A boat speeds across clear turquoise waters near rocky shores in Margaret River, Western Australia.
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Best Tours Margaret River (That Go Beyond Wine Tastings)

The Margaret River region is famous worldwide for its wines… No wonder why most of the tours available are wine tours!

What about those of us who don’t want a tour ONLY about wine tasting? Or those who simply can’t or don’t want to drink wine (or any other alcoholic beverage)? That’s what this list is for.

A woman in a hat sits on a rocky ledge overlooking Sugarloaf Rock, Western Australia. It hints at one of the things to experience on the best tours in Margaret River.
A stunning view of Sugarloaf Rock in Margaret River.

Here are some excellent tours that go beyond wine tasting. Some of them include wine tastings, yes, but that’s not their main focus!

We included tours to help you connect with the outdoors, whether by kayaking, canoeing, surfing, hiking, or checking out caves.

There are options for foodies as well, with tours that include not only wine tasting, but chocolate, olive oil, and even scones.

This guide will help you pick the best tour for your Margaret River adventure. We’ve got all the details and insider tips to make your decision easy and your experience unforgettable!

(But if you’re looking for Margaret River Tours focussed on wine-tasting, go to this article instead)

In a hurry? Here are 3 AWESOME tours in Margaret River that go beyond wine-tasting: 

6 Awesome tours in Margaret River WA

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Wadandi.

Note: Most of the links included are GUARANTEED to have the lowest price available, 24-hour free cancellation, and “Reserve Now, Pay Later” features. Take advantage of that!

1) Margaret River Adventure: The tour for people who don’t do tours

Small Group | 6 hours | Check tour here

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who want a little bit of everything Margaret River has to offer – kayaking, hiking, wine, and gourmet food – in a small group.

This is honestly one of the best tours in Margaret River. You’ll do a little bit of everything:

  • Outdoor activities – canoeing along the river and hiking a bit of the Cape to Cape track.

  • Gourmet experiences – delicious lunch with wine tasting, coffee by the beach, and honey-tasting.

  • Learn about the Aboriginal history of the region.

Canal Rocks in Margaret River, WA, featuring a wooden bridge over calm water surrounded by rugged orange-brown rocks and green hills in the background.

We recommend doing it on the first or second day of your visit. You’ll get to know the highlights of the region.

Plus the guide, Sean, is extremely knowledgeable. He’ll give you all the tips and recommendations to make your trip even more unforgettable!

Pros:

  • +1,500 5-star reviews.

  • A little bit of everything – outdoors, food, history.

  • Small group (6 people max).

  • Gourmet lunch included.

  • Lowest price guarantee, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance AND “Reserve Now and Pay Later” if you book through this link.

Cons

  • No hotel pickup or drop-off, but the meeting point is easily accessible (Margaret River Visitors Centre).

  • No visit to any of the caves.

All of the tour was fabulous and a wonderful small group tour, just like having your own private guide with great knowledge and character. The canoeing and personalised wine tour was an exceptional touch.

-Jennifer

2) Margaret River Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour

Small group | 7 hours | Check tour here

Best for: Adventure seekers looking for outdoor experiences (mountain biking and kayaking) who want to end the day with a wine-tasting.

Wine tasting in Margaret River.

This tour is geared towards thrill seekers, it’s very outdoor-focussed!

You’ll go mountain biking along the stunning Wooditjup National Park (there are trails for all levels, so don’t worry about that) and then kayaking in the Blackwood River National Park. All this is followed by a gourmet lunch, then wine tasting on a cellar door.

It’s a well-rounded tour, although it doesn’t stop in as many places as the previous one. That can be a plus if you’d rather spend more time outdoors!

Pros:

  • Outdoor-focused with mountain biking and kayaking.

  • Wine-tasting and gourmet lunch included.

  • Small group (7 people max).

  • Lowest price guarantee, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance AND “Reserve Now and Pay Later” if you book through this link.

Cons

  • No hotel pickup or drop-off (centric meeting point, near the Margaret River Brewhouse).

  • No visit to any of the caves.

(…) Our day was planned to perfection. There was no rush at any point, the day flowed as we went. From our great activities to lunch being served on arrival, Paul had it covered. (…) If you’re looking for a way to enjoy some great activities followed by a nice wine tasting, you’re in the right place. Get booked and get onboard this great tour!

-Shanice

3) Hidden Gems: Full-Day Wine, Scones, Local Produce and Nature Tour

Small group | 7 hours | Check tour here

Best for: Foodies! Taste scones, chocolate, olive oil, and wines from 3 wineries. Bonus: Feed emus and alpacas, too.

This tour focuses on the gourmet side of Margaret River, with no physical activity whatsoever… other than bringing whatever deliciousness you have in front of you from the plate to your mouth.

You’ll go to a chocolate factory (Temper Temper) and three wineries (Ashbrook Estate, Brown Hill Estate, and Redgate Wines). Lunch will be served at Olio Bello, where you’ll sample their olive oils as well!

Pros:

  • Best tour for foodies.

  • +500 5-star reviews.

  • Pick-up available.

  • Small group (11 people max).

  • Lowest price guarantee, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance AND “Reserve Now and Pay Later” if you book through this link.

Cons

  • No outdoor activities (kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, etc).

  • No visit to any of the caves.

The experience was better than we imagined. Ziggy is very knowledgeable and explains everything with utmost passion. It was also educational for non-wine drinkers like myself. Highly recommended!

-Gavin

4) Margaret River Canoe Tour Including Lunch

No Wine | 4 hours | Check tour here

Best for: Families and those looking for an immersive outdoor experience with a gourmet lunch (no wine)

Two people paddle yellow canoes on a calm river surrounded by greenery and a partly cloudy sky.
Kayaking in calm waters.

