Margaret River is not just a paradise for wine lovers and surfers; it’s also an incredible destination for families looking to explore nature, have fun, and enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages. Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, or hands-on experiences, Margaret River offers plenty to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities in Margaret River, ensuring fun for all ages.
Explore Mammoth Cave: A Journey into the Earth
One of the most exciting family adventures in Margaret River is exploring the impressive Mammoth Cave. This ancient limestone cave is easy to access and features wide, well-lit pathways, making it suitable for children of all ages. With self-guided tours, your family can discover the cave at your own pace, learning about its geological formations, ancient fossils, and prehistoric history through interactive audio guides.
Kids will love the experience of walking through the enormous chambers, gazing up at the towering stalactites, and imagining life during the time of the megafauna. Mammoth Cave is a thrilling mix of education and adventure.
What we love: The awe-inspiring natural formations and the educational aspect that makes it both fun and informative for children and adults alike.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Meet Friendly Animals at Sunflowers Animal Farm
For a hands-on animal encounter, take the family to Sunflowers Animal Farm. This working farm allows kids (and adults) to get up close with a wide variety of friendly animals, from lambs and goats to kangaroos and guinea pigs. Children can feed, pet, and even bottle-feed baby animals, making it a memorable experience for younger visitors.
The farm also offers farm-stay accommodations if your family wants to extend the fun, with opportunities to explore the property and see how a real farm operates.
What we love: The interactive and educational animal experiences, especially for young children who love animals.
Enjoy a Day at Margaret River’s Famous Beaches
Margaret River’s beautiful coastline offers plenty of family-friendly beaches where you can swim, build sandcastles, or simply relax under the sun. Gnarabup Beach is perfect for families, with its calm waters, wide sandy beach, and nearby facilities like cafes and picnic areas. Kids can swim safely in the shallows or enjoy a paddleboarding session with calm waters ideal for beginners.
Another fantastic spot is Hamelin Bay, where your family can spot the friendly stingrays that swim right up to the shore. These gentle creatures glide through the shallow water, creating a unique and exciting wildlife encounter for the whole family.
What we love: The combination of safe swimming, sandy shores, and interactive wildlife experiences.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Discover the Margaret River Maze and Mini Golf
If your family enjoys puzzles and games, then the Margaret River Maze and Mini Golf is a perfect day out. The outdoor maze is fun and challenging for kids and adults alike, providing hours of entertainment as you try to navigate its winding paths. There’s also a mini-golf course that offers a lighthearted competition for families looking to add a little adventure to their day.
The venue also has picnic facilities, making it a great place to enjoy lunch or a snack break while the kids burn off some energy.
What we love: The combination of mental and physical challenges, with activities that appeal to both kids and adults.
Visit the Margaret River Chocolate Factory
Indulge in a sweet treat at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, where the whole family can enjoy free tastings of delicious chocolates and watch the chocolatiers at work. The factory produces a wide range of treats, from creamy milk chocolates to indulgent truffles, ensuring there’s something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
You can also enjoy a family-friendly lunch or snack at their on-site café, which serves hot drinks, ice cream, and light meals. Be sure to pick up some chocolate souvenirs to take home!
What we love: The free chocolate tastings and the chance to watch chocolates being made, making it a fun and delicious stop for families.
Take a Family-Friendly Bike Ride Through the Boranup Forest
For a bit of adventure and fresh air, explore the stunning Boranup Forest on two wheels. This majestic karri forest, located within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, offers a peaceful and scenic escape. With flat, easy trails, it’s perfect for families with young children or beginners. The towering karri trees, some over 60 meters tall, create a magical atmosphere as you cycle through the shaded pathways.
If you prefer walking, there are also several walking trails that allow you to explore the beauty of the forest on foot. Either way, Boranup Forest provides an ideal backdrop for a family adventure, with picnic spots for a relaxing break amidst nature.
What we love: The serene atmosphere and the easy trails that make it accessible for families with children of all ages.
Explore the Magical Ngilgi Cave
Another cave experience not to be missed is Ngilgi Cave, located near Yallingup. This ancient cave is rich in Indigenous history and myth, offering a deeper cultural experience alongside its stunning natural formations. Families can explore the cave through guided or self-guided tours, winding their way through the beautiful chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering crystals.
The cave’s fairy-tale-like atmosphere is bound to captivate younger children, while older kids will appreciate the fascinating history and legends associated with the cave’s discovery and use by the local Indigenous people.
What we love: The combination of natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a well-rounded family experience.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Get Creative at the Margaret River Gallery
If you’re looking for a quieter activity that encourages creativity, a visit to the Margaret River Gallery is a wonderful option. The gallery showcases contemporary Australian art, with works that include paintings, sculptures, and photography inspired by the local landscape.
Families can explore the gallery and participate in children’s art workshops, where kids can create their own masterpieces using different techniques. The gallery offers a tranquil atmosphere, allowing children to tap into their creative side and learn about the region’s artistic culture.
What we love: The opportunity for kids to get hands-on with art, and the chance to explore local creativity as a family.
Have Fun at Xscape at the Cape Fun Park
For a day full of excitement and entertainment, head to Xscape at the Cape Fun Park, the ultimate destination for families looking for thrills. This park offers a variety of attractions, including water slides, bouncing castles, mini-golf, and a massive water playground perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
With activities that cater to toddlers through to teens, Xscape at the Cape ensures that everyone in the family will have a blast. The park also has shaded picnic areas, making it easy to take a break and refuel between activities.
What we love: The wide range of attractions and the water-based activities that are perfect for a fun, family-friendly day out.
Taste Local Flavors at the Margaret River Farmers’ Market
For families who enjoy food and culture, the Margaret River Farmers’ Market is a wonderful place to experience the best of the region’s fresh produce. Held every Saturday morning, the market offers a chance to browse and sample delicious foods like freshly baked bread, organic vegetables, cheeses, and handmade treats.
Kids will love exploring the market, tasting local goodies, and learning about the food that’s grown in the area. Many stalls feature interactive displays, and the market often hosts live music, making it a lively and enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning with the family.
What we love: The vibrant atmosphere and the chance to sample and purchase fresh, locally grown food.
Final Thoughts
Margaret River offers an array of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages, making it an ideal destination for your next family holiday. From exploring ancient caves and meeting friendly farm animals to enjoying beach days and interactive art experiences, there’s something for every family to enjoy in this beautiful part of Western Australia. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or education, Margaret River delivers fun and memorable experiences for kids and adults alike.