The 25+ Best Things to Do in Dunsborough + Travel Guide

Last Updated on 7 January 2025 by Ariana Svenson

There are enough things to do in Dunsborough to keep you occupied for a whole weekend!  It’s one of the hidden gems of Australia’s south west.

After many trips to the entire Margaret River region, we advocate booking accommodation in one area and then visiting all the things to see around that area rather than spending loads of time in the car driving around.

The Wadandi people traditionally lived around modern-day Dunsborough and referred to the area as Quedjinup, which means “Place of Women.” The name Quedjinup still applies to an area south of Dunsborough. 

The modern town is named after the nearby Dunn Bay and was first spelled “Dunnsbro,” but the spelling of “bro” was amended to “borough” when the name was gazetted in 1879. 

However, the name stuck, and it’s still referred to as Duns-brah versus the more formal English pronunciation of Duns-boro!

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Visiting Dunsborough and The Margaret River Region

In keeping with the idea that the best way to explore the different parts of the Margaret River region is to explore one district at a time, ewe encourage you to check out our other information:

Top Things To Do In Yallingup
Things To Do In Busselton
Things To Do In Margaret River Region

Speaking of Busselton, if you plan on visiting, read our guide to the Best Things to do in Busselton. For food and drink, read about the Best Restaurants In Busselton and our guide to the Best Busselton Wineries and Breweries! 

As a town of about 5000 people and an area along Geographe Bay to Cape Naturaliste, these are our top places to visit in Dunsborough, WA.

Map of Dunsborough WA – Top Things to Do

The Best Things to Do in Dunsborough, Western Australia

With a permanent population of over 5000, Dunsborough is a good-sized town, meaning that you can get everything you need. It’s one of the best places to visit in Western Australia and there are plenty of facilities catering to visitors, including a good number of fashion boutiques, fancy eateries, and coffee shops. 

When you walk down the street in Dunsborough, you get the feeling that you are in a holiday town!

1. Sugarloaf Rock

Location: Sugarloaf Rd, Naturaliste, WA

Sugarloaf Rock is a stunning, colorful, craggy rock along the coast, and it is worth a stop.  The lookout out to the huge rock is only a short walk from the carpark. 

It can be easily done on your way to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.  This is a spectacular place for sunset, with the Sugarloaf Rock and the resident birds making for an invigorating end to a perfect day exploring the Dunsborough area.  We even spotted whales from the Sugarloaf Rock lookout!

A stop at Sugarloaf Rock should be your must-do of things to do in Dunsborough, WA.

2. Cape Naturalise Lighthouse

Location: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 1267 Cape Naturaliste Rd, Naturaliste WA

This Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is the smaller of the two Margaret River region lighthouses, a little short and stumpy if you like!  While the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is tall and serene, perched over the ocean, the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse is short and squat.

It’s not got the wild and woolly feel of the lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin but our kids enjoyed their sheltered playground and picnic area. 

It is only a short walk from the historic cottages where the lighthouse keepers and their families lived.  The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse offers stunning views along the coast.  You can even go on a guided tour of the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

If you do the guided tour, you can climb the lighthouse, which I read has only 59 steps and is windy on top. 

My kids have loved visiting both the Cape Naturalise and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouses and learning more about ships and maritime history!

3. Bunker Bay Loop Walk

Starting Location: Cape Naturaliste Trail, Naturaliste, WA

The Bunker Bay Loop Walk was suggested to us as an easy, family-friendly walk that would offer amazing views across Bunker Bay. 

It leaves from the Cape Naturaliste Car Park and is a 3.5 km loop offering views of Bunker Bay. This trail is good all year round but particularly good in the winter (when it is not too hot) and also offers views of the whale migration starting in July. 

There are also lots of wildflowers from late spring (e.g., August to September). To do this walk comfortably, we would allow 1-2 hours.

For more trail ideas, read our guide to the best Margaret River walking trails.

4. Next Level Monkey Business Dunsborough

Location: 1710 Caves Rd, Dunsborough, WA

This is a high-ropes adventure park in Dunsborough, WA, where you can climb like a monkey or soar like a bird on a zip line. It is conveniently located next to Clancy’s Fish Pub and also offers a café and play areas.

While they are advertised as being for children aged 4 and up, like other ropes courses in the area, check the age and height restrictions carefully before doing this.  On another day we opted to do the nearby Forest Adventures in Busselton. 

There can be some limitations on what kids around the 5 – 8-year-old range can do (which can result in disappointment if they are little monkeys). 

5. Ngilgi Cave

Location: 76 Yallingup Caves Rd

The Nil-gee cave is the northernmost of the Margaret River Caves, and it’s hard to know whether it’s located in Dunsborough or Yallingup. 

