Margaret River for Easter: how crowded?
 

My husband and I were planning to spend a few days in Margaret River during our upcomoing Australia adventure. However, we failed to realize that we'd be there over Easter weekend. We managed to find what seems to be the very last room available in the area, which leads me to think that the whole place will be jammed and not very pleasant to visit. I'm also worried that we'll waste time travelling back to Perth on Monday with all the other holiday travelers.

Are we looking at facing swarms of vacationers out enjoying the Easter holiday? Or is the area big enough and remote enough that even when busy it doesn't feel crowded? Will there be lots of traffic going back to Perth on Monday? And if you think that we should avoid Margaret River on Easter weekend, where else should we go for a weekend trip out of Perth?

Yes, expect loads of people in MR at Easter. It's also school holidays. Yes, there will be lots of traffic headed back to Perth on Monday.

MR is a vast region, so it's quite possible that it won't feel crowded everywhere, but you'll need to book for meals. The beaches and wineries will be very busy. Some cafes and restaurants charge a 15% surcharge on holidays as well.

Also keep in mind that there may well be closures on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. You'll want to do some research into operating times for places you might want to visit.

As for alternatives...just about anywhere you go is going to be very busy - Easter is a popular time for travel in Australia (and NZ).

Actually the Monday is Anzac Day and Easter Monday will be held on a Tuesday this year.

This is not the first of April, but we do have a lot of Irish ancestry among the Australian population.