I’ve simply returned from a 5-day Western Australia highway journey the place a pal and I travelled south from Perth. One of the memorable locations for me on our route was the gorgeous coastal city of Dunsborough.
Think about a spot the place clear Gatorade-like waters meet luscious vineyards, the place connoisseur eating choices are simply minutes from gorgeous nature trails, and the place rest and journey come collectively in excellent concord. That is Dunsborough in a nutshell.
Dunsborough has a really laid-back, spacious and ‘chill’ vibe and but additionally has all the journey you may dream of inside a comparatively small driving distance.
Should you’re questioning why Dunsborough needs to be on the prime of your journey checklist over different locations in Australia, this information will present you precisely why this coastal paradise captures so many hearts time and time once more.
On the lookout for the finest issues to do in Dunsborough? Whether or not you’re within the strategy of planning your journey otherwise you’re right here searching for inspiration – this coastal gem in Western Australia has all of it.
This Dunsborough journey information will take you thru the highest issues to do in Dunsborough and the very best locations to eat and drink in Dunsborough so that you could benefit from your go to.
Notepads on the prepared!
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
The place is Dunsborough? And Why Ought to You Go to?
Nestled within the Margaret River area of Western Australia (south of Perth), Dunsborough is a coastal city recognized for its mixture of fantastic seashores, standard surf breaks, lush forests, and total relaxed ambiance.
Situated about three hours south of Perth by automobile, this pocket of Western Australia hosts a dreamy mixture of out of doors journey and laid-back luxurious. Whether or not you’re coming to catch some waves, witness gorgeous coastal rock formations, or lounge between some distinctive wineries, Dunsborough is a vacation spot that guarantees unforgettable journey.
Should you worth nature, good meals, and coastal surroundings, i’ve little doubt that you simply’ll fall in love with this gorgeous a part of Western Australia.
The Finest Approach to Get There & The place to Keep
The simplest strategy to attain Dunsborough is by automobile from Perth, which takes roughly three hours.
Alternatively, you may select to take a flight right down to Busselton Margaret River Airport and drive about half-hour to succeed in the city itself. A automobile is extremely beneficial to discover the world at your individual tempo so contemplate renting a automobile should you do resolve to fly in.
For lodging and locations to remain there are lots of choices…
We rented a campervan from Ratpack Journey which is the budget-friendly possibility and you’ll pull up at Tasman Vacation Park proper on the entrance at Yallingup with a powered website for $90. E-book right here.
In my view, travelling round Australia with a campervan or motorhome is the last word strategy to see it. You possibly can pull as much as some once-in-a-lifetime views for dinner, morning espresso, and post-surf hangouts. You simply get a lot extra flexibility. See the photographs beneath.
You even have the choice of reserving on Airbnb which is a very inexpensive possibility if there are a number of of you sharing. There’s Empire Retreat & Spa for a extra luxurious lodging and Meelup Farmhouse Keep for a country, charming possibility.
1. Espresso & Pastry at Service provider & Maker
Crucial suggestion of all… the place to get your morning cup of espresso?
For an ideal brew and all the nice vibes, head to Service provider & Maker on Dunborough excessive avenue. It’s a neighborhood favorite famend for its wealthy espresso and scrumptious pastries. There’s parking exterior so it’s a straightforward seize and go possibility however you’ll be tempted to remain some time to browse the store and absorb the morning buzz that was evident on each visits we made!
Whether or not you go for a buttery croissant a cinnamon scroll or a few of their freshly made focaccia, this café will set you up for an ideal day of exploring the finest issues to do in Dunsborough.
2. Indulge at Elski Danish Ice Creamery
This spot is true subsequent to Service provider and Maker!
Settle down post-surf with a scoop (or two) of conventional Danish ice cream at Elski Danish Ice Creamery. This fantastically styled spot delivers handcrafted ice lotions with distinctive flavours impressed by Danish recipes.