I’d say it is halfway between both! One of the best things about Ngilgi Cave (as opposed to other caves in the area) is that it is semi-guided, which means that you are free to explore on your own after a short tour.

We did this with Grandpa, who is in his late 70s. While the steps caused some heavy breathing, it was not too hard for him, and he loved the experience. 

Find out what times the tours leave so you don’t have to wait for the next one. Check here for more information on the Ngilgi Cave Tours.

6. Meelup Beach

The crystal clear, calm waters of Meelup Beach are a popular place to go swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. 

With a northeast-facing coastline, it is sheltered from the howling south-westerlies and as such it makes a good place for littlies to swim.

The Meelup Reserve Trail is a gorgeous 7 km coastal walk that has you hiking along the north-facing Geographe Bay. This picturesuqe bush track is a moderately easy walk consisting mainly of a limestone and granite path with views of  stunning white sandy turquoise bays and red rocks. 

The trail starts just off Hurford Street in Old Dunsborough where the Meelup Nature Reserve begins. From here, you will hike past Curtis Bay, Castle Rock, Castle Bay, Meelup Beach, Point Picquet and finishes at Eagle Bay.

Most of the beaches along this track are famous swimming beaches and are particularly inviting with lovely turquoise water. 

There are good facilities in the Meelup Regional Reserve, including picnic areas, barbecues, showers and toilets.

7. Castle Rock

Location: Castle Rock Rd, Dunsborough

Castle Rock is a 700m walk from the nearest car park. The path is mostly flat and easy, even for kids. However, it may be challenging to navigate prams, as the path is rocky. 

Castle Rock is quite a sight to behold. Strong and majestic, it stands against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

8. Eagle Bay

If you are looking for things to do in Eagle Bay and have already visited the Eagle Bay Brewing Co. or Wise Wines, why not visit Eagle Bay itself? 

It should be known that Eagle Bay is known as the secluded escape of Western Australia’s rich and famous people, and there are many opulent beachfront holiday homes there.

9. Simmo’s Ice Creamery & Simmo’s Mini Golf

Location: 161 Commonage Rd, Quindalup

Simmo’s Ice Creamery is famous in Dunsborough.  Actually, it’s famous all across Western Australia for its mouth-watering creamy ice-creams. 

Their shop in Dunsborough was the home of the original Simmo’s.  It has become a great place to spend a few hours.  There are a lot of grassed areas, picnic tables, and even some ‘fairground attractions’ for small children.

For my kids, the mini-golf is the main attraction at the Simmo’s Ice Creamery (apart from the ice cream).  They have a fun course that is achievable for kids, and we had a ball the day we visited.

10. Visit the Wineries in Dunsborough + The Margaret River Wine Region

As to be expected in a prime grape-growing region, there are several wineries near Dunsborough.

I will be honest; we didn’t get to Wise Wines on our last trip to Dunsborough! Why? Well, it’s just down the road from Eagle Bay Brewing Co., and we went there first. We had such a great time that we stayed longer than we anticipated. 

Wise Wines gets great reviews for its spectacular views across Eagle Bay, superb foodie meals, and great tasting area. Not only do they sell wines, but they also create gins and piscos! It’s worth checking out!

Though technically in Yallingup, another great place to stop while in the area is one of our favorites, Swings and Roundabouts Winery. Super kid-friendly, funky, and fun, there is a lot to love about Swings and Roundabouts.

Make sure you read our full guide to the best wineries in Brusselton + Breweries.

11. Whale Watching in Dunsborough

The Margaret River region offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to watch whales. Since whale hunting was made illegal in the 1970s, thousands of whales migrate from the Antarctic to warmer waters each year.

This year, we were privileged to head to Augusta, where Flinders Bay is the first place the whales make land. Within the same area, you can see Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales, and Humpback Whales. It is truly a fantastic experience.

After giving birth in the north, humpback whales begin their migration south. They return to Geographe Bay, where they nurse their young from September through to December (whale watching season). This makes Dunsborough and Busselton great places to whale watch. Another great spot to see whales is Point Picquet.If you want to see whales close up, we recommend Naturaliste charters.

12. Visit the Dunsborough Playgrounds

A reasonable playground on the main street of Dunsborough has a spider net and some swings. 

Adjacent to a public toilet, our kids had a good run and played one day.

In addition, those looking for a good walk or exercise should head to the Dunsborough foreshore, which has miles of walking trails. 

If you are keen, look for the Meelup Regional Park walk trail information and do something like the hike from Dunsborough to Castle Rock.  (mentioned above at point #7)

13. Country Life Farm

Location: 1694 Caves Rd, Dunsborough, WA

If you’re travelling to Dunsborough with kids in tow, visiting Country Life Farm is a must! It’s one of the most popular Dunsborough attractions.

