MARGARET RIVER

FAMILY FUN

Margaret River - The perfect family holiday

A family holiday in Western Australia can still comprise of luxury 5 star self contained accommodation at the Roozen Residence with plenty of activities nearby to keep the kids entertained.

Let's explore closer to the beach house

Directly in front of the house as you walk towards the beach you’ll cross a large park and BBQ area with a great set of slides, swings and climbing gear.

Just over the sand dune from the park is Prevelly Beach (pictured above) and a meandering beach path that winds south along the bay to Gnarabup Beach or north past Surfers Point to the river mouth. Hidden between the point and the river mouth you’ll find some crystal clear rock pools to explore. (Rock pools pictured below).

Surfers Point is the internationally acclaimed break that Margaret River is famous for.  It is a great vantage point to watch the surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers.

Head to the river mouth for some seriously fun boogie boarding (if your game) or canoeing down the river. I can recommend both Josh Palmeteers Surf Academy and the Bushtucker Canoe and River tour.

Gnarabup Beach and The White Elephant Beach Cafe (pictured below) are tucked in the southern corner of the bay. It is an easy stroll along the beach path and is usually nice and calm out of the wind. The Elephant is a favourite spot for locals with great coffee, open for from 7am (ish) for breakfast till mid-afternoon for lunch.

Further afield there are plenty of attractions, tours and activities for the kids as well as wineries and breweries with children’s playgrounds.

Always remember to double check with each venue their opening times, tours time etc as these can change with the different seasons.

Sculpture of mermaid at rock pools, Margaret River
Busy day at Gnaraup beach with families enjoying the ocean.

Child Friendly Attractions

With so many activities and adventures waiting to be discovered, I suggest visiting the local tourist bureau so you don’t miss out. Below is just a few of our suggestions…

Amaze Margaret River

A hidden gem, Amaze’n Margaret River is giant hedge maze planted 20 years ago with over 2,000 Leighton green plants, 1.5 km of pathways encompassing 1/2 ha of land. It is over two metres tall now, and is a truly Amaze’n maze!

There is truly something for the young and not so young to enjoy, including a challenging 18 hole mini golf course, making a great day out for all.

Just south of Margaret River townsite on Bussell Highway, Margaret River.

 

Bike Hire at The Hairy Marron

Perched on the banks of the Margaret River as you enter the town, The Hairy Marron Cafe connects the town to the river, forest and it’s picturesque bush walking and riding trails.

Not only does the cafe serve great coffee, the super friendly staff are really knowledgeable about mountain biking and know all the tracks and trails. The boys will recommend the perfect trail and choose a mountain bike suited for your ability and trail of choice.  Much more than just bike hire!   Phone 9757 2346.

 

Busselton Jetty

Located nearly two kilometres out to sea along the southern hemisphere’s longest timber jetty, the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory is eight metres below sea level and allows you to view an amazing marine world of schooling fish and colourful coral… without getting your feet wet!

With more than 300 individual marine species, vividly coloured corals and sponges, the Busselton Jetty is described as Australia’s greatest artificial reef.

Located on the foreshore at Busselton, bookings are essential.   Phone 9754 0900.

 

Eagles Heritage

This unique wildlife centre features Australia’s largest collection of birds of prey (raptors)-eagles, hawks, falcons & owl in a natural bushland setting.

You can see these magnificent birds at close quarters – put on a glove and have a bird of prey sit on your arm at the twice daily Flying Displays.  Great photo opportunities…so don’t forget your camera.

Eagles Heritage is located just south of Margaret River townsite down Boodjidup Road.

 

Millers Icecream Cowaramup

Visiting Millers Ice Cream you will discover ice cream made the traditional way by local farming family, the Millers, who have transformed their original dairy property into an award winning ice-creamery, farm cafe and adventure playground.

Their yummy handmade ice cream has won countless awards with flavours like “Lime and Toasted Coconut” and “Mascapone and Wild Fig”. Mmmmmm!

The farm and ice creamery (pictured below) are located down Wirring Road, off Bussell Highway, Cowaramup.

Simmo’s Icecreamery & Fun Park

Born, Bred and Frozen in WA – this seriously awesome icecream will leave you bamboozled with over 44 award winning dilemmas to choose from. But it’s not just about seriously awesome icecream…All icecream addicts know a visit to Simmo’s Icecreamery and Fun Park in Dunsborough will leave you completely entertained by Simmo’s Irish shenanigans whilst you enjoy the world’s best icecream.