Want an outdoor-type tour but don’t want the wine-tasting component? Check out this half-day tour.

You’ll canoe along a section of the Margaret River that’s very restricted (no powerboats are allowed), so the landscape is pretty much unspoiled! There will be heaps of wildlife to spot.

The lunch is another highlight, as you’ll taste an exotic selection of different Australian meats (kangaroo, emu, crocodile) and fruits (quandongs, bush tomatoes). They also cater to vegetarians!

The biggest downside is that it’s a big group (45 people max). But the guides do an excellent job at making everyone feel comfortable.

Pros:

  • Outdoor tour without wine tasting.

  • Kid-friendly.

  • Canoe along the unspoiled ecosystem.

  • Exotic lunch (vegetarian options too).

  • Lowest price guarantee if you book through this link.

Cons

  • Non-refundable.

  • Big group (45 people max).

  • No hotel pickup or drop-off (meeting point in Prevelly).

Amazing experience. Would like thank Jasper the amazing tour guide and companion. 200% recommended – one our best life experience!

-MZulfaqar

5) Surf Lessons in Margaret River

Medium group | 2 hours | Check it here

Best for: Those who want to try surfing for the first time and/or want to try something different.

A woman carrying a surf board walking to the beach water
Surf with an instructor or alone if you are an expert!

Margaret River is famous for its epic surfing conditions (no wonder why it’s one of the spots for the World Surf League).

So, why not go on a surfing lesson? There are few places on Earth where you’ll get an opportunity like this!

These teachers are experts who will make you feel at ease and confident when riding your first waves, you’ll be in good hands.

Pros:

  • All equipment included – surfboard, wetsuit, rash guard, sunscreen.

  • 2-hour lesson, you can purchase packages of 3 lessons at a discount.

  • Lowest price guarantee, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance AND “Reserve Now and Pay Later” if you book through this link.

Cons

  • Medium group (20 people max).

Loved the experience, teachers were great and very engaging. Would highly recommend the lesson. It was different but great fun and well worth the money

-Sinead

6) Stand-Up Paddle Board Experience on Pristine Gnarabup Bay

Small group | 1.5 hours | Check tour here

Best for: Those wanting to try SUP in an idyllic place – Gnarabup Bay.

A person is paddleboarding on a clear, blue ocean wave. The individual is wearing a wetsuit and a hat.
Stand-up paddle boarding.

If you’d rather do something more relaxing than surfing, try out stand-up paddling! Your instructor will teach you all the basics while you’re surrounded by the stunning landscape of Gnarabup Bay.

Plus, there will be a professional photographer around to capture your lesson!

Pros:

  • All equipment included (paddle, board, waterproof vest).

  • Twice a day (7 am and 9 am).

  • Professional photographer to capture this moment.

  • Small group (12 people).

  • Lowest price guarantee if you book through this link.

Cons

  • Non-refundable.

Amazing! Sensational views where the mouth of Margaret River meets the ocean. Perfect place for first time SUP’ers as waters were calm and flat. Craig & Co were helpful, friendly & accommodating.

-Kate

Things to know before booking a tour in Margaret River

Before booking your tour to Margaret River, consider the following:

Season of your visit

Some outdoor tours (like surfing, SUP, etc) are not available during winter. It gets rainy during this time, which is not ideal for these activities.

Things you want to do

Most tours have excellent ratings, so it comes down to the things you want to do and the places you want to visit:

  • Some tours offer kayaking, others include that AND mountain biking.

  • Some providers take you to specific wineries, chocolate shops, etc. If there’s a specific one you’d like to visit, try booking a tour that takes you there.

Policies and guarantees

Some providers only offer perks like “Reserve Now and Pay Later” and/or free cancellation only if you book with a third party like Viator.

This is something to definitely consider at the moment of booking – life is unpredictable and these experiences are expensive.

Having the safety net of a free-cancellation policy gives lots of peace of mind.

Thankfully, most of the tours we mentioned have “Reserve Now and Pay Later” PLUS free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Take advantage of that!

Top Tips

Margaret River is a 3-hour drive from Perth and there’s PLENTY to do there. Honestly, you don’t need tours to enjoy the area, but they definitely enhance the experience.

We wrote a full guide with +30 things to do in Margaret River, organised by preferences! There are things for:

  • Foodies

  • Ocean lovers

  • Outdoor enthusiasts

  • Families

We also give you tips on how to plan your visit – where to stay, where to eat, and more.

Check the full guide to Margaret River here!

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Margaret River?

You should stay at least 3-5 days in Margaret River. If you want to do a Margaret River wine tour, allow one full day for it!

What is the best time to visit Margaret River?

This depends on what you want to do.

If want to focus on outdoor activities, the best time to visit Margaret River is in summer (December to February). The beaches are stunning, and the weather is ideal for canoeing, surfing, kayaking, and more.

But if you want to enjoy the food and wine, it’s best to visit in autumn (March to May). The weather is great and the vineyards will be busy with the harvest, plus most food and wine festivals will be in full swing.

The bottom line

Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or gourmet indulgences, the south west region of Margaret River has a tour for you! And not necessarily wine-focused.

It can be mountain biking, kayaking, and even surfing – there’s something to suit every taste.

Some tours have a little bit of everything (outdoors, food, history) while others focus on adrenaline-filled outdoor experiences.

Other tours are excellent for foodies. They include wine tastings, but also tastings of chocolate, olive oil, honey, and even jelly.

But honestly… you don’t need a tour to enjoy Margaret River!

Margaret River locals are friendly, the scenery is breathtaking, and the cellar doors are always welcoming. Tour or not, you’ll have a lovely time in this stunning part of Western Australia.

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