Friday, October 23, 2020
Your guide to Dunsborough’s attractions
Could there be a more perfect holiday destination than Dunsborough?
Beautiful bays & beaches, fine dining, whale watching, ice cream on the beach, and exploring caves – Dunsborough is one of those destinations that has something for everyone.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite Dunsborough attractions and activities. Here’s what to see and do in the holiday mecca.
Dunsborough: attractions not to be missed
Beautiful Beaches
Home to one of the planet’s most stunning coastlines, visitors can enjoy any number of white sandy beaches with calm blue water, and impossibly blue skies overhead. From the town centre, it’s a quick walk down Dunn Bay Road to the foreshore. Spend some time discovering the little coves near Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp, or walk barefoot along peaceful Quindalup’s long stretch of white sand, make sandcastles, or lay down for a snooze in the sunshine.
Quindalup foreshore
If you want to venture a little further, there are the picturesque beaches of Castle Rock, Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay, all within a ten-minute drive.
The Great Outdoors
With beautiful beaches, gorgeous bays and rocky outcrops, there are literally dozens of things to do outdoors. Cyclists, there are lots of trails, including along the foreshore from the boat ramp to Toby’s Inlet, plus the Dunsborough to Meelup walking trail via Curtis Bay and Castle Rock. Mountain bikers, discover the trails through Meelup Regional Park and Big Rock Reserve. Have a look at Bike Swim Hike Dunsborough for the necessities.
Dunsborough coastline towards Meelup
If you prefer the thrill of the ocean, why not hire a boat, stand-up paddleboard or kayak, jump on a jet ski or join a sailing tour? If you fancy yourself an underwater adventurer, there are great opportunities for snorkelling and diving; you can even explore the 2750-tonne HMAS Swan shipwreck in Geographe Bay. If you have your own boat or jetski, launch from the Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp or Quindalup Ramp.
Back on dry land, get to Dunsborough Lakes Golf Club for a round of golf, a game of tennis at Dunsborough Country Club, or skateboard at the skate park in Dunsborough Lakes.
Family-friendly fun
There’s lots to keep the kids happy – you won’t hear any complaints of “I’m bored”. Take a visit to Next Level Monkey Biz on Caves Road, which offers age-appropriate challenges for four-year-olds through to teens, with swinging bridges, ziplines and more. The littlest members of the family will have a ball at Country Life Farm, with small animals to feed, boat rides and a bouncy castle.
Next Level Monkey Business, Dusborough
Other child-friendly activities include whale-watching tours, beach fishing exploring Ngilgi Cave, horse riding, or kangaroo-spotting on the outskirts of town. For a family-friendly beach that has something to please everyone, take a drive to Meelup where you can enjoy a picnic or BBQ under the canopy of peppermint trees, then head down to the water for a dip, snorkel or stand-up paddleboard, or play games in the tranquil aquamarine water.
Great Café Food
With over 20 cafés in town you have a lot of choice, so we’ll narrow it down to some favourites. If you’re seeking a coffee or other beverages, make your way to these great spots: Hot Chocolatte with divine coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet treats you won’t be able to resist; Tiny Coffee, the new hole-in-the-wall coffee shop with a great brew; or Yarri, for a morning cup and a doughnut.
For breakfast or brunch, we love classy Artezen, wholesome Wild n Woods, or nearby Evviva Cafe, with its eclectic Down South vibe and relaxed brekky on the lawn. If you want a mouth-watering lunchtime burger, you can’t go wrong with Bayside Burger Bar or Burgertron. And, for takeaways and gourmet groceries, you’ll love Merchant & Maker.
Fantastic Restaurants
No need to leave town for an amazing lunch or dinner. Definitely don’t miss Yarri for a fine dining experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Seafood specialist Blue Manna Bistro is also a must visit, as is La Casina and Bamboo Spice.
Yarri Bar + Restaurant, overlooking a brook and the old Peppermints
You could also try out the Spice Odysee curry van at the boat ramp or cool Occy’s, which is at the centre of everything, with its twinkling lights and beer garden. If you’re craving a good old-fashioned pub meal, duck into Clancy’s or The Dunsborough Tavern.
Shopping
Partial to a lazy afternoon thumbing through the wares on offer in store? Stuff you can’t find elsewhere? Take a look at Beach Lifestyle Living and One Palm Studio for homewares, jewellery and fashion, or Milc, Lee Louise Boutique, and Laneway Boutique for women’s clothing.
On the hunt for furniture? Explore Empire or Bay Furniture and Design for luxe contemporary goods, and Tatu for homewares and gifts. We also like ShoeBeDoo and Supernova for footwear, Zest Flowers for gorgeous hampers and gifts, browsing the titles at Text & Co bookstore, and Coastal Kids for toys and kids clothes.
Stock up your sports supplies with a visit to the Board Store, Hillzeez, Yahoo Surfboards, Dunsborough Outdoor Sportz, and Bike Shed.
Year-Round Events
While 2020 has thrown a spanner in the works with so many events and festivals cancelled, there will be plenty to celebrate again in the future. Popular events include Jazz by the Bay, Sculpture by the Bay, Margaret River Region Open Studios, and CinefestOZ. Keep your eyes peeled for 2021 updates.
Jazz by the Bay
Dunsborough: when to go
With so much to do and see, Dunsborough is a true year-round destination. Weather-wise, it is blessed with the same Mediterranean climate as Perth (although maybe a couple of degrees cooler) with cool, wet winters and hot dry summers.
When to go depends on what type of holiday experience you’d like to have. For beach vacations, November through to early April is fantastic, with January and February being the hottest and driest months. If you like cafes, sports, and walking trails, spring and autumn are perfect. Waterfalls, wildflowers, and whale watching are all fantastic in spring. Meanwhile, winter is ideal for winery tours, romantic restaurants and, again, whale watching.
Dunsborough: where to stay
Where else but Private Properties? We have a unique portfolio of stunning rural and beachside holiday homes in Dunsborough.
Villa Gris, Dunsborough
Nikabel Beach House, old Dunsborough
Bay Watch, old Dunsborough
Beach Box, Dunsborough
Dunsborough casts a spell on those who visit. Are you ready to start planning your holiday to the South West? Browse our portfolio of luxury Dunsborough holiday homes today.
You might also like:
The 20 best things to do in Australia’s South West
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