There’s something special about food in Margaret River. Maybe it’s the sea air, maybe it’s the way every meal feels tied to the landscape — wine grown in the same soil as the vegetables on your plate, fish caught just down the coast, cheese made a few paddocks over.
For couples who love slow mornings, long lunches, and that moment when the first glass of wine hits the table, this region is the kind of place that feeds more than your appetite. Here’s how to plan a weekend that’s all about flavour, connection, and a little indulgence.
Friday Evening: Arrive, Unwind, and Let Dinner Come to You
After the drive down from Perth or Busselton, you don’t need a restaurant, you need space to breathe. Drop your bags, pour a drink, and settle in.
If you’re staying in one of our Chalets at Walburra Brook, add the Gourmet Couples Package to your stay. It includes a bbq hamper, perfect for an easy first night in.
For other homes, you can also include the barbecue hamper and our concierge team will have it ready on your arrival. It’s the simplest way to slip straight into holiday mode.
Saturday Morning: Coffee, Markets, and a Slow Start
Start your day like a local. If you’re near Prevelly or Gnarabup, wander down to the beach for a morning swim, then finish with breakfast and ocean views at the White Elephant Café.
If you’re heading into town, don’t miss the Margaret River Farmers Market. Local growers set up from early morning, selling everything from just-picked fruit to homemade bread and small-batch preserves. It’s also the perfect place to grab breakfast on the go. Pick up a real Italian-style focaccia from Arturo’s, or opt for something warm like the dumplings from Ma’La Dumplings. It’s a great way to gather a few picnic supplies for later, too.
Saturday Afternoon: Wine, Long Lunches, and Lazy Drives
No gourmet weekend is complete without a cellar-door session (or two). You could spend days tasting your way through the region, but for couples seeking standout food experiences, try:
- Voyager Estate: Elegant wines, immaculate gardens, and a degustation menu designed to tell a story.
- Leeuwin Estate: One of Margaret River’s founding wineries, with wines ranking among the world's finest.
- Wills Domain: Known for plates that are true works of art, crafted with uncompromising quality and creativity.
- Rústico at Hay Shed Hill: A vibrant tapas-style lunch spot with an impressive cocktail list you won’t want to miss.
Book lunch at one of the estates, or let our concierge team arrange a private wine tour. You’ll be driven door-to-door, no need to nominate a designated driver, and plenty of time to savour that extra tasting flight.
Saturday Evening: Sunset, Grazing, and a Local Drop
Margaret River does sunsets properly. Head to Surfers Point for a front-row view, cheese hamper in hand (whether that’s the one included in your Gourmet Couples Package or a charcuterie hamper added to your booking). A little local cheese and a good bottle of wine are all you need after one of those unforgettable degustation lunches.
If you’re still feeling peckish later on, wander over to Morries for some post-sunset tapas and a perfectly mixed cocktail.
Sunday Morning: Scenic Drives and Good Brunch
Take your time. Sunday is for sleep-ins and second coffees. If you’re heading back to Perth, ease into the journey. Drive up Caves Road and stop at Goanna Gallery for their famously addictive spicy rice. Wander through Yallingup, watch the surfers, and listen to the waves roll in.
Or, if you’re up for a little adventure, continue all the way to Cape Naturaliste for a morning walk to Sugarloaf Rock. Afterwards, stop in for brunch at Ilma Beach House, and if it’s the right season, you might even spot whales while you eat.
Make It Effortless
You don’t have to plan every detail, Swell Stays can handle it all. From booking winery lunches and private tastings to organising in-house dining or gourmet hampers, our concierge team makes sure your time is spent exactly how it should be: together.
If food and wine are your love language, Margaret River speaks it fluently.
