Explore Australia

Dunsborough

Cape Naturaliste, Mike Langford / Auscape International

Population 3373

Dunsborough is a picturesque coastal town on the south-western tip of Geographe Bay. Just west of the town is Leeuwin–Naturaliste National Park with its dramatic coastline and seasonal wildflower displays. Many of the wineries of the South-West region are only a short drive from the town.

Visitor Information

Seymour Blvd; (08) 9752 1288

www.geographebay.com

Nearby national parks

  • Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park

    This long, narrow park hugs the south-west coast of Western Australia for 120 kilometres between two prominent capes, Cape Naturaliste in...more

  • Yalgorup National Park

    Located just south of Mandurah in a long, narrow strip between the Old Coast Road and the Indian Ocean, and protecting a wetland system...more

  • Shannon National Park

    Shannon National Park, between Manjimup and Walpole in Western Australia’s southern forest region, encompasses the Shannon River as it...more

Nearby towns

  • Yallingup

    Yallingup, known for its limestone caves and world-class surf breaks, is also an ideal location for swimming, fishing and beachcombing....more

  • Busselton

    First settled by Europeans in 1834, Busselton is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. It is situated on the shores of Geographe...more

  • Margaret River

    One of the best-known towns in Western Australia, Margaret River is synonymous with world-class wines, magnificent coastal scenery,...more

Nearby

Leeuwin–Naturaliste National Park Close to Dunsborough at the northern end of the park is Cape Naturaliste, with its lighthouse, museum and whale-watching platform (humpback whales linger offshore Sept–Nov). Walking tracks offer spectacular views of the coastline. Sugarloaf Rock is a dramatic formation just south of the lighthouse – it is also a habitat of the endangered red-tailed tropic bird. 13 km NW. See also Margaret River and Augusta.

Blackwood Valley wine region This is a low-key region between Margaret River and Great Southern, which began producing wine in 1976. The climate is perfect for the full ripening of cabernet sauvignon grapes, while chardonnay and shiraz are also good performers. With over 50 wineries in the area, a few to visit include Hillbillé and Blackwood Crest Wines.

Country Life Farm: animals galore, plus merry-go-round, giant slide and bouncing castles; Caves Rd; (08) 9755 3707; 1 km W. Simmo's Icecreamery: 39 flavours of homemade ice-cream made fresh daily; Commonage Rd; 5 km SE. Quindalup Fauna Park: specialises in birds, fish, tropical butterflies and baby animals; (08) 9755 3933; 5 km E. Wreck of HMAS Swan: the largest accessible dive-wreck site in the Southern Hemisphere; tour bookings and permits at visitor centre; off Point Picquet, just south of Eagle Bay; 8 km NW. Beaches: to the north-west, popular for fishing, swimming and snorkelling, include Meelup (5 km), Eagle Bay (8 km) and Bunker Bay (12 km). Tours and activities: whale-watching charters (Sept–Nov); deep-sea fishing charters; scuba diving, snorkelling and canoeing; wildflower displays in season.

Fishing spots near town

Dunsborough 2 km

Dunsborough is about three hours’ drive south of Perth, and offers beach, rock and boat fishing. Local fishing store operator Damien Lane says the rock ledges produce salmon in autumn and winter, Samson fish,... Find out more


Perth 192 km

The Swan River produces many species, including bream, mulloway, herring, tailor, tarwhine, silver trevally, Samson fish and flathead. This is a year- round fishery for the much sought bream. In summer the bream run... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Wardan Aboriginal Centre 8 km

The cultural centre for the Wardandi people, this rammed-earth building in Yallingup has Aboriginal art displays, guided tours, toolmaking and spear-throwing workshops and dance demonstrations.... Find out more


Snorkelling around Busselton and Augusta 22 km

The marine life growing off and feeding near the historic 1841-metre Busselton Jetty makes it one of the easiest and best snorkelling and dive sites in Western Australia. The Underwater Observatory (see entry below) at... Find out more


Margaret River canoe tour 37 km

Bushtucker River and Winery Tours will take you canoeing down the quiet Margaret River, with opportunities to see kangaroos, bushtucker- bearing plants and heritage sites on a guided four-hour excursion. There is time... Find out more


Cycle tour - Margaret River 37 km

You can explore this scenic region at your own pace, including wineries, karri forests, caves and beaches on a bike. Dirty Detours hires bikes in Margaret River and runs a one-day, off-road Sip and Cycle tour, while... Find out more


