The things to do in Wilyabrup – WA’s acclaimed coastal wine region!

Located 250 kilometres South of Perth, Wilyabrup is a beautiful coastal town and a great place to visit for a holiday any time of the year. There’s no secret that Wilyabrup is popular for its wine tasting tours. Yet there are numerous other things to do in the region, from exploring the area’s beautiful beaches and hiking trails with jaw-dropping vistas to sampling the area’s cuisine. If you are looking for a more secluded and relaxing holiday, Wilyabrup could be the perfect place for you, it’s not crowded like some of the other more popular tourist destinations in the wine region.

Here are just some ideas of things to do while you’re in Wilyabrup and that makes a vacation in this place a great idea.

Take a hike along the coast

Wilyabrup has some great beaches for walking and beachcombing. There are plenty of things to do on the beach, from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and kayaking.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the best place to start your hike is at the end of Main Street. Here you will find a signposted track that leads up to the lighthouse. Although this is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, don’t expect it to be too crowded with ample space to take-in the wonderful views. 

It should take about an hour to reach the top of the cliffs, but if you want to extend your walk, keep going past the lighthouse and you’ll come to another lookout point called Cape Naturaliste. From here, on a clear day, you have fantastic views of the coastline stretching 1000’s of kilometres North, all the way to Monkey Mia.

One of the best ways to see the Wilyabrup Cliffs is by doing the Cape to Cape Track walk, which covers 135 kilometres of coastline. If you want to catch a stunning sunset, plan your hike around the Wilyabrup Cliffs—you won’t be disappointed by the shift in color on the orange cliff faces.

Go surfing

Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Wilyabrup. If you’ve never tried it before, then now would be a good time to get on board. There are surf schools based near the main street, which will help you learn how to ride the waves. Once you feel confident enough, head out onto the ocean and give it a go!

Hire a fishing boat

If you love fishing, then you might just find yourself falling in love with Wilyabrup. There are lots of opportunities to catch fresh seafood right off the coast of Western Australia. One of the best ways to experience this is by hiring a fishing boat for the day. You’ll find that most of these boats offer half-day or full-day tours depending on what you want to achieve. So whether you want to spend the whole day catching fish or simply relaxing on the boat, a fishing tour could be a great idea for a day spent on the sea.

See the sunset at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

This is one of the most photographed spots in Wilyabrup and for very good reason! When the sun sets behind the lighthouse, it looks absolutely stunning against the deep blue background. 

The Wilyabrup Clifftop Walkway is a short walk along the edge of the cliff tops above Margaret River. Visitors can take in views across the Indian Ocean and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are several viewing platforms where visitors can look out over the ocean, while others provide access to the spectacular rock formations.

Whale Watching

Whale spotting is one of the most popular things to do in Wilyabrup, and for good reason, the cliffs provide the perfect viewing platforms making it known as the whale watching capital of the world. Every day, between September and October, you can see humpback whales swimming close to the shore. They come here to breed and calve, making it a great place to see these majestic creatures up close and personal.

Hang out at a winery

If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Wilyabrup, head to a nearby vineyard. As mentioned, Wilyabrup is located in the Margaret River wine region, which is world-famous for its award-winning wines. 

There are dozens of wineries to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that you love. Most offer wine tasting sessions where you can sample local wines and enjoy delicious food. Wineries are all over WA but some of the best ones include Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Cape Mentelle.

If you’re looking for something a little different, make sure to check out Domaine Naturaliste which is located around 7 kilometres inland from the  Indian Ocean.  They offer biodynamic wines which are made using organic and natural methods.

Sample the local cuisine

Wilyabrup’s restaurants serve fresh, locally-sourced food. You’ll find everything from seafood to steak on the menu. Make sure to try the Margaret River beef, which is known for its high quality.

If you’re looking for a casual dining experience, head to Wilyabrup Tavern. This pub serves traditional pub fare like burgers and chips. It’s the perfect place to watch a game or enjoy a meal with friends.

Visit the Margaret River Chocolate Factory

If you’re looking for something sweet to eat, stop by the  Margaret River Chocolate Factory. Located inside the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, you can buy chocolates, cakes and other tasty treats. 

Not only does it taste amazing, but they also make it using locally sourced ingredients. Chances are, you won’t be able to resist buying a few snacks once you arrive!

