the beach and an afternoon back outside once things cool off.

Margaret River Library

The library on Fearn Avenue is a comfortable, air-conditioned stop with a welcoming feel, and it’s a practical option if your family needs an hour out of the sun. As long-term travelers, we often find that libraries offer flexible memberships that let us enjoy local benefits while we stick around.

Parks and Playgrounds in Margaret River

Beyond Rotary Park, already a natural stop near the town center, there are a couple of other play spaces worth knowing about.

Memorial Park

Memorial Park sits right in the middle of town, close to the main shops, with a shaded playground and plenty of grass for younger kids to run around on. It’s an easy stop to fold into a morning of exploring the main street rather than a destination in its own right.

Riflebutts Reserve

This playground sits just back from Prevelly Beach, making it a natural pairing with beach time already covered in this guide. There’s a barbecue area alongside it too, so it works well if your family wants to turn a beach morning into a longer stay with lunch on-site.

Day Trips and Nearby Towns Worth Exploring

The Margaret River region sits within easy driving distance of several towns that are worth a half-day or full-day detour. Yallingup, Dunsborough, and Busselton each have their own character and add variety to a longer stay in the region.

What to Do in Yallingup

Yallingup is a small coastal town about 30 kilometers north of Margaret River, with a strong surf culture and a relaxed, unhurried feel. The beach at Yallingup is popular with surfers and the rock formations at Canal Rocks are a short drive away. It’s a good base for families who want to be closer to the northern end of the park, and the Yallingup Maze and Ngilgi Cave are nearby, making it easy to combine natural and structured activities in a single day.

What to Do In Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a larger town on the shores of Geographe Bay, about 25 kilometers north of Yallingup. The bay-facing beach has calm, clear water that’s well-suited to young swimmers, and the town has a good range of food options and services, making it a practical base for families. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is a short drive from town, and whale watching tours typically depart from the Dunsborough area during the migration season.

Busselton Jetty and the Marine Observatory

Busselton Jetty extends nearly two kilometers into Geographe Bay, making it the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. Walking the full length of the jetty and back is a genuine outing in itself, and the views back to shore convey the scale of the bay.

At the end of the jetty sits an underwater observatory where visitors descend below the waterline to observe the marine life that has colonized the jetty’s pylons over more than a century. The observatory windows look out onto a reef ecosystem that includes fish, corals, and invertebrates that have built up naturally around the structure. It’s a genuinely unusual experience and one that tends to hold children’s attention well. Access to the underwater observatory can vary by season and conditions, so check ahead before making it the centerpiece of a day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Margaret River

What Is Margaret River Best Known For?

Margaret River is known for four things above all: its wine region, its surf coast, its limestone caves, and its karri forests. The combination of all four in a relatively compact area is what makes it a destination that works for a wide range of travelers, including families who want more than a single type of experience.

How Many Days Do You Need in Margaret River?

A family covering the main highlights, including beaches, at least one cave, the Boranup Forest, a winery or brewery stop, and one or two structured activities, will need a minimum of four to five days. A week gives you room to add day trips to Dunsborough and Busselton without feeling rushed.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The southwest of Western Australia has warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer brings reliable beach weather, while the cooler months from around mid-year through to spring are the window for whale watching along the coast. The Margaret River Pro surf competition typically falls in autumn. Most cave and forest experiences are available year-round, so the best time for your family depends on which activities matter most.

Final Thoughts

Margaret River rewards families who mix their days between the coast, the forest, and the caves rather than focusing on just one. The beaches suit mornings, the caves and forests suit the middle of the day when the heat is at its peak, and the wineries and breweries make for a relaxed late afternoon. Start planning your Margaret River itinerary with the caves and the coast as anchors, then build the rest around what suits your children’s ages and energy levels. The region is well set up for independent family travel, and most of what’s covered in this guide is easy to reach by car without needing to book far in advance.

DISCLAIMER: This article/page contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, then we may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting our site and helping make it the inspiring location-independent, long-term family travel and worldschooling blog it aims to be!