Wine, sea, and chocolate in one day trip. This Perth to Margaret River tour is a well-paced hit of wine-country stops and famous coastline views, timed for a long day out (about 11 hours). I like that you get a proper winery lunch experience rather than just quick sips and a goodbye wave.

What makes it especially fun is the mix of tastings and places you can actually do something with—like time at cellar doors, plus photo breaks along the coast. You also get small local tastings at Gabriel Chocolate and Vasse Virgin, which keeps the day from feeling only about wine.

One thing to keep in mind: the day leans on lots of short stops and driving time, so if you’re hoping to linger for hours at one place, this isn’t that kind of tour. Also, your exact lunch estate can depend on availability, and the operator has flagged that some calendar dates may not run (for example, Christmas Day), so double-check your travel date.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Estate lunch with a 3-course meal and premium wines: you’ll dine at one of three major Margaret River estates, with tastings as part of the experience.
• Coastline photo stops with real walking: Canal Rocks includes a stroll to grab shots; Busselton Jetty gives you the classic longer-bridge viewpoint.
• Multiple wine tasting sessions: you get more than one winery moment, with tasting time built in.
• Local food and product tastings beyond wine: quick tastings at Crooked Carrot Cafe, Gabriel Chocolate, and Vasse Virgin olive oil.
• Private group format: only your group goes, even though it’s a full-day schedule.

The logic of an 11-hour Perth-to-Margaret River day

A full day like this is built for one goal: packing the “greatest hits” of Margaret River without you having to plan every turn of the map. You start at 8:00am, then the schedule shifts between food, tastings, and two standout sightseeing photo moments along the Indian Ocean.

The rhythm matters. You’ll spend time doing actual tasting and dining, not just looking at labels through the van window. And you’ll still get moments where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the views—especially at Canal Rocks and Busselton Jetty.

Just know the tradeoff: the day includes several tight time slots (many are around 15 minutes). That means you’ll want to show up ready—camera charged, shoes that handle uneven ground, and a light layer for coastal wind.

Starting in Perth: pickup and that first coffee-and-cake reset

Pickup is offered, which is a big deal when you’re leaving Perth early. It also helps you relax into the day, because you’re not budgeting time for parking or navigating on your own.

Your first stop is at Forrest Highway and Rigg Road for Crooked Carrot Cafe, with a coffee and cake included. This is a practical early reset: you’re fueling up before you start tasting wine and heading into a long driving stretch.

If you’re the type who likes a first strong taste of something local, this stop scratches that itch. It’s simple, quick, and it sets you up for the rest of the day where timing gets tighter.

Canal Rocks and the Indian Ocean: photos plus a quick walk

Canal Rocks in Yallingup is one of those stops that feels like it should be longer—but you’ll still get value from it with the time you’re given. You’ll look out over the Indian Ocean, and you’ll have time to walk on the local bridge for photography.

Because the visit is short, think of it as a “get your angles, then enjoy the moment” stop. The key is to take a few minutes to scout your angles before you commit to the walk for photos.

Bring a phone camera strap or keep your grip steady. Wind off the water can make everything more dramatic than you planned for, and you’ll be glad you’re not juggling gear.

Wine country tastings: how the short sessions actually feel

This tour includes wine tasting time at Margaret River Region vineyards, with tastings listed as included and with set time blocks (around 35 minutes at each tasting stop). That time is long enough to do more than one pour and ask a few questions, but short enough that you keep momentum through the day.

So what should you expect from those tasting sessions? You’ll likely be tasting multiple wines, and you’ll need to pace yourself. If you go hard early, you may slow down later when you’re also doing a 3-course lunch paired with premium wines.

If you’re trying to make the most of it, I’d treat each tasting like a mini assignment. Pick one wine you like, ask what makes it different, then move on. You’ll remember more because you’re paying attention to differences, not just chasing flavor.

The winery lunch: where the tour earns its keep

Your lunch is a highlight: a prestige 3-course meal at one of three estates—Clairault Streicker, Vasse Felix, or Aravina Estate—depending on availability. Along with the meal, the day includes premium wines and tastings at the cellar door as part of the experience.

This is where value shows up. A lot of wine day trips give you a sandwich and a couple tastes. Here, lunch is structured like an actual winery visit, not a food stop squeezed into the middle of traffic.

The drawback is also clear: you can’t guarantee which estate you’ll land at, since it depends on venue availability. If one of the three is your top priority, it’s worth thinking about what you’ll do if it’s not the one you get.

Still, the good news is that all three estates are part of the same Margaret River wine circuit you came for. You’re not giving up the core experience—you’re just leaving the specific name to the operator’s planning.

Second vineyard tasting: more choices, but keep your pace

After lunch, you’ll have another wine tasting session at a Margaret River Region vineyard, again with tastings included and set tasting time (listed as about 35 minutes). This is a great chance to compare what you liked earlier with what’s offered next.

The main consideration is pacing. You’ll be full from lunch and already have had paired wine, so I suggest drinking smaller amounts at each pour and focusing on what changes from winery to winery.

If you’re traveling with friends, this part is also where conversation gets easy. Everyone has something to describe, even if you don’t agree on which wine is best. It turns into a shared memory instead of a checklist.