Say YES at the Wilyabrub

Chapel

If you’re hoping to whisk your significant other away for a romantic vacation and propose, read on! Marriage is one of those things that should definitely be done legally and officially. But if you don’t have much money, getting married at the Wilya chapel isn’t such a bad idea. It’s like having a wedding without spending a fortune.

The chapel is located in the Wilyabrup Valley and overlooks a beautiful lake. You can have your ceremony inside or outside, whichever you prefer. Plus, they offer a variety of packages to suit every budget.

Explore the local wildlife

Wilyabrup is home to many different species of animals, including icons like kangaroos, numbats, ring-tail possums, echidnas, wallabies, and endemic bird species. 

One of the best things to do in Wilyabrup is to go on a nature walk and see all the different animals up close. There are several walking trails to choose from, day or night, so you can find one that’s perfect for you. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and local customs ask that you don’t pet or feed the wildlife.

Hire bikes and cycle around Margaret River

Cycling is a great way to experience the countryside. If you want to hire bikes, there are lots of companies which will deliver the bike directly to your accommodation.

Visit the Quinninup Falls in Wilyabrup

Quinninup Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wilyabrup. It’s located just a short drive from Moses Rock, not far from the coast. The hike to the falls is both rewarding and physically demanding. 

Depending on your fitness level, the walk to the falls takes about 45 minutes and nearly an hour to return. Allow yourself to have enough time to explore the falls and enough sunlight to get there and back.

The best time to visit Quinninup Falls is in the late afternoon when the sun is not too hot. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a beautiful view to explore nearby. Make sure to bring your camera so you can take plenty of pictures and if you’re feeling energetic, you can even swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls!

Amazing accommodations

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, Wilyabrup has plenty of options. There are hotels, farmhouses, villas and more. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

One of the best options is to stay in holiday home accommodations. This way, you’ll have plenty of space and all the amenities you need to feel right at home. You’ll be able to relax after a busy day exploring nature or after a wine tasting session having sampled incredible local wines and delicious food pairings. 

From accommodations offering the perfect mix of forest retreats and picturesque vineyards to family-friendly beachside holiday homes, at Exclusive Escapes, we have some of the best holiday home rentals in Wilyabrup, and here are 3 of our favourites:

Island Brook Chardonnay Chalet

Island Brook Chardonnay Chalet is the perfect getaway for wine lovers who want to experience nature at its most serene. With three separate chalets (Cabernet, Chardonnay & Semillon), you will find this cozy property tucked away in between vineyards behind an operational winery where it’s secluded and surrounded by stunning scenery; all just off one of Australia’s most popular hiking trails! The bedroom doors open up to lush forest, with your neighbours the resident peacocks and guinea fowl – what more could anyone ask from their vacation?

Bonnie

Holiday in style in the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region in this beautifully appointed modern home. Set in a small private community, Bonnie has been built to exemplary standards. Wilyabrup Vineyard Estate offers you the opportunity to visit an array of wineries and breweries that are all within a stone’s throw of your front door. The house features 4 large bedrooms, 2 of which have ensuites.

Everything has been thought of in this home; you can relax outside on the deck overlooking the lake, have a sunset BBQ or even enjoy a hot outdoor shower when you return from the beach.

For larger groups, it is possible to book Bonnie & Piper at the same time to sleep up to 20 guests (12 adults & 8 children).

Burton Farmhouse

With 6 bedrooms, the Burton Farm House is perfect for 14 people to sleep in. The large living room and alfresco entertaining area are located at your disposal with Foxtel if you want some peace in between activities or just need somewhere quiet after a long day out exploring beaches nearby! 

You’ll be able to take advantage of fantastic views over vineyards with the option of enjoying delicious food cooked onsite by qualified chefs–all served up alongside wines produced right here too so they’re sure to match every dish perfectly (pun most certainly intended).

Wilyabrup is a great destination for a holiday. So there you have it – a few things to do in Wilyabrup, a great destination for those who love nature, good food, and incredible wine. Why not add it to your list of places to visit – you won’t regret it! If you want to do more activities and check out nearby towns, explore the various things to do in Margaret River as well.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

3 common questions about Wilyabrup

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