Why Having a Car Is Essential in Margaret River (Especially for wine tastings)?

Planning a trip to Margaret River? Whether you’re coming for the world-class wineries, the coastal walks, or the food, art, and surf, there’s one thing you’ll quickly realise: Margaret River is big. Like, really big. Spread over 100km from north to south, this is a region where public transport and Uber are practically non-existent, taxis are limited, and having your own vehicle (or private driver) is essential, even if you’re not wine tasting.

Image: Zac White | Courtesy of Margaret River Region

Margaret River Is Not a Compact Town — It’s a Region

Many visitors assume Margaret River is a walkable town where you can stroll from winery to winery. But the reality is, it’s a huge region made up of small towns and country roads, with many cellar doors and attractions spread far apart.

Some quick facts:

• The Margaret River Region is made up of Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cowaramup, Margaret River, and Augusta

• Over 100 cellar doors, most located 10–30 minutes apart

• Beaches, caves, breweries, and restaurants are often in opposite directions, requiring a car to get between them

• Limited ride share options — Uber operates mostly in the Busselton area and does not service the main wine touring region where most cellar doors are located. Even in Busselton, availability is limited due to a small number of drivers

• A very small taxi fleet

  
  

Why You Need a Car (Even If You're Not Drinking)

Even if you’re not planning to drink much — or at all — you still need reliable transport. Without it, you’ll likely find yourself stuck at your accommodation or limited to just the town centre.

Having a car (or booking a private driver) allows you to:

• Visit multiple wineries and local producers in a single day

• Discover out-of-town spots like Injidup Spa, Hamelin Bay, and Boranup Forest

• Book lunch or dinner at remote restaurants without worrying how to get there and back

• Move at your own pace, on your own schedule

  
  

But If You Are Wine Tasting… You Absolutely Need a Designated Driver

Wine tasting is a must-do in Margaret River. But with long distances, winding roads, and a full day of sipping, driving yourself isn't just risky, it could be illegal.

Why a designated driver (or private driver) matters:

• Even a few tasting pours at several wineries can put you over the legal limit

• Police regularly patrol the region, especially near cellar doors

• Country roads can be unpredictable, with wildlife and limited to no lighting after dark

• You want to relax and enjoy, not count standard drinks or worry about the next turn

  
  

Private Driving Services: The Best of Both Worlds

For visitors who don’t want to hire a car or take on the responsibility of being the designated driver, private driving services offer a practical alternative.

With a private driver, transport is handled for the day, allowing guests to move between wineries, lunch reservations, and regional highlights comfortably and safely. It’s a solution well suited to couples, families, small groups, or anyone who would prefer to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

The bottom line

Margaret River isn’t a place where you can rely on walking, Ubers, or buses to get around. Whether you hire a car or book a private driver, having reliable transport is absolutely essential to make the most of your visit.

And if wine tasting is on the cards, you must do it safely, and do it properly, with a dedicated driver who knows the region like the back of their hand.

Ready to explore Margaret River. Your way? Get in touch to book your private driving service and experience the region safely, comfortably, and completely stress-free.