The best accommodation in Margaret River

Chloe CannBy Chloe Cann
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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.

Chloe Cann
Chloe Cann is an award-winning freelance travel and food writer, born in England, based in Melbourne and Roman by adoption. Since honing her skills at City St George's, University of London with a master's degree in journalism, she's been writing almost exclusively about travel for more than a decade, and has worked in-house at newspapers and travel magazines in London, Phnom Penh, Sydney and Melbourne. Through a mixture of work and pleasure, she's been fortunate enough to visit 80 countries to date, though there are many more that she is itching to reach. While the strength of a region's food scene tends to dictate the location of her next trip, she can be equally swayed by the promise of interesting landscapes and offbeat experiences. And with a small person now in tow, travel looks a little different these days, but it remains at the front of her mind.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.