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
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)
2. Margaret River Unplugged
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
3. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
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)
4. Dunsborough Centrepoint
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)
5. Yarri Restaurant + Bar
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)
6. Sugarloaf Rock
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
7. