The best accommodation in Margaret River

From oceanview apartments to wine country lodges and forested national park caravan sites, these are the breakout stars of Margaret River’s accommodation scene.

The Margaret River has come a long way since its days as a hub for timber production and dairy farming. Today its verdant hinterland and ruggedly beautiful coastline are freckled with wineries, distilleries, breweries and renowned fine dining restaurants that, together render it among the best holiday destinations in Australia.

Just as the appeal of the region has grown, so too has the range of accommodation in the Margaret River. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a secluded adults-only villa, bed down in an affordable yet homely motel, or glamp under the stars, here are some of the best places to stay in the area to experience the very best of the region.

Hotels and resorts

Searching the web for somewhere comfortable and well-located to stay that won’t break the bank? These hotels and resorts have you covered.

Prideau’s Accommodation of Margaret River

If budget-friendly accommodation in the thick of it all appeals, then Prideau’s might just be your best bet . Located slap bang in the centre of Margaret River town, it has all the mod cons you could need, but also a few little extras that you might want… We’re talking spa baths and private courtyards or balconies, depending on which room type you book. Whatever option you end up with, rest assured that it will be clean, cosy and comfortable. And with affable owners David and Sandy at the helm you’re sure to feel right at home too.

Margarets Beach Resort

An affordable, tried and true local option, Margarets Beach Resort is a great all-rounder that’s particularly well-suited to groups or families. While the apartment-style accommodation might not win design awards for its interiors anytime soon, it makes up for what it lacks in aesthetics with super friendly staff, a heated swimming pool, ocean views, a killer location just a short walk from the beach and a five-minute drive from Margaret River town, plus a crowd-pleasing onsite bar and bistro that pumps out all your favourite pub meals (pizzas, burgers, parmas, nachos and more). Options here range from a compact studio apartment, all the way up to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom beach house.

Luxury accommodation

When it comes to luxury accommodation in the Margaret River you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re after a beachfront resort, something boutique yet family friendly, an adults-only retreat or a winery stay, here are four of the region’s best five-star hideouts.

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Something of a local institution, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is easily one of the best places to stay in the Margaret River. Situated right behind the dunes of the ridiculously beautiful Bunker Bay Beach, and on the cusp of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this resort has a dramatically beautiful natural setting that promises peak serenity. Choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom villas and occupy yourself with one of Bunker Bay’s litany of features: a heated infinity-edge swimming pool, a fitness centre, tennis courts, a day spa, a seasonal kid’s club, an ocean-view restaurant and bar.

Cape Lodge, Yallingup

Just 22 rooms and suites are on offer at this five-star property in Yallingup. One of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, Cape Lodge is among the more exclusive spots to rest your head in the region. Set amid bushland and vineyards, the lodge’s distinctive Cape Dutch-style buildings add lashings of character, while the rooms are a surprisingly restrained affair, all muted blues, greens and neutrals.

A white house with a grey rood on grass — Experience Margaret River like never before here at Cape Lodge. (Image: Cape Lodge)

One thing this property has over many others in the region is space – oodles of it. From the roomy rooms, to the estate’s 40 acres of manicured parkland and lakes, it’s the ideal spot to tune into the cruisy Margaret River frequency. Pootle over to the lodge’s wine lounge for a taste of the estate’s shiraz or sauvignon blanc; devour lakeside views with your spectacular dinner experience at the property’s eponymous restaurant; idle by the lodge pool; or dabble in a spot of afternoon croquet.

A bedroom with yellow walls, a bed, bedside table and a couch with pillows. — Being one of Australia’s most luxurious stays, you’ll sleep like a baby at Cape Lodge. (Image: Cape Lodge)

Injidup Spa Retreat, Yallingup

In the market for a relaxing couples getaway, no expense spared? This adults-only retreat should feature at the top of your Margaret River accommodation hitlist. A masterclass in understated luxury, once you check in you might not feel inclined to set foot outside of Injidup Spa Retreat .

The property’s 10 villas each have uninterrupted ocean views, perhaps best enjoyed with a glass of bubbly in hand as you take in the sunset on your private villa patio. Come summer, make use of your private plunge pool and patio barbecue. Come winter, robe up, pour a glass of the region’s finest red, order a house grazing platter and lounge by the living room fire.

Smiths Beach Resort

The ultimate chic beach retreat, Smiths Beach Resort boasts a winning combination of showstopping coastal views and homely yet zen interiors. While any room here would be a delight, it’s the resort’s oceanview villas and two- to four-bedroom beach houses that are the pick of the bunch: think whitewashed walls that let the floor-to-ceiling windows (and the sweeping bush and beach views behind them) do all the talking.

A swimming pool surrounded by a resort in front of the ocean — Get the ultimate zen experience at Smiths Beach Resort. (Image: Smiths Beach Resort)

Listed among the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this Yallingup resort hits the perfect pitch for families that want facilities (and space) but don’t want to scrimp on style. Cots, baby baths, stair gates and high chairs are all available on request, and the self-contained nature of this Margaret River accommodation means you can easily meet the needs of any small fussy eaters in the full kitchen, and clean up afterwards in the laundry.

An interior with couches and a balcony with a view on the ocean. — Relax and unwind in the beautiful interiors of Smiths Beach Resort which overlook one of Margaret River’s most breathtaking beaches. (Image: Smiths Beach Resort)

Airbnb stays

With so many architecturally designed and Insta-friendly Airbnb properties to choose from in the area, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are three worthy of your consideration.

Maison du Lac

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better setting than at this Airbnb, perched on the edge of a lake hemmed in by forest. Maison du Lac not only affords guests an immensely peaceful setting, but the three-bedroom property (which sleeps up to eight guests) also has a dreamy open-plan design, light-filled rooms and a neutral colour palette. Curl up with a good book by the freestanding wood fireplace, enjoy a sundowner on the lakeside deck, or wind down with a long soak in the sizable bathtub.

A white house on a lake with kayaks surrounded by trees and rocks. — Explore the outdoors and stay at Maison Du Lac to fully emerge yourself in Margaret River’s nature. (Image: David Binks)

Ironside Studio

For a boutique feel on a budget book a long weekend at Ironside Studio . This two-bedroom Margaret River Airbnb is located in a plum spot, just a five-minute drive from both the beach and Margaret River town, but also enjoying a semi-rural setting. There’s an air of Scandi-chic to this compact studio, which offers all the everyday essentials you could need.

A photo of a bedroom indoor with a bed, bedside table and frames on the wall. — Nothing beats the feeling of feeling home, even on holidays. (Image: Jasmin Ann Gardiner)

Absolute Oceanfront Three-Bedroom Apartment

If proximity to the ocean is high on your shopping list, then might we propose this Broadwater property ? Boasting ocean views from almost every room, as well as the apartment’s patio and balcony, this Margaret River accommodation is separated from the beach by only a bike path. Guests can also make use of the block’s communal swimming pool, children’s playground, gym and electric barbecues.

A bed with white sheets and pillows in a bedroom with frames and a balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the ocean. — Wake up to an amazing view at Absolute Oceanfront and your day cannot go wrong anymore. (Image: Absolute Oceanfront)

Caravan parks

Given the abundance of natural beauty in these parts, it’s little wonder that there are some stellar Margaret River caravan parks to choose from.

Discovery Parks Margaret River

Save your splurging for the cellar doors with a stay at Discovery Parks Margaret River . The affordable pick is in fact a farm stay located just 15 minutes’ drive from wine country’s township. Powered sites and 18 cabins are found across the spacious grounds, also dotted with sheep and cows and centred around an idyllic lake. Facility-wise, there’s a kids’ bouncing pillow, playground and barbecue, while the region’s most acclaimed wineries, like Cullen Wines and Domaine Naturaliste, are about 10 minutes’ away.

