A local's guide to Western Australia's iconic Margaret River wine region

Picture-perfect beaches, challenging hikes, mountains with adventurous bike trails and a thriving craft beer scene are all part of Margaret River's charms. Here's a local's guide.

Tucked away in Australia's bottom-left-hand corner between two rocky capes and their twin lighthouses, the Margaret River region is a popular destination for West Australians. It's a three-hour drive from Perth, past housing estates that gradually turn into farms and bushland before a dramatic change signals your arrival in wine country. The trees are huge. The vines are everywhere. And there are cows galore. Whether you're into mountain-biking, craft beer (or in my case, gin and shiraz), fine art, fishing, hiking, history or just about anything else that blows your hair back, you can find it here in WA's South West.

Wine is a cornerstone of our tourism industry. Among the numerous vineyards you'll find the old-world charm of renowned wineries such as Voyager Estate and Leeuwin, or the casual country vibe of Glenarty Road, Stella Bella and Mr Barval Fine Wines.

It's not just about Margaret River. While "Margs" is a beloved staple of the trip down south, the towns of Augusta, Prevelly, Gracetown, Karridale, Witchcliffe and Cowaramup are definitely worth the detour. Each township has its own personality.

Margaret River is renowned for its fine dining and lavish degustation dinners, but if you want to experience the wine region like the locals do, grab some wood-fired pizza goodness in town (Pizzica Woodfired Italian Pizzeria and Charcoal Grill is my all-time favourite) with a local wine or three, or visit a local brewery such as Margaret River Brewhouse to sample their latest products alongside interesting takes on traditional pub menus.

You can also head to one of the countless food trucks, parked along the highway or "guest starring" at pubs and clubs like the Cowaramup Club where they pump out authentic Korean, American, Italian, Indian and Indonesian food. Pick up some local seafood from Augusta Seafoods, head north to Wilyabrup to savour the region's best chocolate and cheese (the Margaret River Chocolate Co is just a couple of minutes down the road from the Margaret River Dairy Co), or follow the summer crowds to the famed Dunsborough Bakery and let your stomach do the decision-making.

The South West is holiday home country. I like to seek out quirky stays that give me a new perspective on where I live, like a stunning Gourmet Glamp in the forest or the RAC Margaret River Nature Park. There are also excellent farmstays and in winter (or Makuru, as locals call it), I love nothing more than finding a cabin with a fireplace and a view over the wild Southern Ocean.

Engaging with the traditional culture of the Wadandi people. You can for instance visit theDjiljit Mia Community Gathering Nature Place or take a Koomal Dreaming cultural tour.