The Margaret River wellness trail

You can feel the tension ease out of your body the moment you arrive in Margaret River. With its pristine beaches, rolling farmland and lush forests, Margaret River invites you to slow down, breathe deep and savour the joy of being rather than doing.

When you hit Busselton, a 2.5-hour drive south of Perth, your Margaret River journey has officially begun. Celebrate by taking a stroll along Busselton Beach, an endless curve of white sand framing beautiful Geographe Bay. Take a quick dip or simply enjoy the feel of the water washing over your feet before heading onto your next stop.

Half an hour down the road, the tree-shrouded Injidup Spa Retreat is a picture-perfect boutique bolthole with just 10 villas, each with a private patio and a fireplace. It is also home to an inviting day spa, where you can indulge in a soothing massage, facial or spa journey.

Giving your body a boost from the outside is one thing, but an internal boost is just as important. Many of the farmers growing produce in Margaret River’s fertile soils maximise the goodness by using organic methods. Burnside Organic Farm is known for its use of low-impact farming techniques, with weed control courtesy of the sheep and geese wandering amid the crops. (The geese also provide pest-management services.) Book ahead for a tour to learn more about farm life, then head on to Margaret River township where the Saturday farmers’ market, which is held at the Margaret River Education Campus, is the best place to stock up on sustainable goodies. Grab a bottle or two of award-winning olive oil or put together a picnic with locally produced treats including cheese, bread, fruit and tasty tarts.

There are plenty of picnic spots along the coast where you can enjoy your gourmet goodies. Many are linked by the network of trails that form the famous Cape to Cape Track. You don’t have to tackle all 124km but do set aside time to enjoy at least one section of the walk. Among the most impressive is the 14km trail from Redgate Beach to Boranup Forest. The path winds its way past limestone caves and tranquil beaches, while the clifftops offer plenty of panoramic views. During wildflower season, between September and November, legions of fire orchids, pink everlastings and kangaroo bells add brilliant colour to the landscape. (Guided options are available with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours.)

Or you might just like to head straight to Boranup Forest, where the scent of eucalyptus fills your nostrils as you wander between 60m-high karri trees. From here, it’s just a short drive south to one of Margaret River’s best ocean escapes. The turquoise waters of Hamelin Bay Beach are the place to spot eagle rays: watching these creatures dart along the sand as you float above them is sheer joy.

With direct flights on Jetstar Australia running from Melbourne to Busselton-Margaret River airport three times a week, all year round, the Margaret River Region is closer than ever before.