It’s a must-visit for candy deal with lovers searching for the finest issues to do in Dunsborough.
Discover their menu right here.
Journey tip:
Make sure you strive their well-known liquorice ice cream, a Danish speciality!
3. Chill out at Empire Spa Retreat
If rest is excessive in your agenda to your Dunsborough journey, ebook a therapy on the Empire Spa Retreat.
Surrounded by lush forests, this luxury wellness haven affords indulgent massages, facials, and spa therapies – mhhhhmmmm.
It’s stated to be one of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough for these looking for tranquillity. I didn’t get an opportunity to go to on my journey however it’s prime of my checklist for after I return!
Take a look at their spa therapies right here. Their signature scorching stone therapeutic massage is a must-try!
4. Brunch at Meelup Farmhouse
This was essentially the most beneficial spot after I requested you on Instagram the place I merely can’t miss on my Western Australia highway journey – so I needed to test it out.
I can affirm, a visit to Dunsborough isn’t full with out a lengthy, lazy brunch at Meelup Farmhouse. Nestled in amongst open fields and resident cattle, this stunningly designed farm cafe serves up farm-to-table dishes with the freshest native components.
Attempt their well-known Char sui pork stomach with chilli scrambled eggs or the Harissa spiced beans on avo toast – each have been DIVINE.
Meelup Farmhouse is unquestionably one of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough for meals lovers. E-book your brunch spot and take a look at get your self seated exterior to absorb the panorama too!
Preserve a watch out for the fluffy chickens!
5. Sundown Eating at Sensible Wine
On the lookout for one thing to do within the night in Dunsborough?
E-book your self a desk for sundown at Sensible Wine, one of many area’s most spectacular wineries with breathtaking views of the encircling vineyards and Geographe Bay.
Sip your manner by way of a collection of premium wines whereas having fun with a seasonal menu that includes domestically sourced produce. Should you’ve headed to this area for the world-class wineries, that is simply one of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough.
Journey tip:
Sensible Wine is the one vineyard within the area with an ocean view!
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
6. Swim at Meelup Seashore
Meelup Seashore is paradise. It’s one in every of Western Australia’s most pristine swimming spots and taking a dip is the proper mixture alongside along with your lunch at Meelup Farmhouse.
Take a dip, learn your ebook on one of many benches or structure a blanket and have your picnic lunch overlooking the turquoise waters.
Visiting this gorgeous seashore is among the many finest issues to do in Dunsborough.
Preserve a watch out for dolphins, which are sometimes noticed within the bay! There was additionally a espresso van within the carpark after we visited which is positioned proper on the beachfront.
7. Dinner with a View at Ilma Seashore Home
Not too long ago renovated and opened to the general public, homeowners Mark and Liz (who additionally personal Meelup Farmhouse) opened this beachfront restaurant to seize the sluggish, relaxed tempo of life present in Mediterranean cultures. The identify “ilma” interprets to “water” in Maltese, evoking a way of calm, refreshment and neighborhood all while looking over the gorgeous Bunker Bay.
The menu right here at Ilma Seashore Home featured contemporary seafood, native meats, and a refined collection of wines from native wineries to completely complement the flavours.
Eating right here felt like a European vacation. The Gold Band Snapper fish dish I selected was in all probability the very best fish dish I’ve ever laid onto my style buds on. WOW. And with a glass of Dancing within the moonlight from Cullen Wines… perfection.
Eating right here is undoubtedly one of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough. This was my foodie spotlight of my Dunsborough and was an all-around excellent vibe.
8. Go for a sundown swim at Bunker Bay
When you’ve let your meals go down at Ilma Seashore Home, get your swimmers on and head down for a dip within the ocean.
Bunker Bay is a surprising, sheltered seashore in Western Australia. It was so calm and had a extremely stunning vitality to it.
