Margaret River
- Categorized in: Towns
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 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.
Photo courtesy of Margaret River Visitor Centre
| 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. |
Margaret River Holiday Accommodation
Click here for great deals on Margaret River holiday accommodation.
Local Links
| Augusta Margaret River Shire | www.amrsc.wa.gov.au | |
| Margaret River Visitor Centre | www.margaretriver.com | |
| Western Tourist Radio Margaret River Information |
www.touristradio.com.au |