St Thomas More Catholic Primary School

Margaret River is a relaxed, family-friendly town where the pace of life feels a little slower and the community a little closer. The ABS 2021 Census shows a middle-income profile, with a median weekly household income of $1,640 and a median age of 39, and the workforce leans white-collar, reflecting the tourism, viticulture and professional services that define the region. It's a family-oriented place — 2,252 families call it home, with an average of 1.8 children per family, and 43.9% of residents are aged 0–44. Most people are Australian-born (67.4%), and the largest overseas-born group is from England (7.6%), so you'll find a largely English-speaking, welcoming community. Whether you're drawn by the wineries, the surf or simply the slower rhythm, this is a town that feels like a good place to put down roots.

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School sits at the heart of this community, offering a Catholic education grounded in the local area. From sports and music to clubs and special events. The school office is always happy to share current details, so don't hesitate to reach out when you're planning your move. What you can count on is a school that's part of the fabric of Margaret River, where teachers know your child by name and the community feels genuinely invested in every student's wellbeing.

For working parents, the school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements. Many families in the area also lean on the community network — neighbours, friends and local playgroups — to fill the gaps. The town's family-oriented character means you'll likely find a supportive circle quickly, whether through school pick-up lines or weekend activities at the local parks and cafes.

You'll never be short of good food in Margaret River. For everyday groceries, River Fresh IGA on Bussell Highway is a local staple, open 7am to 7pm weekdays, stocking local produce, an extensive deli and international ingredients. If you're after something more specialised, Blue Ginger Wholefood Store describes its deli and grocer as holding "the most diverse collection of local and international foods" in the area, and Margaret River Fruit & Veg on the main strip is great for fresh produce. For nights when cooking feels like a chore, there are plenty of takeaway options: Spice Odysee offers traditional Indian curries from a food van, Burger Baby is a dedicated burger spot, and Settlers Tavern serves international pub-style fare in a relaxed setting. Pizza lovers can head to Sons Of Naples or La Scarpetta Trattoria for takeaway Italian.

If your child needs a little extra academic support, Kip McGrath Margaret River (KMEC Augusta Margaret River Tuition Centre) at Unit 6B/119 Bussell Highway provides English and maths tutoring for primary and secondary students, with 60-minute in-centre sessions Monday to Friday plus online options. Margaret River Tutoring also offers personalised one-on-one support in English and maths, and the Juggle St platform lists individual tutors in the area. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Driving is faster at around 3 hours 2 minutes for the 265 km trip. For daily commuting, Perth CBD is impractical; this is very much a long-distance connection rather than a suburban run.

Start by reaching out to St Thomas More Catholic Primary School directly — they'll be your best source for OSHC details, extracurriculars and enrolment information. Take a drive around Margaret River to get a feel for the neighbourhoods, and pop into River Fresh IGA or Blue Ginger to see what's on the shelves. If you're planning a trip to Perth, use the Transperth journey planner to map out your options, and remember that driving is the most practical choice for most trips. Finally, connect with local parent groups or school community events — they're the quickest way to feel at home in this warm, family-focused town.