Margaret River sits about three hours south of Perth — and on a Margaret River wine tour, the journey itself is part of the fun.
Leaving the City Behind
As you head south, Perth’s suburbs give way to rolling farmland, tall jarrah and karri forest and glimpses of the Indian Ocean. The drive traces the coast through Mandurah, Bunbury and the Geographe region before reaching wine country — a scenic transition that builds the anticipation.
Why Let Someone Else Drive
Three hours each way is a long haul after a day of tastings, and much of it is on unfamiliar roads with kangaroos about at dawn and dusk. On a guided tour you relax while a local expert handles the driving and shares stories, history and the odd hidden gem along the way.
Coastal Highlights En Route
The route passes the famous Busselton Jetty, stretching almost two kilometres over Geographe Bay, and the surf beaches around Dunsborough and Yallingup — perfect for stretching your legs. Between May and December, this coastline is also a whale highway, with humpbacks and southern rights often visible from shore.
How Long Does It Really Take?
Allow around three hours of driving each way without stops, though with a coffee break, a jetty stroll and lunch, the southbound trip becomes a relaxed half-day rather than a chore. Traffic thins quickly once you’re past Mandurah, and the scenery only improves the further south you go — another reason to let someone else drive so you can simply enjoy the view.
Breaking Up the Drive
Rather than one long slog, a good tour turns the transit into an experience with well-placed stops for coffee, a leg-stretch and lunch. It’s a chance to settle in, get to know your fellow travellers and start soaking up the guide’s local knowledge before the first tasting even begins — far nicer than watching the odometer tick over on your own.
Arriving in Wine Country
You’ll roll into the heartland around Wilyabrup and the town of Margaret River itself, ready for your first cellar door. From here the caves, the Boranup forest and the coast are all within easy reach. For a full day-by-day breakdown, see our perfect 3-day itinerary.
Experience it yourself on our signature tour. Our small-group 3-day Margaret River wine tour from Perth includes six wineries, cave and wildflower tours, cheese tastings, meals and accommodation — all from just $850 per person. Call 1300 456 788 or enquire online to book today.
