Just ten minutes south of Margaret River town sits Witchcliffe, a pocket-sized village with an outsized personality. It’s the kind of place you could miss if you blink, but those who stop find it full of stories, flavours, and a few surprises. With a new cellar door opening this August and Swell Stays now offering two homes nearby, Witchcliffe is stepping into its own as a destination worth lingering in.
The New Arrival: McHenry Hohnen Cellar Door
Wine lovers, take note. This Thursday 28th August, McHenry Hohnen opens its brand new Cellar Door and Vintners Wine Bar right in Witchcliffe. Known for single vineyard wines and biodynamic practices, this is the kind of tasting experience where every sip has a story. Expect great wines, craft beers on tap and cocktails. A Mediterranean influenced menu, dine indoors or out, enjoy a glass of wine and relax in the garden over a pizza and shared plates. The wine bar has over 300 wines that have been carefully selected, from rare McHenry Hohnen back vintages to iconic local producers!
Stroll the Village - meet the makers
Witchcliffe’s main street is a cluster of heritage buildings and quirky storefronts. Pop into the vintage shops, grab a coffee at one of the cosy cafés, or stop by the bakery and grab a pie at Witchy Pies aka Cookies Galore. One spot that has quickly become a favourite is Dear Darnells, a unique bistro bar open Thursday to Sunday where the atmosphere is as good as the wine list. The village isn’t polished, it isn’t trying too hard and that’s exactly the charm. Witchcliffe is where you slow down, browse shelves filled with local art and chat with the makers who live just around the corner.
Trails
Witchcliffe sits on the route of the Wadandi Track, a former railway line now turned walking and cycling path, making it easy to explore the region at a slower pace. You can walk or cycle the 10kms from Witchcliffe to Margaret River town, it's a scenic trail that passes through natural bushland, vineyards and farmland - it's a favourite with locals.
Cellar doors that are close by
Beyond the new McHenry Hohnen cellar door, Witchcliffe is surrounded by boutique wineries and small producers. Just seven minutes east you’ll find Si Vintners, a small biodynamic vineyard known for expressive wines and a down-to-earth welcome. Closer still, just along the road from Casa Rua, is South by South West, a cellar door that brings together carefully crafted small-batch wines with a relaxed, modern setting. Right in town, sharing the same building as Dear Darnell's you'll find the tasing room of small batch artisan winemakers Amato Vino.
A Perfect Day in Witchcliffe
Start your morning with coffee at Witchy Brews, a cosy local favourite, before wandering into the Flying Wardrobe, a treasure trove of second-hand finds and vintage fashion. If it’s a Saturday, make the short drive into Margaret River for the famous Farmers Market, where locals stock up on everything from fresh bread to truffle oil.
By midday, settle into a tasting at McHenry Hohnen or head east to Si Vintners for a relaxed vineyard experience. In the afternoon, take a quick drive west to Redgate Beach - just 11 minutes away - for salty air and sweeping coastal views. Wrap up the day back in the village with dinner and a glass of wine at Dear Darnells, the bistro bar that has become Witchcliffe’s go-to for evenings well spent. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Witchcliffe makes a handy base for exploring further south, with Augusta only a 22-minute drive away.
Where to Stay: Swell Stays in Witchcliffe
With Witchcliffe now listed as its own location on our website, guests can book directly into the heart of the village. We’ve welcomed Cockatoo EcoHouse, a beautifully designed home in the Witchcliffe Eco Village where sustainability meets comfort. It’s a home that feels grounded, with natural light, and the surrounding farmland right at your doorstep.
A short five-minute drive north of Witchcliffe, nestled between the village and Margaret River town, you’ll find Casa Rua. This long-standing Swell Stays favourite is surrounded by bushland and offers a sense of calm that makes it perfect for slow mornings and long evenings, while still being close to both Witchcliffe’s charm and Margaret River’s energy.
Both homes give you the chance to enjoy the best of the region - eco living in the village itself or countryside calm just up the road, minutes from wineries, markets, and beaches.