The farm is just a short drive from the town centre. Kids can get up close with friendly farm animals like ponies, goats, and alpacas. Little ones will love feeding the animals, and the farm also has a range of rides and playgrounds.

There’s also an indoor play area, unlimited rides on the merry-go-round (which operates on the hour), and access to outdoor play equipment. Don’t forget the bumper cars and boat rides, where everyone gets one ride included — kids under six can even join in on the bumper car fun when accompanied by an adult.

The indoor playground has a small café where you can grab a coffee or snack.

What’s Included in Your Admission:

• Buckets of carrots for feeding the animals
• Unlimited merry-go-round rides
• 1 bumper car ride per person
• 1 boat ride per person
• Free tea and coffee for adults

14. Fishing in Dunsborough, WA

Dunsborough’s calm, sheltered bays are ideal for a bit of fishing, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just want to give it a go.

Head to spots like Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp or nearby the Quindalup Boat Ramp for a chance to catch local species like herring and whiting. Other fish filled bays include Dunsborough Beach, Meelup Beach, Castle Rock Beach and Bunker Bay.

Consider chartering a boat and heading out into Geographe Bay, where you can try your luck with larger fish like pink snapper. Other offshore fishing spots include Wright Bank and Four Mile Reef.

15. Visit the Beautiful Sandy Beaches

Thanks to its pristine coastline, Dunsborough is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Margaret River region. Think soft white sand and crystal clear waters!

Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay are the most popular beaches, with calm waters perfect for kids.

Smiths Beach is just a short drive away and a favourite with surfers due to its great surf breaks.

Castle Rock is an excellent spot for picnicking and exploring rock pools.

16. Surfing in Dunsborough

If you’re new to surfing, several surf schools in the area offer beginner lessons, so you can learn the basics before heading out to catch your first wave. The Dunsborough coast really is a surfer’s playground!

Here are the top spots:

• Yallingup Beach: Just a 15-minute drive from Dunsborough, Yallingup Beach is known for its consistent waves.
• Smiths Beach: Another local favourite, Smiths Beach is perfect for beginners or intermediate surfers. This beach has long rides and a reliable beach break. On smaller days, it’s great if you’re just starting out.
• Bunker Bay: This beautiful spot is on the other side of Cape Naturaliste and is a good option when the winds are howling from the south-west, though not as consistent as Yallingup Beach.

17. Mountain Biking

Dunsborough is a fantastic destination for mountain biking, with plenty of trails to suit everyone.

The Meelup Regional Park and surrounding areas offer a variety of trails. Bring your own bike or rent one from one of the local shops and explore. The designated ‘Zone 6’ trails offer a fantastic mix of technical single tracks, flowy descents, and thrilling jump lines.

Another popular spot is the Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park, offering roughly 20 km of single-track trails that loop through the Meelup Hills. There is a  $5 Entry fee through the Country Club.

18. Dunsborough Visitor Centre

Location: Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre, Seymour Boulevard, Dunsborough

Make sure to stop by the Dunsborough Visitor Centre when you arrive in town. You can pick up maps and brochures and even book your whale-watching tour or other guided tours.

The Visitor Centre is located right on the main street.

19. HMAS Swan Wreck

Location: Geographe Bay, Dunsborough, WA

Dunsborough is home to one of Australia’s best diving spots: the HMAS Swan Wreck. This decommissioned naval destroyer was purposely sunk in 1997 and is now an artificial reef.

Go diving, explore the ship’s hull and compartments, and spot corals and plenty of fish.

To visit the Swan Wreck, you will need to book a dive tour.

Places to Eat in Dunsborough, WA

20. Eagle Bay Brewing

One of the more sophisticated breweries in the Margaret River region, we love Eagle Bay Brewing Co. with its stunning views out to the ocean. 

The large, spacious areas are modern yet cosy, and the kids loved playing on the large lawns, even in the middle of winter.

21. Occy’s Fish Pub

There are two recommended fish pubs in Dunsborough. Occy’s is located in the middle of Dunsborough, not far from the main shopping centre. We went there early in the evening in winter, and it was packed wall to wall. It has a warm ambiance and lots of happy patrons. There is a reason why it is ranked as one of the top restaurants in Dunsborough.

22. Clancy’s Fish Pub

Our number two choice that evening was Clancy’s Fish Pub, which felt like a 1970s retro pub that had been refitted as a fish pub. The dated décor has been touched up with some bright paint and a family feel. Our kids loved the fish tanks full of colorful fish, and these kept them occupied until our meal came—quite quickly.

