The Margaret River region is renowned for its world class vineyards and cellar doors, but there is so much more to discover in our summer home.
Spanning a roughly 100 kilometre stretch of coastline in Western Australia, the Margaret River region runs from Busselton and Dunsborough in the north at Cape Naturaliste, down to Augusta in the south at Cape Leeuwin. Within this magnificent pocket of the South West lies an endless expanse of pristine coastline, ancient forests, limestone caves, and a rich network of producers shaping some of Australia’s most thoughtful food and wine.
An Eclipse voyage is all about discovering the South West from the water, offering a new perspective of this much loved region. That said, we strongly encourage our guests to extend their stay before or after their voyage, allowing time to explore the landscapes, flavours, and quiet moments that make this place so special.
There are far too many luxury landscapes and local flavours to contain in one page, but we have gathered a small selection of our must see and taste experiences to beautifully complement your time onboard Eclipse in the South West.
Lake Cave
Lake Cave is a stunning limestone chamber, known for its tranquil reflective lake and rare suspended table formation. Fully guided one hour tours take you beneath the karri forest into a pristine underground world.
Inside the cave, the still lake mirrors delicate crystal formations suspended above, creating a magical visual display of nature’s quiet precision.
Injidup Natural Spa
Injidup Natural Spa elevates the humble rock pool into something truly memorable. Set along the rugged coastline, it is both a striking place to swim and a fascinating natural phenomenon.
When the swell is up, waves crash over the rock barrier separating the pool from the Indian Ocean, sending whitewater cascading into the pool below. Sit beneath the flow and it feels remarkably like a natural spa. Even on calmer days, the pool remains a peaceful and inviting place for a dip, framed by raw coastal beauty.
Boranup Forest
Towering karri trees, some rising over 60 metres, undulate across the valley floor in Boranup Forest. With sunlight filtering through and catching the smooth white trunks, this is one of the most striking landscapes in the Margaret River region.
Beyond the scale of the trees themselves, the forest is a feast for the senses. In season, the forest floor is scattered with wildflowers, orchids and fungi, accompanied by birdsong and the fresh scent of eucalypt in the air. The Karri Lookout on the eastern side of Caves Road offers a wonderful vantage point to take it all in, while Boranup Drive is a beautiful route to explore at a slower pace.
Wayfinder Wine Bar & Restaurant
Tucked in the heart of Dunsborough, Wayfinder Wines offers a romantic and relaxed wine bar experience grounded in seasonality and place.
The menu shifts with what is growing locally and what pairs best with the wines poured, many of which are organically grown on their Wilyabrup vineyard. An organically tended garden on the property supplies fresh herbs and produce, shaping dishes that move seamlessly from farm to plate.
A bar snack menu is available from mid afternoon, with the full seasonal menu served into the evening. Walk ins are welcome, though bookings are recommended. Alongside Wayfinder’s own wines, the list features a thoughtful selection from like minded producers across Australia and Europe.
Rustico at Hay Shed Hill
Rustico at Hay Shed Hill is all about relaxed vineyard dining, bold Mediterranean flavours, and warm, joyful hospitality. Every visit feels celebratory, whether you arrive for a long lunch or a few shared plates in the afternoon sun.
Known for its indulgent ten course degustation, Rustico also offers Freestyle Tapas throughout the week. These small plates are designed for sharing, discovering new flavours, and lingering with a glass of wine or sangria in hand.
Set among one of Margaret River’s most picturesque vineyard sites, dining spills out onto decks and garden tables, making alfresco meals a highlight in warmer months.
Olio Bello
Olio Bello is a certified organic property where the seasons unfold across olive groves, macadamia trees, citrus orchards and native wildflowers. The annual olive harvest is a highlight, with the release of their Olio Nuovo offering one of the region’s most anticipated moments.
Nature never disappoints here with Italian stone pines framing the landscape, wildlife moving quietly through the groves, and the vision of the founders, carefully planned nearly three decades ago, continuing to shine through.
The onsite cafe and gourmet range are inspired by the estate’s award winning olive oils and seasonal produce. Hand made on the farm, the range includes preserves, tapenades, dressings, balsamic vinegars, and their signature organic and marinated olives, each reflecting a true labour of love.
Voyager Estate
Inside the iconic cellar door, Voyager Estate’s restaurant offers an immersive, wine focused lunch experience deeply connected to its home landscape.
Head Chef Travis Crane works first and foremost with what can be grown and foraged from the estate’s organic kitchen gardens. What cannot be grown onsite is sourced from like minded local producers who share a deep respect for the land. Through thoughtful sourcing, respectful cooking, and elegant presentation, each dish offers an authentic snapshot of the region, its seasons, and its people.
The South West is a place that rewards unhurried exploration, where landscapes unfold slowly and flavours linger long after the last glass is poured. Whether you choose to wander ancient forests, swim in saltwater pools, or linger over long lunches among the vines, we hope your time here feels deeply restorative.
To complement your voyage aboard Eclipse, or to plan a longer stay in the region, our team would be delighted to share further recommendations and help shape your perfect South West escape.
