Prevelly Travel Guide

Prevelly is a narrow coastal strip concentrated around the mouth of the Margaret River and the coastal road; accommodation and parking cluster near Surfers Point and the river mouth. There is no large town center here, so most visitors base themselves in Prevelly for beach access or in nearby Margaret River for services and dining.

Costs: $75-200 per day - Expect budget self-contained units to mid-range holiday rentals; most dining and activities add to costs.

Safety: Generally safe - Small community with low crime, but take care on surf beaches and coastal cliffs.

Best Time: November - April - Warm, drier months are best for walking, swimming and beach activities; winter brings bigger surf and rain.

Prevelly sits where the Margaret River reaches the sea, at the northern end of Calgardup Bay. It grew from a private subdivision in the 1960s and was officially gazetted as a townsite in 1978. With a population of just over 200, it is a quiet coastal settlement focused on holiday homes, a small local community and outdoor activities.

The town carries a unique wartime link to Crete: it was named after the Preveli monastery and a chapel there commemorates Australian servicemen who were sheltered on Crete during World War II. The Cape to Cape Track passes through Prevelly, and the coastline around the river mouth and Calgardup Bay is famed for reliable surf breaks.

Visiting Prevelly feels relaxed and small-scale: accommodation clusters along the coastal road and near the river mouth, and most services and a wider range of shops and restaurants are found in nearby Margaret River town. The place suits surfers, walkers and anyone looking for dramatic coastal scenery rather than nightlife or extensive facilities.

People come to Prevelly for surf, scenery and direct access to the Cape to Cape Track. Surfers Point is a world-recognized break and the river mouth, cliffs and bays offer short walks and excellent photo opportunities. It is an easy base for exploring the wider Margaret River region while staying somewhere quiet and coastal.

Prevelly is visitable year-round but the character changes with the seasons. Summer and late spring bring drier weather and calmer seas for swimming and walking, while winter delivers bigger surf and heavier rains.

Prevelly is best reached by road; the nearest major airport and services are in Perth and Bunbury, with Margaret River town providing the closest visitor facilities. Coach services operate to the Margaret River region but many visitors drive or hire a car for flexibility.

• By Air: Perth Airport (PER): Fly into Perth then drive or take a coach to the Margaret River region; the drive is typically around 3 hours depending on traffic. Coach fares to Margaret River are commonly in the range of AUD 30-60 one-way, and from there taxi or transfer services reach Prevelly.
• By Road: Self-drive or car hire: Driving from Perth or Bunbury is the most convenient option for exploring the coast and nearby wineries; car hire gives the freedom to reach surf spots, lookouts and national parks at your own pace.
• By Coach / Bus: regional services: Regional coach companies run scheduled services between Perth and the Margaret River area with stops in Margaret River town; arrange a local transfer or taxi from Margaret River to Prevelly.

Prevelly is compact and walkable for beach access and short coastal walks, but a car is useful for exploring the wider region. Bicycles and tours are popular alternatives for short distances.

• Walking: Most sights around the river mouth, Surfers Point and nearby beaches are easily reached on foot.
• Car hire: Car hire is the most practical way to reach lookouts, neighbouring beaches and national parks, and for trips into Margaret River town.
• Bicycle: Bikes are good for short rides along the coastal road and nearby trails; bring or hire a sturdy bike for gravel sections.
• Tours and lessons: Book local surf lessons, guided Cape to Cape stages or wildlife and food tours from Margaret River operators to avoid driving and get local knowledge.

Prevelly has a relaxed surf-coast food scene with small cafes, takeaway outlets and casual eateries clustered near the river mouth; for a wider range of restaurants, wineries and gourmet food producers, drive into Margaret River town. Expect fresh seafood, simple breakfasts and cafe-style lunches rather than fine dining in Prevelly itself.

Nightlife in Prevelly is very low-key: expect quiet evenings, occasional local gatherings and beachfront sunset-viewing. For bars, live music and a broader evening scene head into Margaret River town a short drive inland.

Shopping in Prevelly is limited to small surf and convenience outlets; for galleries, boutique stores, wine shops and gourmet produce look to Margaret River town. Many visitors pick up surf gear, souvenirs and local foodstuffs in the larger nearby centers.