Cycling the Cellar Doors of Margaret River
Guest blogger Cindy de Kok (@cindy_de_kok) takes us on a relaxed, pedal-powered wine adventure through Margaret River. This proves that some of life’s best moments exploring Margaret River wineries by bike are discovered on two wheels. Explore the region on a cycling tour to truly experience cycling Margaret River.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Bike the Wineries?
My husband and I are Dutch, and whenever we travel abroad to wine regions, we make it a point to visit wineries by bike. Why? Well, Dutch people do everything by bike. And when wine’s involved, we happily leave the car at home.
Sometimes it takes a bit of planning to figure out how to reach cellar doors on two wheels. However, in Margaret River — it’s a piece of cake.
margaret river Bike Hire options
There are two bike-rental spots in town, but only one is open all day on Saturdays: The Hairy Marron.
We visited in September, and since it wasn’t too busy, we just rocked up without a booking. Honestly, The Hairy Marron is worth a visit even if you’re not hiring a bike. It’s part café, part bike shop, part forest retreat, with a cosy deck serving excellent coffee and chai lattes.
Hiring a bike for four and a half hours was no problem at all. We opted for an electric mountain bike with panniers — a brilliant choice. The friendly staff handed us a map and clearly explained which Margaret River wineries we could comfortably reach in over four hours.
First Stop: Cape Mentelle
Right after crossing the road from The Hairy Marron, we were instantly grateful for our electric mountain bikes. The ride through the forest to Cape Mentelle was a decent stretch.
Cape Mentelle is one of the three oldest wineries in Margaret River. The moment we stepped inside, it felt cosy and welcoming — complete with a crackling fireplace.
We were guided to the back, where small tables were nestled between wine barrels. There were several tasting options, but since it was still early in the day, we went for the smallest: four wines for $10.
A lovely staff member gave us a tablet with extra details about the wines and the winery itself. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are Margaret River’s signature varieties, and they didn’t disappoint.
Before leaving, we bought a bottle of rosé. The folks at The Hairy Marron had tipped us to ask if we could exit via the back gate. Sure enough, they opened it just for us. We cycled through the forest and reached our next winery in under fifteen minutes.
Second Stop: Xanadu
We arrived at the rear entrance of Xanadu, a winery named after an ancient, otherworldly paradise.
Xanadu has a restaurant and a lovely outdoor terrace. So, if you’re keen to pair your wine with lunch, this is a top pick. We were watching the clock a bit, so we went straight for the tasting: $15 for five wines — but we did treat ourselves to a delicious cheese board.
It was the start of our holiday, and with plenty of space in the campervan, we happily bought a bottle of Shiraz. One of the perks at Xanadu is that if you buy a bottle, the tasting fee is waived. Both of ours were! You’d be mad not to buy a bottle. 🍷
Third Stop: Voyager Estate
Voyager Estate felt noticeably larger than the previous wineries. We entered through beautifully manicured English-style gardens. Inside, we were greeted by a grand tasting counter with a spacious restaurant off to the right.
It was much busier here than at the other two stops. At the bar, we ordered a counter tasting — five wines for $20. The menu was extensive, and we could choose any wines we liked.
The staff gave us great tips on what to taste and in which order. Standing at the large bar made it easy to chat with the woman next to us. She was part of a group tour but the only one in her group who actually liked wine (seriously, who doesn’t like wine?).
The Ride Back
After three wineries, we’d had our fill of wine. If we didn’t want to extend our bike rental to a full day — which we could’ve done with just one phone call — it was time to head back.
The return route, like the way there, wound through the forest. We dropped off our bikes at The Hairy Marron and walked five minutes to the nearby Margaret River Brewhouse. After all that wine, it was time for food and a cold beer. Cheers! 🍺
Extra Tips for a Smooth Ride
Start with a good breakfast:
If you’re keen to fuel up before your ride, grab a bite at The Hairy Marron — their forest-side deck is perfect for a relaxed morning coffee. Or head to the iconic Margaret River Bakery for something heartier.
Book ahead during peak season:
In the busier months, it’s smart to reserve your bikes in advance to avoid missing out — especially on weekends.
Bringing wine home?
If you’re flying back with a few bottles, buy some plastic wine-flight bags. Wrap them in clothes or towels for extra protection.
Cindy’s tip-filled cycling story reminds us that some of the best ways to explore Margaret River are the simplest ones. This includes exploring by bike, enjoying the sunshine, and a good glass of wine.
— The Visit Margaret River Team
Want to Explore More Wineries the Easy Way?
If you’d rather sit back and let someone else do the navigating, there are some fantastic Margaret River wine tours. These cover top cellar doors like Cape Mentelle, Xanadu, and Voyager Estate — plus a few hidden gems.
You can check out all the latest guided wine and food experiences right here:
👉 Browse all Margaret River Winery Tours on Viator
Whether you’re after a relaxed half-day tasting or a full-day gourmet adventure, these tours are a great way to discover the best of the region — and you won’t have to worry about who’s driving home! 🍷
frequently asked questions:
About the Author
Cindy de Kok is from the Netherlands and spent five weeks travelling through Western Australia in a campervan. She’s no stranger to Australia, having already enjoyed a three-month trip previously. Cindy contributes to one of the largest travel sites in her home country and shares her adventures on Instagram: @cindy_de_kok