Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a laid-back coastal town on Western Australia's stunning South West, where the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay meet the ancient forests of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Margaret River region’s world-class wineries, dramatic coastline, and abundant marine life, all with a relaxed, beachside vibe that’s hard to beat.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse & Trail: Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views over the bay and spot migrating whales (June–December). The coastal walk to Sugarloaf Rock is a must for dramatic ocean vistas.
• Meelup Beach: A sheltered, crystal-clear bay ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset paint the sky over the water.
• Bunker Bay: A stunning stretch of white sand with calm waters – perfect for families and paddleboarding. The nearby Bunker Bay Café serves excellent coffee and fish tacos.
• Ngilgi Cave: Explore ancient limestone formations on a guided tour through one of the region’s most impressive caves, rich in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.
• Wineries & Breweries: Dunsborough is a gateway to Margaret River’s wine country. Visit Wise Winery for cellar-door tastings or head to Eagle Bay Brewing Co. for craft beer and woodfired pizza with ocean views.
• Whale Watching: Take a cruise from Dunsborough to see humpback and southern right whales in Geographe Bay during their annual migration.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 2–3 days in Dunsborough to soak up the beaches, explore the national park, and visit a few wineries. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Perth is doable (about a 2.5-hour drive), but you’ll want to stay at least one night to catch a sunset at Meelup Beach. For a more relaxed pace, combine Dunsborough with a longer Margaret River itinerary of 5–7 days.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Margaret River – 25 minutes south: the heart of the wine region, with dozens of cellar doors, gourmet food producers, and surf breaks like Surfers Point.
• Yallingup – 10 minutes west: a bohemian surf town with dramatic granite boulders, the Yallingup Maze, and excellent coastal walks.
• Busselton – 20 minutes east: home to the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, with an underwater observatory.
• Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park – stretches along the coast between Dunsborough and Augusta, offering walks through towering karri forests and wildflower displays in spring.
• Augusta – 45 minutes south: visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, and explore the Blackwood River.

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