After soaking up the WA vibe in Perth, we were curious to see what else Western Australia had in store. And honestly? A lot. The Margaret River region turned out to be one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited so far.
Yallingup WA was one of the stops that really stayed with us. It had that raw coastal charm mixed with peaceful energy – perfect for slowing down. We weren’t sure what to expect, but what we found completely won us over.
In this post, we’ll share what made the Margaret River region so special for us – from the places we explored and stayed to the food we enjoyed and the moments we captured on camera. Plus, we’ve added some tips that might help you plan your own trip down south.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 3-day Yallingup WA travel itinerary.
Travel Time
April
Travel Mode
Road-trip stop (3 days)
Our Must-Sees
Hamelin Bay, Canal Rocks
Where to stay
Windance Estate
Plant-Based Food
Mobility
Rental car
Travel Budget
€1,690 / AUD2,980
without air fare
What You Shouldn’t Skip in and Around Yallingup WA
You don’t need to drive far to see some of the best this region has to offer. That’s one of the things we loved most. From dramatic coastlines to calm bays and jaw-dropping rock formations – everything felt within easy reach.
Busselton…
…was our first real stop after leaving Perth – and honestly, it was the perfect place to break up the drive. With around 27,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the bigger towns in the South West, but still feels relaxed and welcoming. There’s a great mix of cafés, shops, parks, and long stretches of beach that invite you to slow down and settle into the WA pace. We grabbed a coffee, stretched our legs along the foreshore, and instantly felt like the trip had properly started. The town is known for its laid-back charm and makes a great base if you’re planning to explore both the coast and the inland wine region.
Yallingup Beach…
…was just a few minutes from where we stayed – and we kept coming back. It’s a wild, rugged spot, perfect for wave-watching, quick dips, or just sitting on the rocks doing nothing. Surfers love it here, but even if you’re not into waves, the beach has that raw energy that’s hard to explain but easy to feel. (We were hoping to spot whales from the shore, but no luck this time.) Just a heads-up: parking can be a bit limited, especially during the day.
Hamelin Bay…
…was one of those “is this real?” places. You know those Instagram photos where you think, there’s no way it actually looks like that – or we’ll probably show up and there won’t be any stingrays? Well, we can tell you: 100% real. The stingrays were there the entire time, calmly swimming up and down along the shore like they owned the place. It was magical.
We came here as a day trip from Yallingup, and it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights – especially for the kids. They couldn’t believe how close the stingrays came. The beach itself is stunning too, with soft white sand and that perfect, clear water that you just want to jump into right away.
Boranup Forest
Driving through Boranup Forest gave us a good idea of what makes the Margaret River region so special. It’s not always about big highlights or must-see spots – sometimes it’s just the feeling of the place. The tall karri trees, the soft light, and the quiet road all came together in a way that felt simple but really memorable. We didn’t stop for long or do a big walk. We just took it slow, pulled over a couple of times, and enjoyed the moment. That’s what this region does well – it lets you slow down without trying too hard. If you’re heading towards Hamelin Bay, you’ll drive through anyway. And even if it’s not a planned stop, it shows exactly why we liked this corner of WA so much.
Our Yallingup WA Stay: The Guesthouse We’d Pick Again
We stayed at Windance Winery Estate, and honestly, it was everything we didn’t know we needed. Set on a peaceful property surrounded by vineyards and wide open space, it gave us that feeling of finally breathing out. The sense of calm and the views were simply incredible. The Airbnb itself was pure comfort. Luxurious without being over the top, super clean, and way more space than we actually needed. After full days out exploring caves, beaches, and wild coastlines, this was exactly the kind of place you want to come back to. Every single evening, we were excited to return “home.”
Vegan and Veggie-Friendly Eats in Yallingup WA
To be honest, we didn’t expect much on the plant-based side when heading into the Margaret River region. But we were positively surprised. While Yallingup itself is pretty small, there are some great spots nearby where you can grab a tasty plant-based meal without hunting too hard.
Peko Peko
We found our plant-based happy place in Dunsborough – at a little spot called Peko Peko. Honestly, if we had discovered it earlier, we probably would have eaten there every single night. Fresh, flavourful, and full of options that actually feel exciting when you’re eating plant-based on the road. Our absolute highlight? Grabbing takeaway from Peko Peko and driving up to Eagle Bay Road for sunset. Sitting there with a view over the ocean, unpacking our food – it was one of those simple but perfect travel moments. Highly recommend doing the same.