Dolphin Discovery Centre 59 km

This non-profit organisation is committed to education, conservation and research about dolphins, but also provides extraordinary opportunities to interact with these creatures. About 90 wild bottlenose dolphins live in... Find out more


Caving - Southern Western Australia 73 km

Six limestone caves in the Capes region are open to the public and there are self-guided and adventure-caving options. Jewel Cave is the largest of Western Australia’s tourist caves and has beautiful formations... Find out more


Walking the Cape to Cape Track 83 km

One of Western Australia’s brilliant longdistance walks, the Cape to Cape Walk covers 135 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, going through coastal heath, wildflowers, jarrah–marri forest... Find out more


Four-wheel-drive tours around Pemberton and Albany 125 km

Pemberton Discovery Tours is a carbon-neutral business that runs 4WD and tag-along tours through the great karri forests, along beaches and through dune systems, with a particular focus on environmental impact. There are... Find out more


Whitewater rafting – Dwellingup 134 km

Dwellingup Adventures has a one-day rafting trip on the Murray River suitable for novices and children from ten years and upwards. This operator also hire canoes, kayaks, rafts and mountain bikes and, for self-guided... Find out more


Sea-kayaking around Rockingham 160 km

Along the coast at Rockingham, less than 45 minutes drive south from Perth, you can kayak to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park just offshore, which harbours a host of wildlife. There are Australian sea-lions on Seal... Find out more


Golf courses around town

The Cut Golf Club 122 km

There was a time not long ago when golfers could be forgiven for thinking there was little chance of any new links courses being built on the Australian coastline. That was before the post-2000 building boom kicked in... Find out more


Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club 138 km

Nearly eight years after American designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr oversaw the final stages of construction on his acclaimed Joondalup layout, he found himself back on the WA coast. This time it was to sign off on... Find out more


Secret Harbour Golf Links 147 km

Towering sand dunes covered with thick coastal scrub were the sight that greeted Graham Marsh, former player turned course designer, when he took his first look at the proposed Secret Harbour Golf Links in the early... Find out more


The Links Kennedy Bay 151 km

Kennedy Bay has a brief and chequered history. Since opening for play in 1998 this acclaimed links course has been forced to close twice because of financial circumstances involving different owners. The most recent... Find out more


Araluen Golf Resort 188 km

Steep forest-covered hills above deep valleys are not the ideal landscape on which to create a golf course. But that did not stop the developers of Araluen Golf Resort – in the Roleystone Hills, 45 minutes... Find out more


Cottesloe Golf Club 193 km

Cottesloe is internationally renowned for its superb beach, backing on to rows of towering Norfolk Island pines and wonderful terraced lawns, an idyllic spot to soak up views of the Indian Ocean. If you were expecting... Find out more


Mt Lawley Golf Club 202 km

Perth was a booming town in the late 1920s, and as more and more people headed west from the eastern states, the demand for golf courses grew. Four of Perth’s finest layouts – Lake Karrinyup, Cottesloe,... Find out more


The Western Australian Golf Club 203 km

The Western Australian Golf Club is a hidden gem, particularly to visitors from interstate or overseas. Set amid the rolling hills of suburban Yokine, and covering some of the highest points to be found north of... Find out more


Lake Karrinyup Country Club 205 km

For more than five decades Lake Karrinyup was widely considered one of Australia’s classic courses. It first won national acclaim when it hosted the 1952 Australian Open, won by Norman von Nida. The Open... Find out more


Joondalup Country Club & Resort 216 km

Few inland courses in Australia boast such visually sensational holes as you will encounter at Joondalup. This 27-hole layout, a 25-minute drive north of Perth’s CBD, is a unique golfing experience and the... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Dunsborough Bakery

Established in 1942 and reputedly one of the best bakeries in Australia, the Dunsborough Bakery is famous for its pies and sourdough loaves. Constantly packed with locals, tourists and surfers, this cash-only bakery is... Find out more


Other Side of the Moon Restaurant

With Bunker Bay at your feet and the Indian Ocean beyond, you could imagine you have visited somewhere as special as the moon. Inside, the swanky decor does little to persuade you otherwise, as does the innovative menu.... Find out more


Wise Vineyard Restaurant

A short drive from the town of Dunsborough and perched high on a hill, Wise Vineyard’s restaurant is run by chef Heath Townsend. The seasonal menu draws upon regional delights such as venison, lamb and seafood, and... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

The Sandcastle 182 km

The Sandcastle is an up-market option in South Fremantle, with beautiful food, much of which comes from sustainable resources, and organic wines and beers. As well as stocking organic vegetables, grains and meats, the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Bootleg Brewery 16 km

