Bringing the kids Down South? Whether it’s outdoor adrenaline pumping activities or a relaxing beach break you’re hoping for, Margaret River has so much to offer to keep the whole family entertained! In this blog we’ve listed some personal picks to get started on planning your itinerary with the kids - from tots to teens!
Let’s start planning your itinerary..
For the outdoorsy-adventure loving family
So the kids are budding surfers keen to make the most of Margaret River’s famous surf breaks but you don’t have the local knowledge of what would suit their abilities? Why not set a day aside and book in some lessons to get the kids off to a solid start - Margaret River Surf School are an award-winning local company and offer a great, varied range of packages to fit in to your itinerary! Having some basic knowledge of what will suit your child's skill level will give you both the confidence for them to get out there and catch a few waves!
Photo: The Margaret River Surf School
Driving Down South in the 4WD? The South West has many 4WD tracks and some stunning beaches only accessible with a 4WD. An great little gem of a spot for young kids is ‘Joey’s Nose’ - the track in to Joey’s Nose is an easy one and definitely worth a visit! For a full list of tracks and further reading if you’re a keen 4WD Driver click here!
We’re spoiled with some awesome cycling and walking trails which are easy to access from many points around Margaret River. If you’re staying at one of our Holiday Homes in town there’s an access point to the ‘Rails to Trails’ pretty much on your doorstep! Didn’t have space for the bikes? - no worries! Take a drive down to the Hairy Marron Cafe, located at the northern entrance to Margaret River on Bussell Highway, and hire some bikes. These guys have all the info you’ll need to suit your ability - they make a pretty great coffee too!
Looking for something a little more laid back?
Keen to get outside with the little ones? There are plenty of laid-back options to keep the younger kids entertained; Millers Ice Cream in Cowaramup, only a short 10 minute drive north of Margaret River, is an ideal spot to take the kids for a play, grab an ice cream and let them burn off some energy! There is lots of play equipment and a large grassed area where you can sit and have a little picnic - the perfect pit stop before the drive home! Another fun spot to keep the kiddies (and big kids!) entertained is Sunflowers Animal Farm, located on Caves Road - an easy 10 minute drive from Margaret River. Grab a bucket of scraps to feed the animals on your way in!
Just want to keep it simple? Pack a picnic and head to the beach, there are plenty of child friendly beaches! Our top picks for the kids would have to be; Gnarabup Beach - set yourself up in the corner just in front of the White Elephant Cafe and you’ll be well sheltered from the wind. Another perfect spot for the kids to have a play and avoid the waves is Rivermouth Beach, where the Margaret River meets the Indian Ocean, plenty of car parking and an easy stroll down to the river's edge! A beautiful beach absolutely worth the drive is Hamelin Bay, if you’re lucky enough you’ll spot a few stingrays!
Wineries, breweries & restaurants - Margaret River has them all!
We are spoiled for choice with craft breweries and great unique little cafes in and around Margaret River, quite a few have some super fun play equipment for the kids - it’s a thumbs up from the whole family! Our top picks would have to be Brewhouse a craft brewery just as you enter Margaret River, located close to the northern entry to town - great food, great beer, and an awesome little set up for the kids! The Beer Farm located in Metricup, an easy 20 minute drive north of Margaret River - this one ticks all the same boxes and more, definitely worth a visit - it’s a unique little spot! If beer just isn’t your thing, a lovely little cafe tucked away on Bessell Road, a 20 minute drive outside of Margaret River is The Berry Farm - the scones here are a must, the kids can climb and slide in the nature playground while you enjoy some lunch from the cafe’s beautiful menu!
Blue Wren | You’ll most likely spot a few of these little guys! Photo: The Berry Farm
The choices are endless for families visiting the South West, we hope we’ve given you a few ideas to get you started planning your getaway with the kids!
