13 amazing reasons to visit the Margaret River region with kids
After our move to Perth we couldn’t wait to head south with our kids and explore the iconic Margaret River region. From stunning rugged beaches, short coastal walks and kid friendly vineyards Margaret River has it all. We loved this region so much we put together a list of the places between Perth and Margaret River, we think everyone should visit at least once. Please let me know in the comments below if we’ve missed any must-do’s.
The beach coffee
Our favourite spot to have a coffee down south is hands-down The White Elephant Cafe. Literally located on the beautiful Gnarabup Beach, we love pulling up a stool, grabbing a great coffee and brekkie, and taking in the perfect uninterrupted ocean view. There’s also the added bonus of being able to swim and play at this stunning sheltered beach.
The panoramic view
Head to Prevelly Beach for the most amazing panoramic view of the South West coastline and the hard core surfers that come here. A spectacular place to grab a family pic and to let the kids run wild in the fresh ocean air.
Prevelly Beach lookout provides the most amazing panoramic view.
The experience
Everyone told us you have to go to Eagle Bay Brewing Co. We can now see why! From the panoramic view to the cosy decor and the fresh, delicious food this is a must visit any time of the year. Totally kid-friendly with colouring activities, highchairs and loads of space to run outside. We loved it!
The nature play
Yallingup beach playground is the most gorgeous nature playground we’ve come across in a while. My boys loved climbing up to the wooden lookout and playing pirates with an ocean view. This is the perfect location to bring a picnic before heading to the beach afterwards.
Yallingup Beach nature playground gets little imaginations running wild.
The adventure
Take the short but fun walk right up to the famous Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. It only takes abut five minutes from the carpark but it’s a great little adventure for the whole family to enjoy. You can take a tour to learn the fascinating history behind the lighthouse and to get breathtaking views of the ocean from the top balcony. There’s also some walking trails to explore if your little ones are up to it.
The vibe
Family friendly breweries are perfect for relaxing and Colonial Brewing Co is no exception. When we visited on a Sunday there were games set up on the lawn. We all loved the challenge of trying to throw a tennis ball through the hole in the wood planks, without spilling a beer or cider. Add in a playground, delicious food, relaxed tunes and you can easily spend a few hours here.
We loved how Colonial Brewing Co sets up games on the lawn on Sundays.
The memories
Grab a spectacular view across the coastline, the Indian Ocean and the waves crashing on magnificent Sugarloaf Rock. Nature at its best.
Enjoying the coastal views from the Sugarloaf Rock viewing platform.
The beach
One of the prettiest beaches we’ve ever seen. Walking down the short pathway through gorgeous native trees and being greeted by the stunning view at Bunkers Bay is an experience in itself. We’ve never been in Summer but selfishly we loved having it all to ourselves in Winter.
The iconic
Wow this was one incredible day we won’t forget. You must visit the iconic Busselton Jetty when in South West WA. Allow at least an hour to take the train trip down the 1.7km jetty to the end and back. You can choose to walk but it’s a long distance for little legs. There’s a cute little aquarium at the end to explore and a signpost with how many kilometres to each major city in Australia for a selfie.
My boys loved listening through the pipes on the pier to hear the ocean below. We were lucky enough to see dolphins jumping out of the ocean and all sorts of amazing birdlife. There’s a gorgeous cafe at the end which is really worth a visit for a coffee and then take a wander to the playground for some climbing and merry go round fun while enjoying the stunning view. It’s a magical experience.
A visit to stunning Busselton Jetty is a magical experience.
The bush brekkie
Tucked away in bushland, just a short drive from Dunsborough is the gorgeous Goanna Gallery Cafe. The brekkie was delicious and there was something special about sitting with a peaceful bush view. There’s a couple of playgrounds here which our boys enjoyed and even a small sculpture walk through the trees. Don’t leave without trying the famous wood fired Yallingup bread.
The cafe playground
The Crooked Carrot Cafe is the place to stop for a break between Perth and Bunbury. We loved it so much we stopped on the way to AND from Perth. The food is very reasonably priced and the playground is literally the biggest cafe playground I’ve ever seen. Filled with tree trunks to climb, tractors, music play equipment and a nature teepee … it was a dream for my boys.
Our boys loved the huge playground at The Crooked Carrot Cafe.
The sweet treats
Nougat lovers this is your paradise. With free tastings and loads of flavours to choose from, you won’t want to miss Bethany’s Margaret River Nougat Company. Our family faves were chai latte and cookies and cream. This is a picturesque spot located right next to a lovely dam with deck chairs for you to sit and enjoy your nougat before you hit the road again.
The quirkiness
I love Cowaramup. As the name suggests this town is covered in cows – both real and not. Head to gorgeous Empire Park for the kids to have a play and a run down the hill and over the quaint little bridge. They can pop a coin in the wishing well and meet the local cow sculptures. We would suggest Cowaramup brewery for a lunch stop. With loads of space to run and a playground right next to the awesome restaurant, it’s perfect for kids.
The lunch at Cowaramup Brewery is delicious.
