12 Best Things To Do In Dunsborough, Australia - Updated 2024

things to do in dunsborough australia
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated
| 6 min read

Dunsborough is a coastal town in the southwestern part of Western Australia, about 250 kilometres (155 mi) south of Perth. It is only a 3 hour drive from Perth. Located in the Margaret River Wine Region, it is the home to many of Australia’s fine wineries. One can wander at ease at many vineyards and taste a great variety of wines. Dunsborough is also a haven of secluded coves and coastal walking trails, where one can watch dolphins frolicking in turquoise water. The beaches are popular among tourists and families, thanks to its shaded areas for relaxing and sheltered waters for swimming. Dunsborough is named after an American whaler named Dunn and the name become Dunn Burrow (Dunsborough). Read on to learn about the best things to do in Dunsborough, Australia.

1. Next Level Monkey Business

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We are OPEN 7 days a week so make sure you swing by for some NEXT LEVEL school holidays fun! #downsouth...

Posted by Next Level Monkey Biz on Thursday, July 1, 2021

Don’t be fooled by the name. This place is no monkey business. It’s work and play at the same time. Next Level Monkey Business is an outdoor sports center that offers high ropes, ziplines, and many more adventures to all ages. For the youngins, Mini Zip and Bouldering Wall are fun to try. Cheeky Chimps is a great obstacle for the little ones too.

Of course, the kids-at-heart can have their taste of thrilling fun too, with challenges like Tree Huggers Combo, Mega Zip, and Great Gorillas. This park offers family passes and other discounts too!

Next Level Monkey Business

Address: 1710 Caves Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia

Website: Next Level Monkey Business

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

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2. Margaret River Unplugged

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sunday lunch magic. Take-away @studiogalleryandbistro roast chicken elegantly "stuffed" with cashew nuts, cranberry and...

Posted by Margaret River Unplugged on Monday, April 27, 2020

When in Dunsborough with your closest friends or family, one of the best ways to spend the afternoon is by joining the wine tours offered at Margaret River Unplugged. The winery has designed wine tours and charters that will take you on a (wine) journey of the lesser-known artisans and boutique wine producers in the world.

Wine enthusiasts will surely have a blast after a tour with Helena, the woman behind this passionate wine project. Unplug from the world and get a taste of exquisite wines in Dunsborough!

Margaret River Unplugged

Address: Dunsborough, Western Australia

Website: Margaret River Unplugged

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3. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Leeuwin-Naturaliste
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bram Souffreau used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Talk about one of the best natural Dunsborough attractions. Yes, it’s Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Named after the two surrounding areas on each end, the park offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean, as well as mesmerizing rock formations and rugged cliffs. Those looking for a timeout from their busy lives will find an afternoon here rejuvenating.

You’re welcome to stroll along the shore, or lay a blanket on the sand and curl up with a book. The calm and clear waters of Leeuwin-Naturaliste is sure to brighten up the day!

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Address: Cape Naturaliste Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia

Website: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Opening hours: 9am - 4:15pm (daily)

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4. Dunsborough Centrepoint

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Beautiful decorations available at @tatuhomewear #dunsboroughcentrepoint

Posted by Dunsborough Centrepoint on Friday, November 13, 2020

Get those wallets out—it’s shopping time! Dunsborough Centrepoint is the hub for all things splurging in town. The shopping mall offers a wide variety of stores all days of the week. Some of the shops you’ll find at Centrepoint are The Lemontree, Coles, Life Story Designs, and Gourmet To Go. The mall is home to essential establishments like Dunsborough Pharmacy and Bendigo Bank, too. From fashion and beauty to food and liquor, they really mean it when they say they have it all.

Dunsborough Centrepoint

Address: 55 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia

Website: Dunsborough Centrepoint

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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5. Yarri Restaurant + Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Yarri Restaurant + Bar on Thursday, April 22, 2021

Yarri, a restaurant dedicated to honoring nature and its own region, is here to serve you ethically sourced, seasonal food with unique flavors. They ensure the best quality of products by using ingredients from responsible local growers and makers. Each time you visit, you won’t be coming back to a mundane selection. Every visit is a surprise, but one thing is guaranteed: authenticity. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or it’s just another Friday night, a visit to Yarri is always well worth it!

Yarri Restaurant + Bar

Address: 6/16 Cyrillean Way, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia

Website: Yarri Restaurant + Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)

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6. Sugarloaf Rock

Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock
Source: Photo by user NickPratley used under CC BY-SA 4.0

As the name suggests, this gigantic, towering granite rock that emerges from the Indian Ocean is one of the most spectacular land forms in the Margaret River Region. It is no wonder, it has become a hallmark image of Australian landscape. Its photo has even graced the cover of the Australian Geographic magazine. The best view of the rock is from an elevated lookout. The rock is also a birdwatcher’s and nature lover’s paradise. The nature reserve nearby is a haven for nesting seabirds from September to February. From the rock, you also have a good view of dolphins leaping, and humpback whales cruising during their migration in the months of July to October. If you walk further up, you can see the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which is about 3 kilometres (1.8 mi) away. Tourists can really take stunning photos from this view.

Sugarloaf Rock

Address: Sugarloaf Rd | via Cape Naturaliste Rd, Cape Naturaliste, Dunsborough, Western Australia 6281, Australia

Access: By car from Dunsborough

Contact: 97525800

Website: Sugarloaf Rock

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7. Meelup Beach

Meetup Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user David Stanley used under CC BY 2.0

Dunborough is home to the magnificent Cape Naturaliste, replete with the bright orange rock formation of Castle Rock, and white sands of Meelup Beach. This beach has the bluest blue water, is protected from prevailing winds, and has magnificent shade trees, which makes this beach a paradise. Besides, it is a great place to spend a relaxing day and also view the beautiful sunset. If you come to the beach after sunset, you are able to watch the kangaroos, too. The beach is spotlessly clean and very safe for swimmers. It is a fantastic outing for families with children. Meelup Beach is definitely worth a visit. It is easy to locate as it is within Meelup Regional Park and you can drive there.

