When Daniel Ricciardo came to Margaret River, and we put him on a board
When Tourism WA announced that Daniel Ricciardo would be driving through Margaret River for the second chapter of their globally celebrated Drive the Dream campaign, we knew this stretch of coastline was about to get the spotlight it deserves. And when the call came in asking whether the Margaret River Surfing Academy could take Danny Ric out for a surf — well, let's just say we didn't need to think twice.
For those who haven't seen it yet, Drive the Dream follows Daniel Ricciardo and his best mate Blake on a road trip from Perth through the Margaret River Region and beyond, along the South West Nature and Wine Drive. B&T It's a campaign built around authenticity — real mates, real adventures, and the kind of unscripted magic that only happens when you stop and actually experience this part of the world. For Daniel, the highlights ranged from surfing and mountain biking to incredible food and unforgettable stays under star-filled skies. Tourism
And yes — we were the ones who got him in the water.
A World-Class Driver Meets a World-Class Wave
Daniel is a proud West Australian, born and bred. But like a lot of people who grew up inland from the coast, the sheer scale of what Margaret River's ocean has to offer still has a way of stopping you in your tracks. He's spoken openly about how Margaret River holds a special place for him — the tall Karri trees, the forests, the beautiful coastline, and beyond the reef breaks, the massive waves that attract world-class surfers from around the globe. Tourism
That's the thing about this place. You can feel it the moment you arrive.
When Daniel and Blake rolled up with the crew, there was an easy, relaxed energy about them — exactly what you'd hope for from two mates on a road trip with no real agenda other than soaking it all in. We set them up with boards suited to the conditions and spent some time on the beach going through the basics — reading the sets, timing the paddle, understanding how to position themselves on the wave.
For someone who has spent his career making split-second decisions at 300km/h, Daniel picked things up fast. The instincts are there — the spatial awareness, the timing, the composure under pressure. Surfing and motorsport share more DNA than most people realise.
Why Margaret River is the Ultimate Surf Destination
What makes this region so special isn't just the waves — though they are, genuinely, some of the best in the world. It's the whole package. You've got beginner-friendly beach breaks sitting alongside world-renowned reef breaks, all within a short drive of each other. Whether you're a first-timer wanting to find your feet or an experienced surfer chasing serious swell, Margaret River delivers.
At the Margaret River Surfing Academy, we've spent years helping people of all ages and abilities connect with the ocean. Our instructors don't just teach you to surf — they help you understand the water. That knowledge, the kind that keeps you safe and builds your confidence, is something we're genuinely passionate about sharing. And experiences like the one we shared with Daniel and the Drive the Dream crew are a reminder of exactly why we do what we do.
More Than a Road Trip
The current Drive the Dream campaign has already reached over 136 million people, Western Australian Government — and it's not hard to see why it resonates. At its heart, it captures the simple freedom of hitting the open road and reconnecting with nature Campaign Asia, and Margaret River is the beating heart of that story.
Daniel has spoken about retiring here one day — about how this place has a way of lifting whatever weight you're carrying, and how that feeling is something he keeps coming back to. Tourism We feel that every single day.
If Drive the Dream has put Margaret River on your radar, come and experience it for yourself. Book a lesson with us, paddle out, and let the ocean do the rest. Like Daniel discovered — some experiences you simply have to feel to believe.