WAFarming
Margaret River
Timber and dairy farms came before the cellar doors.
1913Town gazetted · forest and farming settlement
WHAT STARTED IT
Margaret River grew in a timber district around transport stops and early services. Town lots were offered before gazettal in 1913. Its original purpose was to support forest work and farming, rather than a wine industry.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Group Settlement expanded dairy farming in the 1920s, and rail arrived in 1927. Commercial wine growing began much later: Tom Cullity established Vasse Felix in 1967, helping transform the district’s identity.
TURNING POINTS
1913Town gazetted.
1927Railway opens.
1967Vasse Felix vineyard established.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A service and visitor centre for a wine region, close to surf beaches and limestone caves, with food and tourism now prominent.