Everyone loves Margaret River in summer — but winter might just be the region’s best-kept secret, with cosy cellar doors, emerald forests, dramatic surf and whales along the coast.
Cosy Cellar Doors
There’s something special about a winter tasting. Many cellar doors light their fireplaces, the crowds thin out, and you’ll often have the winemaker’s full attention. It’s the ideal time to settle in with the region’s rich, structured reds — a glass of aged Wilyabrup Cabernet by a roaring fire is hard to beat.
Lush Green Landscapes
Winter rains transform the region. The karri forests of Boranup turn a deep emerald, the creeks and waterfalls run full, and the vineyards, though dormant, take on a moody beauty. The cooler days — typically 14 to 18°C — are perfect for walking and exploring without the summer heat.
A Dramatic Coast
The wild Southern Ocean is at its most theatrical in winter, with powerful swells crashing against the capes and cliffs. The rugged coastline around Cape Leeuwin and the surf breaks near Yallingup put on a genuine show for anyone who loves raw coastal scenery.
Peak Whale Migration
Winter marks the start of the whale migration, as humpback and southern right whales travel along the coast from around June. Watching a whale breach against a grey winter sea is a thrill you won’t get in the warmer months. Plan around it with our guide to whale watching in Margaret River.
Caves and Comfort Food
Winter is the ideal season to head underground. The region’s limestone caves — Lake, Mammoth and Jewel among them — sit at a steady, mild temperature year-round, so they feel welcoming rather than cold when the weather turns. Above ground, the region’s kitchens lean into hearty, seasonal cooking: slow-braised local beef, marron, truffles hunted in the cooler south, and cheese boards that beg for a glass of red.
Fewer Crowds, Better Value
With smaller visitor numbers, winter offers a more relaxed, intimate experience across the whole region — from restaurant tables to cellar doors. You’ll often have the winemaker’s undivided attention, and there’s no jostling for a spot at the tasting bar. If you value quiet over queues — and a genuinely cosy atmosphere — it’s the season to book.
Ready for the real thing? Our small-group 3-day Margaret River wine tour from Perth includes six wineries, cave and wildflower tours, cheese tastings, meals and accommodation — from $850 per person. Call 1300 456 788 or book online today.
