🔍

Margaret River

WA 6285 • Rest of WA

8,918
Population (2021)
$85,280
Median Household Income
61.35 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
Tourist HubCoastalHinterlandCafé CultureRural
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About Margaret River

Margaret River is a celebrated regional town and urban locality situated approximately 270 kilometres south of Perth, within the Augusta-Margaret River Shire. With a population of 8,918 spread across a substantial 61 square kilometres, it serves as the commercial and community hub for the broader Margaret River wine and tourism region. A median age of 39 and median household income of ,640 per week reflect a mix of established locals, lifestyle seekers and tourism industry workers who call the area home.

The town is internationally renowned for its world-class surf breaks, boutique wineries and cellar doors, spectacular caves and artisan food producers, drawing visitors from across Australia and abroad year-round. Margaret River's main street is lined with cafes, galleries, organic food stores and surf shops, giving it a distinctive laid-back character. The community has a strong connection to the natural environment — from karri forest walking trails to the rugged coastline of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park — making it a magnet for those seeking an active outdoor lifestyle.

Margaret River falls under postcode 6285 and is governed by the Augusta-Margaret River Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Forrest, while state elections fall under the Warren-Blackwood electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6285
Urban Area
Augusta - Margaret River
LGA / Council
Augusta-Margaret River
Federal Electorate
Forrest
State Electorate
Warren-Blackwood
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.97°, 115.05°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
61.35 km²
Population Density
145 /km²
Elevation
105m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 6285

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 6285, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$40,316
Median 2023–24
$51,049
▲ 26.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$70,668

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 6285; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$36,400
Personal Income 2021
$43,628
▲ 19.9% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$43,628 / yr
$839/wk
Household
$85,280 / yr
$1640/wk
Family
$101,088 / yr
$1944/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,694
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.6%

73 state housing + 7 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa Route SW4 — Perth via Bunbury Approx 3.5-4 hrs to Perth

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
270 km
By Train
No direct rail; Transwa coach ~3.5-4 hrs to Perth
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hrs 50 min

🛣️ South Western Highway connects to Perth. No passenger rail to Margaret River.

Walkability Very Walkable

Compact town centre with most shops, restaurants, cafes, and services walkable from most residential areas.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Bussell Highway Margaret River 6285 WA
  • Woolworths
    Town View Terrace & Willmott Avenue Margaret River 6285 WA

🎓 Schools

👥 Population of Margaret River

Census 2016
7,654
Census 2021
8,918
▲ 16.5% growth
Est. 2026 projection
~10,390

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
📈 2026 estimate: projection from census growth trend, not an official figure

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,012
Born Overseas 2,213

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 682
  • 2. New Zealand 259
  • 3. South Africa 102
  • 4. Germany 92
  • 5. Philippines 70
  • 6. Italy 68
  • 7. United States 64
  • 8. France 63
  • 9. Scotland 63
  • 10. Ireland 58

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,016
Australian 3,079
Irish 959
Scottish 955
Italian 405
German 397
Dutch 231
French 146
New Zealander 146
Australian Aboriginal 141

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

3,895
Both parents born in Australia
2,744
Both parents born overseas
1,586
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
62.9%
Christianity
24.5%
Buddhism
1.4%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.0%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
566 (6.3%)
5-14 years
1,363 (15.3%)
15-19 years
472 (5.3%)
20-24 years
292 (3.3%)
25-34 years
1,097 (12.3%)
35-44 years
1,519 (17.0%)
45-54 years
1,352 (15.2%)
55-64 years
1,019 (11.4%)
65-74 years
828 (9.3%)
75-84 years
291 (3.3%)
85+ years
125 (1.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Margaret River known for? +

Margaret River is world-famous for premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, exceptional surf breaks (including the Margaret River Main Break and world-championship events), spectacular limestone caves (Jewel Cave, Lake Cave), and a vibrant food, arts, and lifestyle scene.

How far is Margaret River from Perth? +

Margaret River is approximately 270 kilometres south of Perth, around a 3 hour drive via the South Western Highway and Bussell Highway.

Does Margaret River have public transport? +

Margaret River is connected to Perth by Transwa coach services (approximately 3.5-4 hours). A car is strongly recommended for visiting the wineries, caves, and beaches.

Is Margaret River a good place to live? +

Margaret River is one of Australia's most desirable lifestyle destinations, combining world-class surfing, premium wine, exceptional food, limestone caves, and karri forests. It suits those working in tourism, hospitality, or viticulture and those who can work remotely.

What is the postcode for Margaret River? +

The postcode for Margaret River is 6285.

What is the average income in Margaret River? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Margaret River is about $839 per week (around $43,600 per year). The median household income is $1,640 per week and the median family income is $1,944 per week.

What is the age profile of Margaret River? +

The median age in Margaret River is 39. The largest age group is 35–44 (1,519 residents, around 17%). Around 27% of residents are under 20 and about 14% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

What is the population of Margaret River? +

The population of Margaret River is 8,918 according to the 2021 Census, up 16.5% from 7,654 in 2016. Projecting that growth trend forward, the estimated 2026 population of Margaret River is around 10,390. This is a projection, not an official ABS figure.

How much is rent in Margaret River? +

In Margaret River, the median weekly rent is $380, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,694 (2021 Census).