Tom's guide lobster illustration

Margaret River

Local Favorites

I grew up here. I’ve left. I’ve come back. I’ve tried other places. They’re fine. Margaret River is elite.

If you’re planning the trip, you may as well do it properly. Here’s where I’d send you…

Best Coffee

Yardbyrd, Witchcliff

No fuss. No theatrics. Just very good coffee done properly.

Yardbird coffee

Best Waves

Redgate - for beginners (Clay Wooles)

Lefthanders (left) or North Point (right) - for intermediate (Kieran Dawson)

Box - for experts (Will Adamson)

Redgate North waves

Best Beaches

Kilkarnup - if a SW is blowing, but need 4WD or walk from Margaret River Rivermouth

Boranup Beach - easy access

Redgate - safe bet

Redgate South beach

Best Place for a Pool (Table)

Settlers Tavern - Order a pint. It’s a rite of passage. Also one of the best wine lists in the world.

Shoes required.

Settlers Tavern

Best Shop

Down South Fishing & Hunting

The only shop I’ve given my email address to. Enough said.

Down South Fishing & Hunting

Best Activity (excluding the beach)

Visit one of the Caves

Ngilgi. Lake. Mammoth. Very humbling and a good reminder that we are small and the Earth is doing its thing.

Margaret River caves

Best Lamb Ribs

Beerfarm

Order them. Trust me. Cold beer, relaxed vibe, ribs done properly.

Beerfarm

Wineries (excluding Leeuwin)

Margaret River is renowned for its wine, and a day exploring different cellar doors and speaking to local producers about their wines is never, ever wasted. But you will be.

You can go to Leeuwin but you should be drinking enough of it during the wedding already.

Breweries

There are many in the region and they’re all fab. Go exploring.

My main message for Margs is to explore. Take the long way. Don’t over-schedule it