Our Yallingup WA Travel Costs: Full Breakdown
Accomodation
€330/night (excl. breakfast) x 3 nights = €990
Food & Dining
Around €90 per day = €270
Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €270
Petrol & Parking €160
Activities
all for free
Total Spent
€1,690 / AUD2,980
Most Instagrammable Spots in Yallingup WA
Busselton Jetty
GPS Coordinates: -33.645446° S, 115.347413° E
The longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere – stretching 1.8 km into the Indian Ocean. Why we loved it: It’s stunning from every angle – drone shots, walking down the jetty, or shooting from underneath. The symmetry and endless lines make it a dream location. Parking here is super easy, which makes the visit even more relaxed. If you have a drone, this is the place to use it
Eagle Bay Road at Sunset
GPS Coordinates: -33.586815° S, 115.087390° E
Eagle Bay Road is one of the most Instagrammable places near Yallingup WA, especially during golden hour. This scenic coastal stretch offers multiple quiet pull-over spots where you can watch the sun dip behind the ocean. One of our favorite spots was Point Piquet – red rocks, turquoise water, and perfect light. We grabbed takeaway from Peko Peko and set up a sunset picnic right on the sand – simple, peaceful, and so photogenic. It’s easy to park along the road, but plan to arrive early, as the best spots fill up quickly.
Hamelin Bay
GPS Coordinates: -34.223258° S, 115.026089° E
Hamelin Bay is one of the most Instagrammable spots along the WA coast – and it’s not just about the scenery. The real stars here are the stingrays that glide right up to the shoreline. We were honestly blown away. Clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and stingrays swimming past your feet – it felt unreal. Morning light works best for photos, especially if you want to capture the rays in the shallow water. Just keep your camera ready – they don’t wait for the perfect shot!
Canal Rocks
GPS Coordinates: -33.637474° S, 114.997558° E
Canal Rocks is one of the most dramatic coastal spots near Yallingup WA – and a dream for photographers. The wooden walkways take you right through the rugged rock formations, with waves crashing all around. It’s perfect for moody ocean shots or long exposures. We came for a quick stop and ended up staying way longer than planned. Sunset here can be wild and beautiful, but even during the day the textures and colors make for stunning photos.
Yallingup WA: FAQ Before You Go
It’s about a 3-hour drive (roughly 250 km) from Perth. Most of the road is in great condition, and the route is pretty straightforward.
Late spring (October–November) or early autumn (March–April) are ideal. The weather’s warm but not extreme, and the region isn’t as busy as during summer holidays.
Mostly yes – but always check local conditions. Some beaches have strong currents or rocky entries. There are calmer spots for swimming, though, especially around protected bays.
It’s rare, but in summer there can be stingers or bluebottles. Most beaches have warning signs if that’s the case. Sharks are extremely rare, but it’s always good to stay aware and swim at patrolled beaches when possible.
Yes – 100%. Public transport isn’t really an option here. To explore the area freely and reach beaches, caves, and scenic lookouts, a car is essential.
The closest major airport is Perth Airport (PER), about 3 hours away by car. There’s also a small regional airport in Busselton-Margaret River (BQB), which now has direct flights from Melbourne. It’s around 35 minutes from Yallingup and super convenient if you’re flying in from the east coast.
Yes – the IGA in Dunsborough is your best bet. It has a decent range of products, including plant-based milk, fresh produce, and some ready meals.
Australia uses Type I plugs (three flat pins in a triangle shape). The voltage is 230V. Bring a universal adapter if you’re coming from abroad.
Yes – it’s safe and tastes totally fine. Bring a refillable bottle to avoid buying plastic.
Card is accepted almost everywhere, even at smaller cafés or markets. We never used cash the entire time.
Pretty early. Many kitchens close around 8 PM, sometimes even earlier. Plan ahead if you want dinner or takeaway.
Absolutely. We spotted kangaroos around rural roads and open fields, especially early in the morning or just before sunset. Just be careful when driving – they can suddenly cross the road without warning. And if you’re into marine life, don’t miss Hamelin Bay. Stingrays swim right up to the shore there.
Very much so. Most beaches have calm areas, many places are stroller-accessible, and the general pace is relaxed and easygoing. Still, always check safety signs before swimming.
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