Go in July for: food and wine festivals, plus some seriously good bubbly
Margaret River is a name that conjures visions of rugged coastal landscapes, big swells, and rolling vineyards. Here in Wadandi country, home to the “saltwater people” for over 40,000 years, you choose your own adventure: Hike the 84-mile Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south, dive into immersive cultural experiences, or engage with a food and wine scene that has deep roots.That latter realm is set to be big in July: A local roster of food and wine talent lights up Southern-Hemisphere winter with the 10th edition of the Cabin Fever festival, which will run from July 17 to 26.
Furthermore, the team behind Margaret River’s storied winery Vasse Felix has debuted two new experiences. First, there will be a sleek tasting salon for Idée Fixe, the winery’s sparkling offshoot dedicated to Blanc de Blancs, a style made entirely from Chardonnay, in the traditional Champagne method. While Idée Fixe, just south of Margaret River town, has quietly been producing for several years, this will be its first stand-alone space, where it will offer immersive tastings and a behind-the-scenes look into the craft of méthode traditionnelle winemaking. It’s a natural evolution in a region widely considered Australia’s top Chardonnay producer. Second, a coastal-inspired bistro is now open with sweeping views of the vineyard.
How to plan it: It’s a little over three hours by car from Perth, but Busselton-Margaret River Airport, which is a 45-minute drive, has Sydney and Melbourne flights via Jetstar. The region is vast and varied: Amid coastal towns, epic surf, and forested hinterlands, Margaret River’s wineries are world-renowned; the region hosted the World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025 awards last November. With so much ground to cover—and limited public transport—hiring a car is the best way to explore properly.
Where to stay in Margaret River, Australia:
