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.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com