Its calm, light waves make it a super swimming spot and seashore day for households and people searching for a soothing dip. The bay is a part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Nationwide Park, providing unimaginable coastal surroundings and occasional dolphin sightings!!
Bunker Bay is likely one of the finest locations to unwind and benefit from the pristine waters of the Margaret River area. You probably have time afterwards, head as much as Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for sundown!
9. Go to Sugarloaf Rock Lookout
Take a while to go to and {photograph} Sugarloaf Rock, a putting granite formation simply off the coast right here in Dunsborough.
Go to at sundown to witness the gorgeous sundown hues towards the rugged rock – one of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough.
P.s. This spot can be a nesting website for the uncommon red-tailed tropicbird – preserve your eyes peeled!
10. Browsing at Yallingup
For individuals who are eager to chase the waves and get within the water Yallingup Seashore is one in every of Western Australia’s prime browsing locations and proper by Dunsborough!
Whether or not you’re a seasoned surfer or simply beginning, the constant swell right here and exquisite environment make this spot a must-visit.
Browsing right here is among the many finest issues to do in Dunsborough for journey lovers.
Test surf circumstances right here.
Enjoyable truth: Yallingup was named after an Aboriginal phrase that means “place of affection.”
11. Sundown at Canal Rocks Boardwalk
Taking in a sundown on the Canal Rocks Boardwalk can be my suggestion!!! I LOVED catching the sundown right here.
Canal Rocks is a nook on the coast the place the Indian Ocean surges by way of historical rock formations, making a pure spectacle. The boardwalk (pictured beneath) affords the very best vantage factors for absorbing this gorgeous coastal scene.
One of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough? I feel so!
Preserve your digicam prepared for gorgeous long-exposure photographs of the waves crashing by way of the canals!
12. Day Journey to Margaret River’s Caves Highway Wineries
No journey to Dunsborough can ever be full with out a day exploring the famend wineries alongside Caves Highway in Margaret River.
Solely 20 minutes from Dunsborough, the proper day journey, this scenic drive is dwelling to among the area’s most prestigious wineries, providing world-class wine tastings and connoisseur eating experiences.
Whether or not you like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp summer time day Chardonnay, there’s a cellar door ready for you.
A wine tour alongside this iconic route is undoubtedly one of many finest issues to do in Dunsborough, check out Cullen Wines, Pierre and Area Naturaliste!
Regularly Requested Questions
What’s Dunsborough finest recognized for?
Dunsborough is known for its insanely stunning seashores, world class browsing spots, world-class wineries, and breathtaking pure points of interest like Sugarloaf Rock and Canal Rocks. It’s additionally a prime spot for whale watching throughout migration season. It’s received so much going for it!
Is Dunsborough price visiting?
Completely sure!!! For all the causes listed above!
What’s the finest time to go to Dunsborough?
One of the best time to go to Dunsborough is between September and Could when the climate is heat. We visited at first of Feb which is a good time since you miss the push of summer time vacation and so issues quieten down. This lets you take pleasure in locations with fewer crowds! Spring (September-November) is very stunning, with wildflowers in bloom.
How lengthy ought to I keep in Dunsborough?
A weekend is sufficient to see the highlights, we stayed for two days and stuffed it with unforgettable moments. However staying 4-5 days can be my suggestion because it lets you absolutely discover the seashores, wineries, and nature trails at a relaxed tempo. It additionally lets you chase the swell and luxuriate in every thing with out dashing round!
Is Dunsborough family-friendly?
Sure! There are such a lot of calm seashores, nature walks, farm experiences, and loads of kid-friendly cafes, Dunsborough appears very family-friendly!
Is there the rest you’d add to the very best issues to do in Dunsborough bucket checklist?
What are the very best issues to do in Dunsborough in your opinion? Something you’d add to this Dunsborough bucket checklist? Have any questions or ideas of your individual? Go away them within the feedback beneath, we’d love to listen to from you.
Love as at all times and glad adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.