Olive Hill Farm RV Campground

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than sleeping amid olive groves, which is exactly the USP at this pet-friendly campground. Welcoming only those with RVs or self-contained vans, Olive Hill Farm RV Campground doesn’t have any communal facilities such as bathrooms or camp kitchens.

The indoors of a caravan with a little kitchen, bed, and living area. — At Olive Hill Farm, less is more. (Image: Olive Hill Farm)

Instead, it promises well-spaced-out bays, a ludicrously bucolic setting, and the perfect little RV window privacy screening courtesy of the olive trees. There’s also farmstay accommodation and a converted former bus to ‘glamp’ in onsite too.

A man sitting and a woman standing next to a caravan parked on the grass and surrounded by olive trees — Emerge yourself in Margaret River’s beautiful nature at Olive Hill Farm. (Image: Olive Hill Farm)

RAC Margaret River Nature Park, Wooditjup National Park

Whether you’re camping or caravanning (or looking for a cosy holiday park cabin) RAC Margaret River Nature Park is hot property among outdoors enthusiasts. Located within Wooditjup National Park, this quiet site is especially popular with those who like to mountain bike, given its proximity to a number of great tracks. Despite being surrounded by bush, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that this holiday park is also only a few minutes’ drive from Margaret River town.

Camping and glamping

A plethora of camping and glamping spots have sprung up on the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People.

Wild Goose Camping, multiple locations

Owned by a tree changer family that decided to swap Perth for the lure of the Margaret River region, the owners of Wild Goose Camping know a thing or two about the restorative power of the great outdoors. Share a slice of their dream with a stay in one of their canvas bell tents, set up permanently at a handful of locations across this idyllic pocket of WA, from beachside to a national park forest and even a sprawling farm.

Or should you have a special location in mind, they’ll be happy to set up everything for you ahead of your stay, whether it’s on a private property or in a nearby holiday park. The surprisingly roomy tents are furnished with all you could need: a queen-size mattress, pillows, duvets and fresh white linens, towels, wool or cotton blankets, jute rugs, sheepskins, cushions, lighting and wooden outdoor furniture.

Mile End Glamping, Yelverton

Plotting an atypical getaway? Try Mile End Glamping . Here you’ll spend the night in an elevated geodesic dome, its interior bathed in natural light, the floor-to-ceiling window showcasing the raw natural beauty of the valley by day, and proving the perfect spot for a touch of stargazing come night.

A tent in the shape of a dome on a wooden platform surrounded by trees. — Experience a unique stay at Mile End Glamping by sleeping under the stars. (Image: Mile End Glamping)

The permanent domes are set among a private 58-hectare estate, just a 20-minute drive from Margaret River town, Dunsborough and Busselton, and boast a private bathroom, a kitchen, a king bed and a private deck with an outdoor bath and barbecue.

A bed inside a dome with a table and chairs. — Get cosy and experience Margaret River’s wonderful nature from the comfort of your bed. (Image: Mile End Glamping)

Margaret River Retreat, Forest Grove

An accredited ecotourism business, the folks that run Margaret River Retreat are serious about creating a sustainable, environmentally sound and accessible accommodation for everyone to enjoy. Almost everything you’ll find here has been grown, produced or sourced domestically, from the bamboo-topped Western Australian mattresses to the locally made botanical-infused bathroom amenities and Aussie-made woollen blankets.

Two men and a baby sitting on chairs in the middle of tents and a wooden house. — Take a break from your busy life by staying at this eco-friendly retreat. Nature will do you wonders. (Image: Greta Wolzak)

Located on a privately owned, 30-hectare farm, the retreat’s 10-tent-strong glamping village provides national park views, shared amenities and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Owners Son and Nick Edwards have spent the best part of the last 15 years planting extensive native vegetation and maintaining wildlife corridors, so you might just spy kangaroos, emus, or even a masked owl in the village’s midst.

An emu and kangaroos running through a field. — Spend some time in nature at the Margaret River Retreat and discover Western Australia’s most unique wildlife. (Image: Zac White)

For more insider tips and inspiration, see our ultimate travel guide to Margaret River.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.