Have you ever experienced a proper seaside holiday? The type dictated by the tide? Morning wakeup calls comprise body tingling dips in crystal clear water, itineraries fit between the ebb and flow of the whitewash, and there’s always telltale signs you’ve been ocean-kissed – salty hair, chapped lips and, of course, sandy feet. At least, that’s what you’ll notice next time you while away a Dunsborough getaway.
“The perfect midway point between everywhere” Veronique Willing, former Private Properties home owner on Dunsborough.
Private Properties’ List of Top Things to Do in Dunsborough
Located approximately three hours from Perth, towards the southern end of the idyllic Geographe Bay, Dunsborough is one of our favourite holiday destinations in WA. Presenting the perfect blend of things to do and places to relax during your stay, it offers something for anyone who wants to embrace laidback coastal living.
Need some Dunsborough holiday inspiration? Here are our top picks of things to do in Dunsborough in 2024.
SEE AND DO
Just the right amount of hustle and bustle. Serene landscapes worthy of many-an-Instagram Reel. Shoes on or off. Whatever you choose, find an experience that’s oh-so-Dunsborough.
Explore Dunsborough’s magnificent coast and forest
On the cusp of some of the Margaret River Region’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions, Dunsborough offers nature lovers an epic playground in which to explore. Start at the ocean-hugging Meelup Regional Park, which is primed for mountain bikers (check out the Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park) and/or hikers (here’s a great resource if you’re looking for picturesque walks).
Coastal track through Meelup Regional Park.
Shop ‘til you drop
If you prefer to experience Dunsborough at a slower pace, all you need to do is venture around town. Dunsborough is home to a collection of shops, cafes and eateries that ooze laidback living. Browse clothes shops like Laneway Boutique, Milc Homewares and One Palm, filled with Dunsborough threads (yes, Dunsborough has its own distinct fashion style!), pick up a new read from Text & Co, or sip coffee while shopping at Merchant and Maker.
Soak in an iconic sunset at Sugarloaf Rock
Grab a picnic, some friends, a spot along the coast and make sure you line up the sun between granite outcrops and Sugarloaf Rock. Sunsets don’t get much better than this, not in the South West.
Sugarloaf Rock. Image credit: Jarad Seng.
SURF, PADDLE AND CRUISE ALL DAY
Arguably home to the best stretch of coastline in WA, Dunsborough features striking landscapes that are diverse, beautiful, calm, and sometimes… a little wild. Venture from sand and rock, to clear saltwater and the deep blue sea, in as little as a few minutes, or as long as a few days.
Bay hop between Castle Rock, Point Picquet and Bunker Bay
No matter if you go by foot, by car, by boat or by board, bay hopping along Dunsborough’s coast is a must do during your Dunsborough holiday. Each one of its many inlets have something unique to offer – from family-friendly rockpools and waveless bays, through to snorkelling paradises and picturesque rock enclaves. Don’t miss a fish at Point Picquet, SUPing at Castle Rock and mooring at Point Picquet.
SUPing at Point Picquet Image credit: Tim Campbell.
Watch whales and other creatures cruise the Capes
We’re incredibly lucky to have a diverse range of sea animals migrate past Cape Naturaliste and Geographe Bay each and every year. See humpback whales, seals, rays and more from the shore, boat or on a chartered cruise.
Geographe Bay, Dunsborough.
Dive the HMAS Swan Dive Wreck
There’s more to see, when you go under the sea. Avid divers will want to book a dive charter to the HMAS Swan Dive Wreck – a 2750t, 140m-long scuttled in Geographe Bay in December 1997.
EAT PLENTY & DRINK MERRILY
Food connoisseurs will feel right at home taste-testing their way through some of the region’s best eateries, while those just after a casual bite to eat will come across some delicious finds as close as Dunsborough’s main street.
Wine and dine
Looking for a show-stopping food experience to impress the mister or missus? Book a table at the six-seasons-encompassing Yarri, indulge in one of the finest seafood feasts at Blue Manna, or toast to sustainable, local food and wine at Wayfinder. After something a bit more laidback? We love the Balinese Sambal Chicken sushi rolls at Peko Peko, a flower-shaped crepe from Mano Wraps and a banh mi from Little Saigon.
Yarri Restaurant + Bar. Image credit: J Wyld.
Have brunch or a picnic lunch
In Dunsborough, brunch and lunch are more than just a means to eat – they’re a pivotal part of anyone’s see-and-do itinerary. Spend hours at Meelup Farmhouse, where you can feed chickens, wave at highland cows and enjoy photogenic and gastronomic fare that’s wholesome and a little plush. In the warmer months, book yourself a picnic lunch, crack open a bottle of wine and stretch out on the property’s expansive lawn. For homemade, gourmet sausage rolls and other delicious treats, visit Eagle Bay Olives, which also has a sandpit for the kids and the option to dine – picnic blanket provided – under the olive branches.
Wet the whistle
Thirsty? Head to Bungalow Social for a stylish throwback to mid-century digs or grab a bevvie and dinner at The Pour House. If you’ve just spent the day in Yallingup, swing past Bailey Brewing Co or pop into Caves House Hotel, both of which have live music, food and plenty to drink.
HIDE AND SEEK
Dunsborough is such a family-friendly destination, it’s no wonder every school holidays it’s brimming with kids. Here’s what to do with them:
Explore the outdoors
Move over iPad, and “moo” into Country Life Farm – a family-friendly, farm experience complete with fluffy, furry and funny farm animals. Little monkeys will love the outdoor adventure course at Next Level Monkey Business, which will have them swinging between leaves and climbing up trees, and nature players will spend hours building stick houses at Djiljit Mia nature playground.
Next Level Monkey Business.
Practise flips and tricks at Dunsborough Skate Park
Mad skateboard fanatic on your hands? Take them to the Dunsborough Skate Park, located at the Dunsborough Lakes Playing Fields. The skate park features a deep bowl, banks and quarters, perfect for all levels of skaters.
Treat them to an ice-cream
Ice-cream – the ultimate in “holiday treats”. Get it at Simmos – where you can also hang out all day, thanks to multiple playgrounds, a mini golf course and amusement park rides during the school holidays – and at Elski, which has some tantalising, Danish-inspired flavours and soft-serve.
SLEEP AND REPEAT
Holidays are so often jam-packed with things to do, but you need to sleep, too. Place to rest? Browse our Dunsborough Holiday Homes
