The Best Things To Do In Dunsborough

12 Mar

Once considered a little stopover before getting to Margaret River, Dunsborough is now one of southwest WA’s premier holiday destinations.

Offering a more metropolitan vibe to the deeper south, there’s a huge array of fantastic eateries and drinkeries, along with a stunning coastline to explore, and much more.

SEE & DO

Winery Hopping

Margaret River and Dunsborough’s wine regions overlap plenty, home to some of the world’s most heralded wineries, and there are HEAPS of ‘em. Dozens in fact. So many, that perhaps it can feel a little daunting when it comes to picking places. If you’re looking for a full list of wineries follow this link, otherwise you can check out 15 of our favourites here.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

At the top of Cape Naturaliste, you’ll find the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which offers views of the Cape to Cape. A short walking track from here to the free viewing platform is a great place to sight whales from September to December.

Koomal Dreaming

For an immersive experience, Koomal Dreaming next door to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse offers an excellent Aboriginal tour, where you’ll gain insight into the area’s history and the native flora and fauna surrounding it.

Whale Watching

Spot migrating humpback, southern right and blue whales on a whale watching charter boat tour via a number of different operators in the area. Cruise up and down the coast in search of the world’s largest mammals, who often frolic just beneath the surface and right next to the boat. These mighty creatures look majestic from the shore, and even more magnificent in the water, so a whale-watching tour is a must for those wanting an unforgettable experience.

Castle Rock Bay

Castle Rock Bay used to be a bit of a locals only secret, but in recent years has become a popular alternative to Meelup Beach around the corner. It’s a tranquil slice of beach, sheltered from predominate southwesterly winds and swells down south, making it the perfect spot for an arvo on the water. Read our full guide here.

Meelup Beach

One of – if not the – most popular beaches around Dunsborough, it’s hard to resists the bright white sands and crystal clear turquoise waters of Meelup Beach. It’s ready and willing for the multitude of visitors who stop in, featuring picnic areas under shady trees, barbecues, change rooms and toilets.

Injidup Natural Spa

A popular little swimming (more like sitting) hole in our state’s South West, Injidup’s natural spa has become an irresistible stop amongst a plethora of beautiful beaches down south. A natural rock formation protected from the wilds of the Indian Ocean, it can be a relaxing – if not a little crowded – spot to chill on a warm summer’s day. Read our full guide here. Keep going down the road and you’ll find Injidup beach, a cracking surf spot amidst many in the area.

Sugarloaf Rock

On the open ocean side of the Naturaliste headland you’ll find the stunning Sugarloaf Rock, fully open to the wild southern ocean wind and swells. In the middle of winter it can make for turbulent viewing and photography, while the calmer summer waters make for a spectacular sunset vista.

Point Picquet

A popular spot for whale watchers, you can also pop in for a swim if you get there on the right tide. The rocky outcrops spill over into clear blue ocean, and keen fishers will find plenty to catch here.

Dunsborough Beach

The town’s main beach is popular for visiting families thanks to its tranquility and being mostly protected from the prevailing southwesterly winds of Dunsborough.

Eagle Bay

Another section of beach protected from the southwesterlies, access is slightly more limited than some of the other beaches in the area, so if you’re will to do a bit of exploring you might be able to find a little patch all to yourself, and its well worth it if you do.

Yallingup Beach

A mini version of Margaret River Mainbreak, the waves still get huge once you get out past the rockpools of Yallingup Lagoon. A little further north you’ll find the white sands of Rabbits Beach, a casual swimming spot in summer turned rough-and-tumble surf break in big winter swells.

Smiths Beach

South around the headland from Yalls you’ll find popular tourist destination Smiths Beach, packed with visitors year round. With a couple of popular surfing spots along the white, sandy stretch of coast, it’s home base for a lot of visitors during the warmer months.

Cape To Cape Trail

The 135km-long Cape to Cape Track is a hiker hotspot in spring, and Dunsborough is at the northern tip. The track is the perfect vantage point to spot whales and dolphins from the shore and is home to a whole variety of coastal wildflowers. Pick a section and go for a gentle stroll, challenge yourself with an all-day or all-track hike, or take a guided tour with operators like Cape to Cape Explorer Tours or Walk Into Luxury.

HMAS Swan Dive

Experienced divers visiting the area must add the HMAS Swan to their itinerary. One of five sunken dive wrecks in the country, the Swan was sunk in 1997 to create a massive, 113m long dive recreational dive site. You’ll need a permit, head here for more info.

Ngilgi Cave

Formerly Yallingup Cave, Ngili Cave is located on Caves Road between Dunsborough and Yallingup. Discovered in 1899, it was the first cave in WA open to tourists and has a number of different tours on offer, including the popular ‘Adventure Tour’ options that give thrill-seekers the opportunity to take a hard-hat and lamp and venture off the boardwalks. For more information head here.

Fishing

The coastline around Dunsborough is littered with fish-filled bays and sandy beaches to cast from. Meelup, Castle Rock and Bunker Bay are the most popular, but with a sense of adventure and exploration you may find you’re own little secret spot – just be careful when fishing from the rocks (or avoid altogether).

Quinninup Falls

A small-yet-stunning winter waterfall, Quinninup Falls will make you earn it with a rewarding hike that’s about 2 hours return from the Moses Road carpark. Spectacular ocean views can be found along the way, just mind the steep dune climbs on your way back.

Art Galleries

The Dunsborough/Yallingup region is covered in brilliant art galleries celebrating the many talented folk of the region. All only within a short drive from each other, this is a great starting point for where to go and who to see.

Boutique Browsing

The township of Dunsborough is filled with some great little clothing shops and boutiques to find yourself a wearable memento from your time down south. Hillzeez, Board Store and Evolution have your surf gear covered, while Olive + Lily (pictured, below), Cove and Laneway are but a few of many that offer some nice clothing options for women.