Established in 1994 in the Margaret River wine region, this long-running craft brewery bills itself as ‘an oasis of beer in a desert of wine’. The metaphor never quite rang true and even less so in recent... Find out more


Cowaramup Brewing Company 24 km

This family-owned microbrewery, based in the Margaret River wine-producing belt, first fired up in December 2006. Cowaramup can be tricky to pronounce for some visitors (correctly: Ca-rara-mup) and the locals often refer... Find out more


Little Creatures Brewing 183 km

After dabbling in wine and working as a brewing consultant in the US, craftbeer pioneer Phil Sexton re-surfaced in the local beer scene, along with a couple of other former Matilda Bay Brewing heavyweights, with the... Find out more


Sail & Anchor Hotel 183 km

The Australian craft beer movement was kick-started at the Sail & Anchor Hotel in 1984 when the first house-brewed ale flowed there. Phil Sexton and his partners in the Matilda Bay Brewing Company were building the... Find out more


Gage Roads Brewing Company 185 km

Established in 2002 by former Sail & Anchor brewing team Peter Nolin and Bill Hoedemaker, Gage Roads Brewing started producing beer from the Palmyra site in mid-2005. The US-born pair was apparently frustrated that... Find out more


Billabong Brewing 187 km

Owner Alan Proctor started Billabong Brewing as Western Australia’s first brew-on-premise operation, where homebrewers come to make their own beer and bottle it, using professional equipment. In 2006 Proctor... Find out more


Swan Brewery 188 km

The Swan Brewery was established in 1857 by early Western Australian settler Frank Sherwood, who had emigrated from England with his family in 1842. Interestingly, he originally set up a school of classics and languages... Find out more


Elmar's In the Valley 216 km

Having established a successful smallgoods business, German-born couple Elmar and Anette Dieren branched out to establish this sizeable bar, restaurant and beer garden complex, which also includes a microbrewery. While... Find out more


Duckstein Brewery 217 km

Duckstein Brewery actually has two separate breweries and outlets located in both the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions. The original 60-litre microbrewery (or should that be microscopic brewery) is one of the... Find out more


Mash Brewing Company 218 km

The simply named Mash Brewing Company debuted in April 2006, adding to the significant cluster of craft breweries operating out of the Swan Valley. Inspired by the Little Creatures model, the brewery is positioned... Find out more


Campsites around town

Geographe Bay Holiday Resort 17 km

Geographe Bay Holiday Resort is located on Bussell Highway, Busselton and offers visitors a good  range of  facilities in shady surroundings on the foreshore of the beach.  It's a great park for families... Find out more


Canebrake Pool camping and picnic area 34 km

A selection of peaceful sites in the forest beside the river, Canebrake Pool camping area is 5.5 km along Canebreak Rd. Swimming and canoeing are popular pastimes. The Rapids Conservation Park is 25 km north-east of... Find out more


Margaret River Tourist Park 38 km

Margaret River Tourist Park is located 1 km from the centre of town in Station Road and offers visitors shady grassed sites with a good range of facilities for campers as well as other forms of accommodation. The park is... Find out more


Conto Campground 53 km

This camping area for small vans only has a good range of facilities in natural surroundings. It’s near the magnificent scenery and numerous activities offered by this beautiful stretch of coast, and also in... Find out more


Chapman Pool camping area 53 km

This small camping area near the river is 25 km south-east of Margaret River via the Bussell Hwy and Warner Glen Rd. Good facilities are provided in a peaceful forest setting, with swimming, fishing and canoeing the main... Find out more


Point Road Campground 54 km

On Point Rd, 21 km south-west of Margaret River off Boranup Dr, this campground has 4WD access to a delightfully forested area with small campsites close to a fishing and surfing beach. You need to come equipped with... Find out more


Sues Bridge camping area 57 km

This small, secluded camping area is in the forest on Sues Rd, off the Brockman Hwy, 38 km east of Karridale. Campers will find a good range of facilities here while enjoying such activities as fishing, swimming and... Find out more


Alexandra Bridge Camping Ground 61 km

Set beside the Blackwood River 26 km north-east of Augusta on Clarke Dr, this secluded campsite makes the most of the diverse forest landscape on the east side of Alexandra Bridge. With a good range of visitor facilities... Find out more


Boranup Campground 62 km

This small shady camping area in the forest has access for small vans only. Follow the signpost on Boranup Dr, off Caves Rd, 10 km north-west of Karridale. Come equipped with drinking water.... Find out more