Gabriel Chocolates: a short stop that makes sense

The day includes Gabriel Chocolate with a small chocolate tasting included. This stop is only about 15 minutes, so it’s not meant for a long sit-down.

But it works because it acts like a palate reset. After wine, a small sweet tasting helps you notice flavors differently when you continue with the rest of the day.

When you taste, try to pay attention to texture as well as flavor. Chocolate details can be surprisingly complex, and it’s often easier to pick up on subtle differences here than during a wine marathon.

Vasse Virgin olive oil: savory tasting to balance the day

Next up is Vasse Virgin, with small tastings included (olive oil products). This is a smart contrast to chocolate and wine, since it’s savory instead of sweet.

The session is short, so don’t expect a full meal. Think of it as learning what the product is about—then moving on. If you like cooking and you buy souvenirs that actually get used, this is a strong candidate.

Also, oil can taste intense if you’ve been drinking earlier. Go slow, taste intentionally, and don’t feel like you have to finish the whole tasting portion just because it’s in front of you.

Busselton Jetty: the classic long-bridge photo moment

Busselton Jetty is another stop that hits hard for photos, and you’ll have around 15 minutes there. It’s described as Australia’s longest bridge, and you’ll have the chance to take a unique look with the sea setting around it.

This is the kind of stop that’s simple but satisfying. You get that “we’re really here” feeling fast, and you can walk a bit for photos without having to commit to a whole hiking plan.

If the weather is windy, hold your hat or secure loose items. Coastal places can change quickly, and you’ll want to keep your focus on getting your best shots rather than chasing gear.

Price and what you actually get for $340.69

At $340.69 per person, this isn’t a cheap sampler tour. The real question is whether it feels like value on a day like this.

Here’s what’s included per the tour structure:

• Coffee and cake at Crooked Carrot Cafe
• Wine tastings at multiple vineyard stops
• A 3-course lunch with premium wines at a top estate (plus cellar-door tastings)
• Small tasting at Gabriel Chocolate
• Small tastings at Vasse Virgin
• Sightseeing/photo stops at Canal Rocks and Busselton Jetty, with no admission required for those listed stops

When a tour includes both food and multiple tastings—plus a longer day of transportation—it usually costs less than trying to assemble the same experiences separately. You’re paying for time management, planning, and being able to drink and taste without worrying about driving.

My practical take: if you want a single day that covers the core Margaret River “experience mix” (wine + serious lunch + ocean icons + local food products), the price can feel fair. If you only want one winery and don’t care about the rest, you may find it overpriced for your priorities.

Timing reality check: short stops, long driving, plan to be flexible

The schedule lists multiple brief stops and a total duration of about 11 hours. The tour info also signals that remaining time is for transportation, so you should expect a good chunk of the day inside the vehicle.

That doesn’t mean it’s boring. It means you’ll want to treat it like a full-day program, not a free day with long wandering time.

Wear layers. You’ll be moving between coastal air and winery interiors. Keep water handy too, because even light tasting adds up when you’re out for most of the day.

If you tend to get restless on long drives, bring something to pass the time (music, downloaded podcasts, or a book). You’ll enjoy the wine stops more if you arrive in a good mood rather than already tired.

How the operator handles hiccups (and why you should confirm dates)

Most day tours run smoothly, but the key is what happens when things don’t go as planned. In at least one situation, the Unwind Tours team manager Ally Newbury explained the tour was not running on Christmas Day and arranged a refund immediately.

That’s useful information for your planning mindset. If your trip falls on a public holiday, double-check the exact date status before you assume normal operation. It’s the simplest way to prevent the kind of frustration that turns a great day into a stressful one.

Also, because lunch estate selection depends on availability, don’t lock yourself emotionally into only one option. Keep expectations flexible: you’re still getting an estate-level 3-course lunch and cellar-door tastings as promised.

Should you book this Margaret River day tour?

Book it if you want one day that combines wine tastings, a real 3-course estate lunch, and major Margaret River sights like Canal Rocks and Busselton Jetty—plus chocolate and olive oil tastings to keep things varied.

I’d skip it if you want lots of free time at each stop, or if your whole trip depends on visiting only one specific lunch estate by name. The day moves fast, and the schedule favors tasting and sightseeing over long unstructured wandering.

If your idea of a great day is: coffee early, wine and lunch in the middle, ocean views for photos, then a chocolate-and-oil finale, this tour fits that plan nicely.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long does it take?

The tour start time is 8:00am, and the duration is approximately 11 hours.

Is pickup offered from Perth?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What food and tastings are included during the day?

You’ll have coffee and cake at Crooked Carrot Cafe, a gourmet lunch that’s described as a 3-course meal with premium wines at a partner estate, wine tastings at vineyard stops, a small chocolate tasting at Gabriel Chocolate, and small tastings at Vasse Virgin.

Which wineries or estates might we have lunch at?

Lunch is at one of these estates depending on availability: Aravina Estate, Clairault Streicker Estate, or Vasse Felix.

Do we need admission tickets for Canal Rocks and Busselton Jetty?

No admission ticket is required for Canal Rocks and Busselton Jetty, according to the tour information provided.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Perth: Video Game Console MuseumHalf-Day Morning Perth & Fremantle City ExplorerMargaret River, Chocolate, Wine & Coast Day Trip from PerthFrom Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bus Day Tour