Busselton is a fantastic base for exploring Western Australia’s renowned Margaret River wine and craft brew scene. Its proximity to lush vineyards, innovative breweries, and gourmet food stops makes it a perfect spot for a drinking tour. We especially like the Margaret River Winery, Brewery Tour with Gourmet Brewery Lunch for its combination of wine, beer, and local delicacies, and the Full-Day Wine, Beer, Gin, Cider Private Guided Margaret River Tour for those who want a flexible, customizable experience. The region’s laid-back attitude and high-quality producers mean you can enjoy authentic tastes without the pretension often found in more formal settings.
If you’re after a comprehensive day that balances wine, beer, and food, the first tour offers a relaxed, educational experience with a focus on regional specialties. For travelers seeking a more approachable introduction to Margaret River’s wine scene, the second tour emphasizes fun and interaction, with opportunities to create your own wine blend. More niche options, like the Premium Margaret River Wine + Beer Tour, cater to those looking for high-end tastings, while the Full-Day Wine, Beer, Gin, Cider Private Guided Tour provides a customizable route for groups wanting variety.
1. Margaret River Winery, Brewery Tour with Gourmet Brewery Lunch
At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour combines visits to some of Margaret River’s top wineries, chocolate and cheese shops, and a craft brewery. It’s ideal for those who want a well-rounded taste of the region’s gourmet offerings. The tour includes round-trip transport from Busselton, so you don’t need to worry about driving—perfect for indulging freely. The guide shares insights into how fine wines and beers are made, enriching the tasting experience.
What makes this tour stand out is the delicious winery lunch with Australian wild foods options and multiple food and beverage samples throughout the day. Expect to visit seven attractions, learning about regional history, wine-making, and the local food scene. The reviews are glowing, with many praising the knowledgeable guide, the varied tastings, and the relaxed atmosphere. Guests love the Bush Tucker lunch and the chance to sample cheeses, chocolates, and more.
Bottom line: If you want an all-encompassing experience with a focus on quality food and drink, this tour offers excellent value for a full day of fun.
2. Margaret River Beer & Wine Adventure (departs Dunsborough/Busselton)
At number 2, this approachable tour suits those new to wine or beer tasting, or anyone who prefers a laid-back vibe. It includes visits to three top wineries and a brewery, with a gourmet lunch at Swings and Roundabouts winery. The tour emphasizes small-group attention, making it more personal and relaxed.
What sets this apart is the wine blending activity, where you get to mix your own wine, adding a fun, hands-on element. The guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach, making learning about regional wines easy rather than intimidating. Guests mention the great variety of wineries and the friendly atmosphere, emphasizing that it’s perfect for those wanting an easygoing, social experience.
Valuable for: Travelers who aren’t already wine experts but want to enjoy quality tastings and a touch of interactive fun. The inclusion of hotel transfers makes logistics simple, and the lunch is a real highlight.
Bottom line: This is a great choice for a relaxed, social day that balances quality tastings with engaging activities.
3. Premium Margaret River Wine + Beer Tour
Number 3 is this premium experience designed for enthusiasts craving intimate visits to award-winning wineries. The tour visits boutique wineries like Passel Estate and Ls Merchants, known for their small-batch wines and innovative blends. A local brewery lunch rounds out the day, with options accommodating different dietary needs.
The tour’s focus on cellar door experiences and personalized tastings makes it stand out. Guests who love a more luxurious, hands-on approach will appreciate the small-group setting and the chance to discover less commercial, more exclusive wine producers. While only a handful of reviews are available, they emphasize the quality of the wines and the engaging guides.
Bottom line: If you’re passionate about premium wines and craft beers and prefer a more intimate, upscale experience, this tour delivers.
4. Full-Day Wine, Beer, Gin, Cider Private Guided Margaret River Tour
Rounding out the list, this fully customizable private tour is designed for groups who want flexibility. It includes stops at Happs Wines, Driftwood Estate, and Beerfarm, covering a range of wine, beer, gin, and cider tastings.
The best part? The itinerary is flexible, meaning you can prioritize your favorite beverages or add more stops. The hosts focus on providing a relaxed, social environment that’s perfect for large or small groups. Guests mention the pleasant host, the variety of venues, and the overall easygoing vibe. It’s ideal for travelers who want control over their experience without sacrificing quality.
Potential downfalls: The reviews are positive but note that this tour may be less structured than others, so it’s best for those comfortable with a degree of spontaneity.
Bottom line: For groups seeking a tailor-made experience with diverse drinks, this tour offers great flexibility.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests and trip style. If you want a comprehensive day mixing wine, beer, and local foods, the first Margaret River Winery, Brewery Tour with Gourmet Brewery Lunch is hard to beat. For a more approachable, interactive experience that’s perfect for newcomers, consider the Beer & Wine Adventure. Those who crave luxury and exclusivity will find the Premium Margaret River Wine + Beer Tour appealing, while groups wanting customization should look at the Full-Day Private Tour.
Think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer a guided, structured day or a flexible, private experience. Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and tour.
To sum it up, Busselton offers an array of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—from full-day gourmet experiences to relaxed, small-group adventures. For wine lovers, the first and third tours shine for their quality and charm. If craft brews and interactive activities appeal more, the second and fourth options are excellent choices. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll leave with a fuller belly, a few good stories, and a deeper appreciation for Margaret River’s excellent drinks scene. Be sure to book ahead—these tours are popular for good reason.