Let loose in the fun park at Dunsborough, there’s a stack of fun to be had with the new additions to the wacky adventure playground and the monstrous mini putt putt.   Entry to the playground and picnic area is FREE.

Pop in and see the legendary “Simmo” (Garth Simpson), the icecremery and funpark are on Commonage Road, Dunsborough.

Child Friendly Tours

Margaret River Adventure Co.

These guys offer families something exciting and different, bespoke family adventures exploring unique spots just for you and your family.  Your guide, Cam, will take you to 'secret local' spots only accessible by 4WD, get up close and personal with wild stingrays, ride a 'fat bike' along secluded beaches exploring towering forests along the way or get adventurous and go Coasteering!  MRAC is the only Coasteering company in Australia.

Want to know more about Coasteering, call Cam on 0418 808 993 or visit Margaret River Adventure Co.

 

Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours

Local characters, Brooksey & Di, own and operate Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours. Their unique tours combine everything from 'Forest to Caves" ride, "Coastal Cliff Hike to Forrest Ride" and a "Hike and Bike - 2 day Adventure Tour".

Guaranteed you will have an amazing time experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery the Margaret Region has to offer on a bike.

For more information call Brooksey and Di on 0427 032 664.

 

Bushtucker Canoe and River Tour

Everyone raves about this tour and I’ve sent all ages, from 8 – 80 years of age!

Paddle down the beautiful Margaret River, visit a cave, see wildlife, wild flowers and untouched wilderness. Enjoy the forest, clear river in winter or swim December to April.

A uniquely Australian lunch of exotic wild and gourmet dishes is served 12 pm to 1pm on each tour. All ages and abilities are welcome.!

Contact Bushtucker Tours  on (08) 9757 9084 for further information.

 

Learn to Surf

When in Rome … you know what they say. Surfing is a ‘must do’ in Margs and it’s a great family activity with a 200% grin factor, even Mum and Dad should give it a go.

Josh Palmeteers Surf Academy operates from the river mouth carpark during peak season.

Locations for the lessons may vary depending on the surf conditions.

For bookings contact Josh on 0418 958 264.

Boutique Breweries with Playgrounds

Black Brewing Co. @ Caves Road Collective

Located along Caves Road between Margaret River and Yallingup you'll find the Black Brewing Co, part of the hip Caves Road Collective, a new collaborative home to artisan brewers, distillers and wine makers.

Stunning architecture, contemporary decor and good food. There’s a choice of relaxed bistro dining and alfresco plus a great kids playground.

 

The Brewhouse

A relatively new addition to the handcraft beer fraternity in the Margaret River wine region is The Brewhouse.

Located on the edge of Margaret River town with the majestic background of the Karri forest, The Brewhouse pours specialist brewed beers and services casual food and pizzas.  Great atmosphere full of locals and visitors, children playing on the grass and relaxed outdoor vibe.

The Brewhouse
Image above courtesy of The Brewhouse, Margaret River.

 

Colonial Brewing Co.

The Colonial Brewing Company is located on Osmington Road, just north of Margaret River.

They have a brand new, large playground, expansive lawns and outside decks and the beers pretty good too!  It’s well worth a visit for a casual lunch and quiet beer while the little ones run a muck!

 

Cowaramup Brewery

Just out of Cow Town down Treeton Road, you’ll find this family-owned micro brewery, Cowaramup Brewing.

The brewery features a restaurant and beer garden with food to complement the range of beers on tap. The menu includes a range of pizzas, platters, Caesar salads, steak sandwich, fish and chips with a range of kid’s meals also available.

 

Eagle Bay Brewery

Eagle Bay Brewing Co is located on Eagle Bay Rd (near Wise Winery), a five minute drive from Dunsborough. Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a family run microbrewery, restaurant and vineyard passionate about handcrafted beers, wine making and local produce. The style is relaxed with a vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff and children's menu available all day every day.

 

Wild Hop Brewing

Family owned and operated, the team at Wild Hop brew contemporary beers which challenge both the local craft beer community and styles trending globally whilst the team in the kitchen serve seasonal rustic food designed to share with their artisan beverages.

Wild Hop Brewing is open every day from 11am to 6pm with the full menu available up until 5pm.