In an area known for fabulous cuisine and great food, Clancy’s Fish Pub was a disappointment. The meals felt like they came from the 1970s, too, and were not plentiful. What we did enjoy, however, was that Clancy’s stocked all the beers from the local breweries, meaning we had a diverse tasting opportunity!

23. Dunsborough Bakery

Dunsborough Bakery is an absolute institution in the town, serving delicious baked goods for over 60 years! This local gem is famous for its fresh bread, buttery pastries, and seriously good pies.

Choose from a wide range of savoury pies, sausage rolls, and pasties—each packed with tasty fillings like classic steak, bacon and cheese or a spicy curry twist. The pastry? Flaky, golden, and perfect every single time.

But it’s not just about the savouries; their sweet selection is just as drool-worthy. Think melt-in-your-mouth croissants, decadent éclairs, custard tarts, and jam-filled doughnuts. The hardest part will be deciding what to try first!

Things to Do Around Dunsborough (but in Yallingup)

It is easy for people not from Western Australia to confuse Dunsborough and Yallingup. After all, the two localities are very close to one another. 

You might see these attractions listed as “Attractions in Dunsborough.” However, we have to set the record straight and say that they are actually in Yallingup!

24. Canal Rocks

Canal Rocks is a series of granite rocks in the Indian Ocean just off the coast.  It is situated approximately 4 kilometres south of Yallingup in the South West region of Western Australia.  The Noongar name for this place is Winjee Sam.

25. Indijup Spa

These are another stunning multi-coloured place to visit. The rocks at the “Natural Spa” have formed into a waterfall-like formation, and when the ocean waves crash over them, they bubble into the pools below—the natural spa!

Cape lavender tea rooms, Swings, and Roundabouts Winery are among the things to do in Yallingup, WA, that we have covered in our information.

Accommodation Dunsborough WA

For a medium-sized town, Dunsborough accommodation is certainly very varied and there is something for everyone!  It’s good to know that most Dunsborough accommodation is beachfront, and there are a lot of holiday homes and beach cottages to rent.

Best Luxury Accommodation Dunsborough

The Pullman Bunker Bay is a truly amazing place to stay. It is located on one of Cape Naturaliste’s pristine white beaches and nestled amongst the native Western Australian peppermints.

With stunning views over Bunker Bay and large, comfortable villas, this is undoubtedly one of the best luxury accommodation options in Dunsborough. 

Make sure you read our full review of the Pullman Resort Bunker Bay

Other Region Accommodations

If Dunsborough is a stop on a longer South West WA trip and you are looking for other recommendations, check out our post “Best Family Accommodation In South West WA.” It includes accommodation recommendations and reviews for the Busselton, Yallingup, and Margaret River areas. 

If you are taking your furry friend along, read our Roundup of the Best Dog-Friendly Accommodations in South West, WA.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Dunsborough

I have to admit, I have great memories of Dunsborough as a 17-year-old attending leavers parties. The area is still very popular for Western Australian leavers, who tend to arrive at the end of November each year. 

I would avoid Dunsborough during the Leavers/ Schoolies period if you can.

Dunsborough is typically busy from late December through February and then again at Easter. Weather-wise, the best months to visit are January through May when it’s warm. 

From June through to November, a great reason to visit Dunsborough is the annual whale migration, and even when it’s raining, plenty of things keep you occupied!

Things to do in Dunsborough When It’s Raining

We’ve visited Dunsborough during winter, so we feel well-placed to provide advice on things to do when it’s raining!

• Take a cave tour to Ngili Cave.
• Hunker down at the Eagle Bay Brewing Co. for a long lunch (or Wise Wines).
• Go for a windswept beach walk on Bunker Bay!

For more winter activities, read our guide to the best things to do in Margaret River in winter.

Getting from Perth to Dunsborough

The best way to get from Perth to Dunsborough is to drive.  It takes about 2 hours 50 minutes (allow 3 hours).  Most of the drive is a dual-lane freeway, meaning you can maintain speed.

On the return trip from Dunsborough to Perth, remember that the peak hours on the Kwinana Freeway heading north can be congested.  Therefore, it is best to avoid these hours.  We recommend breaking your trip from Perth to Dunsborough with some stops, especially if traveling with kids. 

Take a look at our things to do in How to Ace the Perth to Margaret River Road Trip.

If you drive from Dunsborough to Margaret River without stopping, it will take about 40 minutes. However, as you drive along Caves Road, which is attraction-packed, you will likely stop one or two times.

The Verdict – Best Things to do in Dunsborough

Honestly, what is there NOT to love about Dunsborough? This cute town is big enough to provide all the amenities and shopping you need while small enough to still feel like a beachside resort.

If you are planning to stay for a while, there is an awesome array of Dunsborough accommodation on the beachfront, including many holiday homes and beach cottages.

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