Meelup Beach

Address: Meelup Beach Road, Dunsborough, Western Australia, Australia

Access: 10 minutes drive north west from Dunsborough

Contact: +61 439 979 356

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8. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (23746753252)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Stanley used under CC BY 2.0

Time for a great adventure to a lighthouse — and not just any lighthouse. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is located along Cape Naturaliste Road and just a 15 minutes walk or drive from Dunsborough. While there, you can listen to the insight of the tour guides on duty explaining about the history of the lighthouse as well as how the lighthouse functions. On the other hand, tourists walking up to the top balcony of the lighthouse will be stunned with the breathtaking panoramic views of Geographe Bay, the Indian Ocean, and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Address: 1267 Cape Naturaliste Road | List under Cape Naturaliste with Sugarloaf Rock, Dunsborough, Western Australia 6281, Australia

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily. Closed on Christmas Day

Access: 15 minutes from Dunsborough

Contact: +61 8 9755 3955

Near by Food: Drinks and snacks can be purchased

Website: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

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9. Countrylife Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Time for some terrific treats for the whole family at Country Life Farm. Let your kids hand-feed the friendly farm animals. The farm is situated one kilometres (0.6 mi) from Dunsborough towards Yallingup. Rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, donkeys, ponies, cows, llamas, and curious alpaca are among the animals you will see at the farm. Come and experience real country life at a working farm. Besides, kids can enjoy the bouncy castle, boat rides, and a merry-go-round, all included in the entrance fees to the amusement park.

Countrylife Farm

Address: 1694 Caves Rd, Dunsborough, Western Australia 6281, Australia

Price: 18 AUD / 13.75 USD (Adults) 16 AUD / 12.25 USD (Children)

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm daily

Access: Between Dunsborough and Yalligup

Contact: +61 8 9755 3707

Near by Food: Free tea and coffee provided

Website: Countrylife Farm

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10. Eagle Bay Olives

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Eagle Bay Olives is situated at the northern end of the Margaret River Wine Region. This rustic farm house is nestled between olives trees and the bushland. This place to visit near Dunsborough is filled with interesting goodies all produced from olives. You can purchase various unique items such as olive toiletries, stunning table linens made from French olive printed fabrics, olive wood utensils, a tasty selection of olives, tapenade, and olive oil. Apart from that, you can even sample the olive products before making a purchase. The Farm Shop offers a unique gourmet experience. Other than that, you can even purchase a picnic box of the farm products, which is ideal for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your picnic on the tables provided while admiring the olive grove.

Eagle Bay Olives

Address: 521 Cape Naturaliste Rd, Eagle Bay WA 6281, Australia

Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 5 pm (Friday to Sunday); Mondays on public holidays, except New Years Day, Boxing Day, and Christmas Day.

Duration: Half day to full day

Access: Near to Dunsborough

Contact: 9755 3188

Near by Food: Picnic boxes available

Website: Eagle Bay Olives

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11. 4WD Road Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You could be here! Join us for the day and see what this great region has to offer.

Posted by Nautilus Tours on Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Time to go on a once-in-a-lifetime four-wheel driving tour before you head home. You will be surprised by the packages, such as a private charter, elements tour, or half day custom tour, offered by Nautilus Tours. However, do be sure to book in advanced. Believe it or not, spa treatments and yoga are also included in one of the packages. So, you can de-stress while enjoying the scenery around the Margaret River Region and Dunsborough.

4WD Road Tours with Nautilus Tours

Address: Dunsborough, Western Australia 6281, Australia

Price: Depends on the tour package you choose

Duration: Half day or full day

Contact: +61 427 666 996

Near by Food: Provided if you choose any of the package

Website: Road Tours - Nautilus Tours

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12. Whale watching (from USD 62.0)

Clear waters and rich marine life make Dunsborough an ideal place for a whale-watching excursion, making it one of the most popular activity bookings. Choose from either morning or afternoon two-hour whale-watching cruise and watch humpbacks and other whale types dance before your eyes!! You’ll also have an opportunity to listen to their beautiful sounds with their hydroponic equipment while snacking on some biscuits and coffee along with insightful commentaries from your guide. It’s an activity in Dunsborough that can be enjoyed both by the young and the old so best to bring together the whole fam and have more fun!

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Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

265 reviews

A unique trip to Dunsborough, Australia

Dunsborough is indeed unique in its own way, and it’s not surprising that it has been named Western Australia’s top tourism town. When you arrive here, you will definitely fall in love.

Unlike all the coastal towns by the ocean, this holiday retreat is sheltered, making it a tranquil, peaceful spot that is a great option for all seasons. The quiet coves, sandy beaches, surrounding national parks, nature reserves, and numerous scenic walking trails are certainly a highlight. This list will help you find what to do in Dunsborough!

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Dunsborough, Australia


  • What are the best attractions to visit in Dunsborough?

    Make your trip one for the books and visit some of the best attractions on this coastal town. Check out Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Meelup Beach, and Sugarloaf Rock!

  • What are the best activities in Dunsborough?

    Swimming at Meelup Beach, joining a wine tour by Margaret River Unplugged, enduring the obstacle courses at Next Level Monkey Business, and whale watching with Experience OZ are some of the best activities in Dunsborough!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Adrian, originally hailing from the small town of Muar in Johor, Malaysia, was born and raised there. Following his parents' marriage, he made the transition to Kuala Lumpur and now resides in...Read more

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