The Cut camping area (walk-in camping) 64 km

A small camping area at the end of a peninsula, 8.5 km south of the Belvidere camping ground, The Cut has walk-in, cycle or boat access only. Bring in your own firewood and drinking water.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Yallingup Beach Holiday Park 8 km

This park is in the centre of Yallingup. The popular surfing beach is just metres away and the resort-style holiday centre is just a brief stroll from the gate. The park is very well maintained and has particularly good... Find out more


Peppermint Park Eco Village 14 km

This is one of the neatest parks we have visited in recent times. The camp kitchen has to one of the best we have seen in a part of Australia that is renowned for quality parks. Bookings are required in peak times and a... Find out more


Mandalay Holiday Resort 18 km

This is an excellent quality caravan park for tourists. It is just across the road from the beach and about 4 km from the town centre. There is a popular resort-style pool and large grassy playing area. Holiday periods... Find out more


Beachlands Holiday Park 19 km

This is a good quality park in the very popular holiday town of Busselton. Sites are at a premium here in holiday periods, when the price of powered sites soars over $60 per night. Bookings are required at peak times and... Find out more


Taunton Farm Holiday Park 21 km

We think this is possibly the best base for exploring the wonderful Margaret River region and its many wineries. It is a quality park in a great farm setting and we always enjoy our stays here. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Margaret River Tourist Park 38 km

Located 1 km from the centre of town, this park is a convenient base to explore the popular Margaret River holiday region. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Bunbury 57 km

This is a very good quality park on the highway, 6 km from the city centre. It has some great features including minigolf and a tennis court. Its location makes it an excellent base for a holiday in Bunbury. Bookings are... Find out more


Bunbury Glade Caravan Park 58 km

A good quality park just 3 km south of the city centre, this place has well-maintained grounds and good facilities. It is easily accessible from the Bussell Highway. Bookings are required in January and for long weekends... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Park – Koombana Bay 60 km

Right in the heart of Bunbury, this quality park offers discerning caravanners a range of excellent facilities including a coffee shop and a tennis court. Bookings are required in peak periods. There is a minimum-stay... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Blue Escape

Blue Escape is a stylish two-storey four-bedroom home just a short walk to the town centre, ocean and parks. The upper level takes advantage of the bay views, incorporating an open-plan living area and resort-style... Find out more


Dunsborough Rail Carriages & Farm Cottages

These lovingly restored jarrah rail carriages are a unique getaway. Tastefully appointed with modern fittings and self-contained, they suit couples or a small family. For larger groups, the cottages sleep eight and the... Find out more


Newberry Manor

Despite being built in 2000, Newberry Manor exudes the charm of a bygone era with the benefit of all the modern conveniences. The king-sized suites include spas, cable TV, internet access and private verandahs to the... Find out more


Quay West Resort Bunker Bay

Luxuriously appointed villas, a day spa at your disposal and an outstanding restaurant all contribute to Quay West Resort Bunker Bay’s five-star rating. Not to mention being perched above the world-class Bunker... Find out more


Whalers Cove

Within walking distance to town and a beachfront location, the Whalers Cove is the ideal seaside holiday location, catering equally well to groups and couples. Popular year-round, the villas are well appointed and each... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Yallingup Strawbale Retreat 6 km

The two retreats here have walls built of straw. You can collect eggs for your breakfast, or see what is in season in the orchard.... Find out more


Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat 16 km

Set in a 40-hectare conservation reserve protected from feral predators, with woylies, bandicoots and other animals roaming around, the self-contained chalets here have everything you could want, including local... Find out more


Burnside Bungalows 32 km

At Margaret River you can stay on this certified organic and biodynamic farm that produces mulberries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, avocados and olives. The accommodation is in cottages made with rammed earth and... Find out more


Watermark Kilns 144 km

For something completely different, stay in one of two ex-tobacco kilns, converted into comfortable, low-key accommodation. The double kiln (suitable for large families or bigger groups) has recycled timbers, water is... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Conto Camp Area 52 km

T/O 14 km N of Augusta (L) or 29 km S of Margaret River (R) Whistlers Way camp site is located 6 kilometres west of the highway via Bushby Road, Caves Road and Conto Road in a secluded bushland setting near the coast... Find out more


Chapman Pool Camp Area 53 km

T/O 64 km W of Nannup (R) or 11 km E of Karridale (L) Secluded camp area located in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres north of the highway via Warner Glen Road. GPS: S34 05.329 E115 12.722  ... Find out more


