Spring in the Margaret River Region
What to See and Do in 2026
Spring brings a welcome change to the Margaret River Region. New growth appears across the vineyards, wildflowers brighten the coastal heath and forest floors, and clearer days reveal the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is an ideal time to reconnect with nature, explore the coast and enjoy the region’s celebrated food and wine. With Smiths Beach, the Cape to Cape Track and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park at its doorstep, Smiths Beach Resort provides a relaxed beachfront base for a spring escape. Here are some of our favourite ways to experience the Margaret River Region during spring 2026.
Walk the Cape to Cape Track
The approximately 130-kilometre trail extends between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, passing through coastal heath, forests, limestone formations and secluded beaches. The track passes directly by Smiths Beach Resort, making it easy to experience a shorter section without committing to a multi-day walk. From the resort, guests can walk towards Smiths Point and Canal Rocks while taking in elevated ocean views, granite formations and seasonal wildflowers. Experienced walkers may choose to tackle the full track over several days, supported by guided tours, accommodation and transfer services.
We recommend:
-
Book a private guided Cape to Cape experience with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, Smiths Beach Resort’s preferred walking partner.
-
For a shorter independent walk, follow the trail from Smiths Beach towards Canal Rocks and return to the resort. Allow approximately two hours, depending on your pace and stopping time.
-
Check current weather, trail conditions and park alerts before setting out.
-
Return to the resort for a swim in the heated infinity pool or time to relax in your villa after the walk.
Restore and recharge
Spring is an ideal time to reset, with warmer days inviting more time outdoors while the quieter pace of the region creates space to slow down. At Smiths Beach Resort, wellness can be as simple as a coastal walk, a swim, an in-room massage or time spent unwinding in a deep soaking bath. Guests can also arrange private yoga, meditation or sound-healing sessions in their accommodation, or visit nearby BODHI Spa Yallingup for a restorative spa experience.
We recommend:
-
Arrange an in-room massage or private yoga, meditation or sound-healing session through our Guest Services team.
-
Begin the day with a walk along Smiths Beach or a section of the Cape to Cape Track, followed by a swim in the heated infinity pool.
-
Book the BODHI Spa Yallingup Exclusive, available with special benefits for Smiths Beach Resort guests.
-
Choose an Ocean View Villa and allow time to enjoy the fireplace, deep soaking bath and Indian Ocean outlook.
Discover the region’s spring wildflowers
Smiths Beach Resort is located within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, providing guests with close access to the region’s diverse spring wildflowers. From delicate orchids to colourful coastal shrubs, native species begin appearing across the national park, coastal tracks and forest areas during spring. The Cape to Cape Track is one of the easiest places to experience them, with different varieties emerging as the season progresses.
We recommend:
-
Walk a section of the Cape to Cape Track from Smiths Beach and take time to observe the smaller flowers growing beside the trail.
-
Stay on designated paths and avoid picking or disturbing native plants.
-
Bring a camera or phone with a macro setting to capture the detail of the flowers.
-
Consider a guided walk to learn more about the plants, geology and natural history of the coastline.
Watch migrating whales
Spring coincides with the annual whale migration along the Margaret River coastline. Humpback whales are the most frequently sighted, while southern right, minke and blue whales may also be seen in regional waters. From late winter through spring, whales travel north and then return south, with mothers and calves often resting in the more sheltered waters of Geographe Bay later in the season. Guests at Smiths Beach Resort may occasionally see whales offshore from elevated viewpoints and selected Ocean View Villas. For a closer experience, whale-watching cruises depart from Dunsborough during the spring season.
We recommend:
-
Book a whale-watching experience with our preferred partner, Naturaliste Charters.
-
Pack binoculars for coastal walks and keep watch from Smiths Point and other elevated lookouts.
-
Choose an Ocean View Villa for expansive views across the Indian Ocean.
-
Confirm cruise departure times and weather conditions directly with the operator before travelling.
Make time for a spring sunset
As the days become longer, spring evenings invite more time outdoors. Smiths Beach faces west across the Indian Ocean, with the sun setting beyond the beach and rocky outline of Smiths Point. Guests can enjoy the changing light from the beach, from selected accommodation balconies or during an early evening walk. Nearby Canal Rocks is another memorable sunset location, where the ocean moves through natural channels between the granite formations.
We recommend:
-
Enjoy sunset drinks or dinner from the balcony of an Ocean View Villa.
-
Pack a simple picnic and walk down to Smiths Beach before sunset.
-
Visit Canal Rocks in the late afternoon, allowing enough daylight to return safely across the boardwalk and rocks.
-
Finish the evening with dinner at Lamont’s Restaurant, conveniently located within the resort.
Plan a family spring break
The Western Australian spring school holidays run from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026, making this a popular time for family stays in the region. At Smiths Beach Resort, families can move easily between the beach, heated infinity pool, children’s wading pool and tennis court. Beyond the resort, the region offers caves, lighthouses, wildlife encounters, walking trails and family-friendly dining. The resort’s self-contained accommodation also gives families the flexibility of full kitchen facilities, separate living spaces and individual laundries.
We recommend:
-
Choose a two-bedroom Beach Shack for a relaxed family stay, with bunk beds for children and a separate bedroom for parents.
-
Explore our family-friendly experiences and reserve popular activities before travelling.
-
Balance one major regional attraction with time at the beach or pool, rather than overfilling each day.
-
Pack for changeable spring conditions and keep an indoor activity ready in case the weather shifts.
Spring 2026 Events
Margaret River Region Open Studios
12–27 September 2026
Margaret River Region Open Studios gives visitors the opportunity to step inside the working studios of painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramicists, jewellers and other artists across the region. More than 150 artists are participating in 2026, with studios extending from Busselton to Augusta. A concentration of artists around Yallingup and Dunsborough makes Smiths Beach Resort a convenient base for planning a northern studio trail. Smiths Beach Resort is proud to support the event as an accommodation partner. Event guides will also be available in guest rooms during the program.
Meet the participating artists and plan your Open Studios route. Read some of our favourites and recommendations here.
Tour de Gracetown
24-25 October 2026
Tour De Gracetown is a welcoming cycling event for charity through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Margaret River Region. There are two rides – Parterre75 (75km) & Palladian100 (100km) leaving from Fraser Gallop Estate. Both are challenging and all abilities, including e-bikers, are welcome. Fraser Gallop Estate will also be hosting a Sundowner on the evening before the Tour. Pop in to collect your rider pack for the next day and whilst you are there enjoy a glass of wine. This is a family-friendly event and everyone is welcome, including furry friends. Learn more here.
Pair’d Margaret River Region
19–22 November 2026
Pair’d returns for its third year with four days of wine, food and music experiences staged at wineries and venues throughout the Margaret River Region. The festival brings together chefs, winemakers, producers and creative talent in a program designed around the region’s premium produce and celebrated wine culture. Popular events can sell quickly, so visitors should arrange festival tickets, dining and accommodation as early as possible. Visit the Pair’d Margaret River website to purchase your tickets. Read some of our favourites and recommendations here.
Plan your Spring 2026 stay
Whether you would like to walk the Cape to Cape Track, search for wildflowers, watch migrating whales, enhance your wellbeing or build a stay around one of the region’s major events, spring is an excellent time to experience the Margaret River coast. Make Smiths Beach Resort your beachfront base and enjoy the freedom to explore the region before returning to the beach, heated pool, spacious self-contained accommodation and relaxed dining at Lamont’s. Explore accommodation at Smiths Beach Resort and start planning your Spring 2026 escape.
