Margaret River Pro 2022 | Intrepid Travel AU

Having fun at this prestigious surfing event is guaranteed to be a shore thing.

Whether you’re looking to unwind after an epic journey trekking the Cape-to-Cape track or you’re just about to embark on your own water-based adventure in Ningaloo Reef, carving out some time to watch professional surfers hit the waves at the Margaret River Pro is a must for any sports lover. Combining the excitement of surfing with the beauty of this iconic Western Australian region makes for a perfect 10, and luckily for you, you get to experience it all. From watching the individual heats to marveling at the spectacular scenery, this event is guaranteed to have both your adrenaline pumping and your heart jumping.

What is the Margaret River Pro?

The Margaret River Pro is one of only two Australian surfing events to be a part of the World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour. Considered to be one of the best places to surf worldwide due to the consistency of big waves, this prestigious surfing event attracts big names such as Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore, as well as up and coming Australian surfers like Jack Robinson and Bronte Macaulay.

When is the Margaret River Pro in 2022?

The Margaret River Pro will be held from April 24^th to May 4^th in 2022 so you have plenty of time to catch your favourite surfers carving it up on the water. Over the eleven event days, get the chance to meet some of your surfing stars, browse and purchase official merchandise, tuck into local food, and of course, watch some impressive heats as the professionals do their thing.

Which beach is the Margaret River Pro held at?

The majority of the surfing at the Margaret River Pro takes place at Surfers Point (also known as The Point or Main Break Beach), with the South Side and The Box also seeing some surfing action. If you’re not in a great position to see the water, there are big screens showing replays of all the impressive waves so don’t worry about missing out. However, this shouldn’t be an issue as Surfers Point is considered to be one of the best spectator points on the whole tour. With tiered areas designed to create an amphitheater-type effect, you’re guaranteed to see your favourite surfers in action.

How can I buy Margaret River Pro tickets?

Tickets to the event are free so you don’t have to worry about spending a small fortune. This also means that you can come for every one of the eleven days or just stop by for a few. Simply head on over to Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro presented by Corona 2021 | World Surf League to secure your tickets to the main event. However, while the tickets themselves might be free, all other food and drink (as well as merchandise) stalls throughout the event are not so be sure to bring some money with you.

Things to do at the Margaret River Pro

Couple sipping on some of the Margaret River's best wine in a vineyard

Sip on Margaret River’s wine

It’s no secret that the Margaret River region produces some of Australia’s best wine, so it only makes sense that while you’re there, you indulge in a drop or two. Whether you prefer a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Chardonnay, your tastebuds are bound to thank you when you visit top wineries such as Voyager Estate and Cape Mentelle Wines. So, raise a glass, enjoy the scenery, and get sipping.

People lining up for food at a food truck

Grab lunch from a food truck

Even though you’re only spectating and not actually participating, watching all that surfing is bound to make you hungry. Thankfully, there are plenty of food options at the Margaret River Pro. From food trucks full of delectable sweet and savoury treats to coffee carts and licensed areas where you can enjoy your favourite alcoholic beverage, this event is pulling out all the culinary stops. Dig in.

Professional surfer riding a wave during competition

Watch the professional surfers at work

While there are a lot of other entertaining activities going on over the eleven days, you can’t come to the Margaret River Pro and not sit down to watch a captivating heat or two. Guaranteed to have you at the edge of your seat, or more specifically the edge of the grassy patch you’re sitting on, watch the speed, style, and power of your favourite surfers as they hit the waves and try to one-up each other.

Couple looking through merchandise after a surfing competition.

Browse through the merchandise stands

Did you even go to the Margaret River Pro if you don’t have anything to show for it? Answer: no. Whether you want to look the part of a surf-obsessed fan or simply want to take something home as a souvenir, pick up some official merchandise from the stands scattered throughout the event. Think hydro flasks, championship tour jerseys, and signed and framed posters of your favourite surfers.

Margaret River Pro FAQs

How to get to the Margaret River Pro

If you're travelling from Perth, the best way to get to the Margaret River region is to rent a car and drive the 227kms (3-hour journey) to get to the charming town of Margaret River. Once there, it's really easy to navigate your way to Surfers Point. If you don't want to drive, there are also various public transportation options or you could secure transportation via a coach.

How many surfers compete in the Margaret River Pro?

Every year, the world's top 34 male surfers (plus two wildcards) and the world's top 17 female surfers (plus one wildcard) compete at the Margaret River Pro. Some of the famous athletes to have competed in the Margaret River Pro are Kelly Slater, Sally Fitzgibbons, Stephanie Gilmore, and John John Florence.

What to pack for the Margaret River Pro

There are a few things you should make sure you have before setting out to watch the surfing. To ensure you have everything you need, we've put together a list of all the essentials:

hat
sunscreen
sunglasses
binoculars
day bag/backpack
reusable water bottle
camera
snacks

How dangerous is the Margaret River surf?

Both the weather and surf conditions can be unpredictable in the Margaret River region of Western Australia so you should always be on alert if you're in the water. At Surfers Point (or Main Break) the surf can be quite terrifying as waves can reach quadruple overhead heights but on average, the water is perfect and you shouldn't come into any trouble.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a trip in Western Australia?

Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travellers are required to produce:

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

Is Western Australia accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.