Ironstone Gully Camp Area 56 km

T/O at Donnybrook Small secluded camp area located just off Capel Road, 18 kilometres south-west of Donnybrook. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 39.097 E115 42.296... Find out more


McLeod Creek Rest Area 56 km

23 km N of Augusta (L) or 20 km S of Margaret River (R) Secluded area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GSP: S34 07.619 E115 06.843... Find out more


Bunbury South Rest Area 57 km

42 km NW of Margaret River (L) or 57 km SE of Bunbury (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 22.261 E115 38.779... Find out more


Sue's Bridge Camp Area 57 km

T/O 45 km W of Nannup (R) or 30 km E of Karridale (L) Secluded campground located in the forest 9 kilometres north of the highway via Sue’s Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 04.638 E115 23.293  ... Find out more


Alexandra Bridge Camp Area 61 km

T/O 64 km W of Nannup (R) or 11 km E of Karridale (L) Large camping area 2 kilometres north-west of the highway via Clarke Drive on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S34 09.808 E115 11.046... Find out more


Barrabup Pool Camp Area 65 km

T/O 2 km N of Nannup Small camp area located 8 kilometres west of Vasse Highway via Mowen Road. Good shade. GPS: S33 56.666 E115 41.590... Find out more


Workers Pool Camp Area 65 km

T/O 2 km N of Nannup Small camp area located 8 kilometres west of Vasse Highway via Mowen Road. Good shade. GPS: S33 57.244 E115 41.280  ... Find out more


Canebrake Rest Area 71 km

34 km W of Nannup (R) or 41 km E of Karridale (L) Small area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 09.348 E115 31.116... Find out more


Karri Gully Rest Area 88 km

26 km W of Bridgetown (R) or 19 km E of Nannup (L) Very small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S34 00.445 E115 56.446... Find out more


Willow Springs Camp Area 89 km

T/O 24 km W of Bridgetown (L) or 21 km E of Nannup (R) Secluded area located 5 kilometres south of the highway in the forest. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 02.745 E115 55.553... Find out more


Greenbushes Rest Area 91 km

9 km S of Balingup (R) or 17 km N of Bridgetown (L) Large grassed area just off the highway at the junction with the road into Greenbushes. GPS: S33 50.215 E116 03.023... Find out more


Jarrah Park Rest Area 93 km

21 km W of Bridgetown (R) or 24 km E of Nannup (L) Very small area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S34 01.843 E115 59.137  ... Find out more


Harvey River Park Area 96 km

51 km S of Pinjarra (R) or 49 km N of Bunbury (L) Shady area on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 04.667 E115 54.525... Find out more


Bridgetown Park Area 103 km

South end of town Large area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 58.197 E116 08.041 ... Find out more


Hoffman Mill Camp Area 114 km

T/O 44 km S of Pinjarra (L) or 56 km N of Bunbury (R) Large camp area located 18 kilometres east of the highway via Logue Brook Dam Road and Clarke Road. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed.... Find out more


Bandicoot Brook Rest Area 117 km

21 km S of Pinjarra (R) or 79 km N of Bunbury (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.417 E115 54.180... Find out more


Diamond Tree Lookout Park Area 122 km

10 km S of Manjimup (R) or 108 km N of Walpole (L) Small area just off the highway in the forest. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 19.195 E116 07.227... Find out more


Pinjarra Park Area 130 km

South side of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway opposite the cemetery. GPS: S32 38.513 E115 52.177... Find out more


Nanga Mill Camp Area 130 km

8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 11 km from park entry Large area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.102 E116 06.235... Find out more


Baden Powell Camp Area 131 km

8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 2 km from park entry Large area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S32 46.3353 E116 04.982... Find out more


Chuditch Camp Area 131 km

8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 9 km from park entry Small secluded area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 47.293 E116 06.558... Find out more


Marrinup Camp Area 133 km

5 km NW of Dwellingup Large clearing in the forest 2.5 kilometres north of Pinjarra–Dwellingup Road via Grey Road (2.5 kilometres west of Dwellingup). NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S32 42.138 E116... Find out more


North Dandelup Park Area 146 km

43 km S of Armadale (L) or 15 km N of Pinjarra (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Toilets behind nearby hall. Good shade. GPS: S32 31.125 E115 58.296... Find out more


What's on around town

Market: Dunsborough Hall, cnr Gibney St and Gifford Rd; 1st Sat each month.

Margaret River Wine Festival: throughout region; Apr/May.

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