Margaret River, Western Australia

MARGARET RIVER

Margaret River is the town that really has made the most of the advantages of being in the South West. Until the 1960s it was much like dozens of other small towns, a support centre for Farms (mostly dairy) and the timber industry.

Something happened in the sixties and a very astute family began to grow vines there. The vines produced a fine drop of wine and the rest, as they say, is history. Around the same time, a bunch of young blokes from Perth also discovered a surf break, then another and another and the region has become world famous for surf.

Margaret River has become a tourism success, based on Wine, surf, and lifestyle. It’s population has grown to approximately 5600 and the Shire Council claims that there are approximately 1.5 million tourists visiting there every year. The main street has a vitality which comes from

Photo courtesy of
Margaret River Visitor Centre

being a very attractive shopping venue, with the range of services available attracting a steady and lively custom.

Conscious decisions by the local authority have led to low key development being the norm, no skyscrapers here. The laid back charm of the South West pretty much remains.

Population	9600 (Shire of Augusta Margaret River)
Distance to Perth	291km
Distance to Bunbury	90km
Distance to beach	10km
Annual Rainfall	Approx 1200mm
Schools	Pre-primary centres, day care, 7 Primary Schools, Senior High School and TAFE campus
Police	Police Station
Health Services	Public hospital, aged care facilities, medical centres, dentists, child heath centre.
Shops	Banks, Supermarket, and a huge range stores, restaurants galleries and cafes
Sport	Margaret River is a centre for surf and skate at a competitive sport level, and also a centre for that culture. Other sports that are part of life in Margaret River include Golf, swimming, tennis, squash, bowls, Australian Rules, Hockey, Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball and Netball.
Other Facilities	Recreation centre, Cultural Centre, Library.
Major Industries	There remains a significant farming industry around Margaret River, but the value of land means that broadacre farming is under pressure. Value adding to the produce from the land is important so wine, cheese and other manufactured produce abounds. Wine has become important to Margaret River’s image, but also a mainstay of it’s economy, so viticulture and wine processing are critical to the economy. Surfing is also important, bringing a substantial proportion of the tourists that support the town into the area. As with any town catering to 1.5 million tourists in a year, Margaret River has a thriving hospitality and retail sector.

Local Links

Augusta Margeret River Shire		www.amrsc.wa.gov.au

Margaret River Visitor Centre		www.margaretriverwa.com

Western Tourist Radio Margaret River Information		www.touristradio.com.au

Margaret River Travel Guide		www.west-oz.com