Embarking on a road trip from Perth to Margaret River? Get ready for a delicious adventure along the way. This iconic southwestern Australian route is known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for an unexpected bounty of culinary delights. Far from just a drive, it’s a journey sprinkled with gourmet surprises: farm-to-table fare, artisan producers, unique cafes, and cellar doors offering sensational local wine and treats. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or just looking to add some tasty stops to your itinerary, these eight surprising culinary pit stops will enrich your trip with unforgettable flavors and experiences.
1. Fremantle: A Bohemian Foodie Haven by the Port
Your journey begins in Fremantle, just south of Perth, where a lively artsy vibe mixes with maritime charm. The Fremantle Markets (2 South Terrace) are a must-visit for fresh, local produce, artisan cheeses, and tempting street food. Be sure to try an iconic West Australian meat pie or sample seafood caught just off the coast. Fremantle’s cappuccinos are also famously good thanks to its thriving café culture.
Don’t miss Little Creatures Brewery on Mews Road for great craft beer paired with wood-fired pizzas and snacks made from local ingredients. If you prefer sweet treats, indulge at Giddy Up Cupcake Cafe, which offers creative cupcakes and coffee in a cozy setting. Fremantle’s food scene oozes character and is the perfect first stop to whet your appetite before hitting the open road.
2. Guildford: Historic Kitchen Gardens and Artisan Produce
Only about 25 minutes northeast of Perth, Guildford preserves a slice of Western Australia’s heritage with its 19th-century buildings and charming village atmosphere. It’s particularly surprising as a culinary pit stop thanks to its boutique bakeries and farm-inspired cafés.
Swing by Kayu Kitchen at 146 James Street, where local produce meets Indonesian flavors — think toasted coconut pancakes with house-made jams. For something sweet, the Old Gaol Bakery, near the Heritage Park, crafts traditional scones and pastries sourced from regional flour and dairy. Guildford also hosts seasonal farmers’ markets where you can meet producers and stock up on organic vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and free-range eggs to enjoy at picnics en route.
3. Mundaring: Forest Fresh and Locally Roasted Coffee
As you venture eastwards on the Great Eastern Highway, make a detour into Mundaring in the Perth Hills, where the forest scenery is matched by a growing reputation for food creativity. It’s a destination for coffee lovers with speciality roasters like The Coffee Guy who freshly roast beans sourced from sustainable plantations.
Take a break at New Moon Café on The Crescent, nestled in a New England-style building with farm-to-table menu items including wood-fired pizzas topped with produce from the nearby orchards. The region is known for its fresh berries and stone fruits—seasonal fruit picking tours and local jams are an irresistible treat to grab. The crisp forest air and quality food make Mundaring an energizing and unexpected culinary pause.
4. Serpentine: Farm Gate Delights and Olive Oils
Heading deeper into the scenic hills, Serpentine surprises visitors with its abundance of farm gate stalls, organic orchards, and artisanal producers. This area boasts several excellent olive groves; stop for a tasting at Olive Farm Wines located at 330 Mardella Road. It offers award-winning olive oils and a range of gourmet Mediterranean dishes that highlight their products.
Serpentine is also renowned for its honey and free-range eggs — popping into one of the local roadside stalls is an authentic way to sample the region’s bounty. If you have space for a picnic, bring a selection from the nearby fresh produce, cheeses, and freshly baked bread to enjoy riverside at the Serpentine Falls picnic area, providing a sensory feast of taste and nature.
5. Wilyabrup: Artisanal Cheeses and Chocolate Indulgence
As you enter the Margaret River wine region, Wilyabrup holds more than just vineyards. The area is well-known for its small-scale dairy farms producing outstanding cheeses. The Margaret River Dairy Company, at 102 Harman Bay Road, offers tastings of their range of soft and hard cheeses. Their creamy double brie and sharp blue cheese are a must-try for cheese aficionados.
Not far from here is the Margaret River Chocolate Company (1820 Caves Road), a delightful stop where you can witness artisanal chocolate being made and sample premium chocolates and truffles. The atmospheric café serves delicious hot chocolates and desserts, ideal for an indulgent break while travelling.
6. Cowaramup: The Sweetest Strawberries and Hearty Farm Fare
Further along Caves Road, the small town of Cowaramup is famous for its strawberries. Between November and April, you can enjoy fresh, juicy strawberries from local farms or pick your own at places like Cowaramup Strawberry Farm (64 Jindong-Tammin Road).
Besides strawberries, Cowaramup offers wholesome farm-to-table food experiences that pay homage to the region’s agricultural roots. The Cowaramup Bakery at 34 Bussell Highway is a popular stop, known for its hearty pies, pastries, and freshly brewed coffees perfect for refueling on your road trip. Here, you experience relaxed country hospitality combined with robust flavors from local farms.
7. Forest Grove: Exquisite Wineries with Gourmet Bites
Just a short drive from Margaret River town itself, Forest Grove wines provide more than just fine drops. Many of the vineyards here have become culinary destinations offering gourmet food that complements their handcrafted wines.
Leeuwin Estate at 3895 Caves Road is famed not only for its exceptional chardonnays and cabernets but also for its restaurant, which serves contemporary Australian cuisine with an emphasis on local produce and seafood. Booking a lunch or dinner here is a fabulous way to feast in style among elegant surroundings, blending superb wine with culinary art.
Nearby Voyager Estate also offers exquisite dining with a focus on seasonal and sustainable ingredients sourced from their estate kitchen garden and local farmers. Sampling wine alongside local cheeses and cooked dishes here is a sensory highlight on any itinerary.
8. Margaret River Main Street: Eclectic Eats and Artisan Markets
Once you arrive in Margaret River town, the culinary adventure continues with a vibrant dining scene. The town’s main street is sprinkled with cafes, gelato shops, and bistros serving everything from rustic pizzas to modern Australian fare.
Don’t miss stopping at the Margaret River Farmers Market (Leeuwin Estate car park, Saturdays 8am to 12pm), where you can mingle with locals while exploring stalls offering fresh produce, artisan bread, organic chocolates, and handmade jams. For a casual bite, the renowned White Elephant Café (79 Bussell Hwy) serves dishes filled with local vegetables, seafood, and meat, all with a quirky yet comfortable setting.
For those craving seafood, try the generous oyster platters and freshly caught fish available at George’s Paragon Seafood Bar & Grill on Wallcliffe Road. The coastal flavors and atmosphere here capture the essence of the Margaret River food scene perfectly.
The road from Perth to Margaret River is a treasure trove of culinary surprises that goes beyond the anticipated wineries. Each stop offers a unique taste of Western Australia’s rich terroir and passionate food artisans. From fresh seafood, luscious berries, aromatic coffees, and fine cheese, to handcrafted chocolates and farm-fresh fare, your palate is in for a treat at every turn.
With insider tips on where to eat, what to taste, and where to rest between bites, this guide ensures you experience the region’s flavors in a relaxed and memorable way. Don’t miss out on the joy of pairing your scenic drives with these delightful culinary pit stops — your road trip will be as much about hungry exploration as it is about stunning landscapes and warm local hospitality.
Happy travels and bon appétit on your delicious journey from Perth to Margaret River!
