# Hidden Corners of Margaret River | Quiet Spots Locals Love Canonical: https://bookfromowner.com.au/guides/wa/south-west/margaret-river/hidden-gems/ Type: ThemeGuide Location: Margaret River, Australia's South West, Western Australia Last updated: 2026-06-01 > Beyond the famous wineries and surf breaks, Margaret River has quieter corners — karri forest drives, coastal grottoes, tidal rock pools, secluded waterfalls and a historic homestead with a waterfall walk. Here are the spots worth seeking out. ## Quick Answer - Best for: Return visitors, curious explorers, anyone who has done the winery circuit - Price range: Most are free - Vibe: Unhurried, off the brochure, physically engaging - Distance: ~270 km south of Perth; within 1 hour of Margaret River town ## Featured Properties - Margarets Beach Resort: 4.5/5 (689 reviews) Book direct: http://www.margaretsbeachresort.com.au/ Margarets Beach Resort — Margaret River - Margaret River Guest House: 4.9/5 (121 reviews) Book direct: http://www.margaretriverguesthouse.com.au/ Margaret River Guest House — Margaret River - RAC Margaret River Nature Park: 4.6/5 (335 reviews) Book direct: https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au/margaret-river/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp-margaret RAC Margaret River Nature Park — Margaret River ## FAQ Q: What are the best lesser-known spots in Margaret River? A: The most rewarding quieter spots in the Margaret River region are: the Boranup Forest Drive (an 11-km unsealed loop through towering karri trees, free and two-wheel-drive accessible); Injidup Natural Spa (a tidal rock pool that fills with bubbling ocean water at mid-tide — timing matters); the Canal Rocks boardwalk extended to the Wyadup Cliffs section of the Cape to Cape Track; Quinninup Falls (a coastal waterfall best in winter–spring, accessed by a 4 km return Cape to Cape walk); and Ellensbrook at Mokidup with the short walk to Meekadarabee Falls. Q: Is the Injidup Natural Spa safe to swim in? A: The Injidup Natural Spa is relatively safe in appropriate conditions — a moderate swell at mid-to-high tide, with no large breaking waves over the surrounding rocks. In large swell or at very low tide, it is either dangerous or ineffectual. Check the surf forecast and tide times the evening before you plan to visit. Do not enter the formation when waves are breaking over the rocks; the surrounding limestone is slippery and the South West coast operates king waves. When in doubt, observe from the rocks above rather than entering. Q: Can I walk to Quinninup Falls from Margaret River? A: Quinninup Falls are accessed via the Cape to Cape Track from a car park at the end of Moses Road, off Caves Road near Wilyabrup — about 30 km north of Margaret River town. The return walk is approximately 4 km with a moderate level of effort required, including a steep sand dune section on the return leg. Allow around 90 minutes to two hours. The falls are best between June and November when water flow is strongest. A car is required to reach the trailhead. Q: When is the best time to visit the quieter spots in Margaret River? A: Shoulder seasons — spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) — offer the best combination of accessible weather, manageable crowds and the best conditions for several specific spots. Winter (June to August) gives the best waterfall flows at Quinninup Falls and Meekadarabee, and the most dramatic surf conditions at the Injidup Spa. Avoid the peak summer school holidays (January) for any of these spots unless you arrive early morning; the secondary paths and Cape to Cape extensions are quieter than the main viewpoints at any time of year. Q: Is Ellensbrook at Mokidup worth visiting? A: Ellensbrook at Mokidup is a rewarding stop that is genuinely different from the rest of the Margaret River circuit. WA's oldest homestead in its original setting has a good interpretive story about the Bussell family and their relationship with the Wadandi people, and the 30-minute return walk to Meekadarabee Falls is an easy and beautiful addition. The falls are best between June and November. The homestead is open Thursday to Saturday 10am–4pm, with Sunday guided tours; the grounds are open daily. Confirm opening times before visiting off-peak. Q: Where is the Boranup Gallery and what does it sell? A: Boranup Gallery is on Caves Road in the heart of the Boranup Forest, approximately 20 minutes south of Margaret River town. It sells handcrafted furniture made from West Australian hardwoods — jarrah, marri, karri, blackbutt and sheoak — alongside paintings, glass, jewellery and wood and metal sculpture from regional artists. Entry is free. The building itself is constructed from rammed earth and local timbers and is worth seeing in its own right. Access is via Caves Road only. ## At a Glance - Who this suits: Return visitors, walkers, those with a car and a half-day to spare - Access note: Several spots have informal coastal access — wear appropriate footwear - Best season: Spring (Sep–Nov) for wildflowers and waterfalls; autumn for empty beaches - What to bring: Sturdy shoes, water, tide check on your phone, a full fuel tank - Golden rule: Take nothing but photos; do not climb the top of cultural sites; respect closed seasons - Driving note: Download offline maps — mobile coverage is patchy south of Cowaramup ## What travellers say - [positive] Drive slower, turn off more: The recurring insight from local visitors is that the region rewards the habit of taking the unsigned turnoff, walking past the obvious viewpoint, and giving the landscape a few minutes of quiet attention. Almost every spot on this list is within a few minutes of a major road. - [positive] Timing is the skill: Several spots — Injidup, Quinninup Falls, Meekadarabee — require timing the tide, the season or the waterfall flows. Getting it right is not complicated, but checking the night before rather than turning up on the day makes a significant difference. - [mixed] Crowds are manageable with small moves: The South West peaks hard in January. The same spots that feel crowded at midday on a summer weekend are quiet by 8am or after 4pm, and the secondary paths and extensions from the main viewpoints are rarely busy at any time. - [positive] What a recent visitor said: - [positive] What a recent visitor said: - [positive] What a recent visitor said: