Summer

See: Summer is beach season, and the white sandy beaches and pristine coastline that surround Margaret River will please the fussiest beachgoer. Jump in your Mercedes GLB, which can be hired through SIXT, and drive to the iconic Meelup Beach – a sheltered bay with turquoise water that’s popular with swimmers and paddlers on stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.

Take a scenic drive down Caves Rd, and pop into not-so-secret locals spots such as The Aquarium or Yallingup Beach. End the day with a visit to one of the region’s many cellar doors, or beach hop and witness the sunset at Surfers Point.

In the evenings during the warmer months there are food trucks regularly stationed on the foreshore or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Savour: Summer brings with it some of the most delicious produce. Pop down to the Margaret River Farmers’ Markets to meet local producers and sample artisan goodies. Some of Western Australia’s top restaurants are in Margaret River, but summer is a busy time for travellers, so book a table in advance.

Vasse Felix, Voyager, Leeuwin Estate and Cullen’s are some of the well-known options, but it’s worth balancing the biggies with the lesser-known spots. Chow’s Table, Frui Momento, and Bunkers Beach Café all have unique offerings with outstanding dining.

Next stop: Some of the county’s best beaches are nestled in and around Margaret River. Take a journey down to the picturesque town of Denmark. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour journey, but you’ll be rewarded with a dip in beautiful Greens Pool or the expansive Peaceful Bay.

On your way, stop by the Tree Top Walk in Walpole for a walk with a birds-eye view, and pop into a few of the local wineries to sample some cool-climate wine along with a picnic lunch.

Autumn

See: Enjoy the comfort of a Tesla Model 3, and take in the autumnal colours of Margaret River as the vines say farewell to their summer leaves. With the cooler days, it’s an ideal time of year to strap on hiking boots to traverse the region’s trails or hire a mountain bike and hit the track.

You can rent one from Hairy Marron in the heart of town, or book a guided ride with Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours.

Savour: There’s something about the cooler months that evokes rest and slowing down. There’s no need to worry about getting through those huge to-do lists. Instead, take the time to relax and recover from the busy festive season.

Reflect this in your dining choices, and instead of dressing up for fine-dining indulgence, try one of the many amazing casual eateries for lunch. Breweries in Margaret River take their food seriously, and you can get some of the best feeds alongside a pint at Brewhouse, Wild Hop or Shelter Brewery.

Next stop: Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year as the vines transition into shades of gold and ochre. Hit the road and head inland to some of the quaint county towns which are surrounded by rolling hills and European foliage that’s also ablaze.

Nannup, Balingup and Bridgetown are all easily accessible and only a couple hours’ drive from Margaret River. They also provide ample scenic picnic spots and little shops to fossick about in.

Winter

See: Winter is a great time to hire a medium SUV, like the Mitsubishi ASX and set off on a coastal drive where you can take in the wild views and lush rolling paddocks of the Margaret River. You can also enjoy the culinary goodies of the region.

More than 30,000 humpback whales migrate along the shores of the Margaret River region every year. Jump aboard a boat tour or simply grab a pair of binoculars and look out from one of the many coastal vantage points.

While it’s wet, venture deep underground to one of the caves in the region. Take a tour with Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming, and learn more about the culture of the traditional owners of this land – the Noongar people. Witness the magic and listen to Josh play the digeridoo in the crystal chambers of Ngilgi Cave.

Savour: Winter is all about indulgence. Open fireplaces, red wine and long lunches are commonplace. Try one of the many winery restaurants for a hearty feast. Learn more about the history of wine in the region and the journey from grape to glass.

Several wineries now offer behind-the-scenes experiences, so it’s well worth setting aside an afternoon to immerse yourself into the world of wine in Margaret River.

Next stop: A winter road trip has to include Pemberton. Only a 90-minute drive from Margaret River, you’ll have your breath taken away as you enter the canopy of towering Karri Country forest in the Greater Beedelup National Park.

Winter is also peak truffle season, so join a truffle hunt at one of the truffieres open to the public, or if truffle hunting isn’t your thing, simple enjoy this delicacy from one of the local restaurants.

Spring

See: Put the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport four-wheel drive to good use, get off the beaten track and see the wildflowers in full bloom. Grab a map from the Margaret River Visitor Centre so you’re aware of the trails you can drive on and where to find the best wildflower sightings along the Cape to Cape Track.

Art lovers are spoilt for choice in September with the Margaret River Region Open Studios encouraging hundreds of artists to open their studios and galleries to visitors.

Savour: This is the time to enjoy the seasonality of local produce. For a true paddock-to-plate dining experience, head to Glenarty Road where you can enjoy a farm and garden tour before sitting down for lunch. It puts what’s on your plate in perspective, and you’ll learn about true seasonability.

Even the cheese tastes better at this time of year with an abundance of feed for cattle and sheep.

Next stop: The Stirling Ranges are a little bit of a drive (four hours to be precise), but it’s well worth the road trip. Settle into the comfort of your Pajero Sport and stop by the bakery in Mount Barker on the way – they’re famed for some of the country’s best meat pies.

The Stirling Ranges is the only major mountain range in WA’s South West region, and Bluff Knoll is a popular trail with just over a 3km hike to the top. You’ll be rewarded with some outstanding views, and perhaps even a smattering of snow if there is a late winter cold snap.

Be sure to keep an eye out for orchids during your walk or take a guided orchid tour at the Mt Trio Bush Camp.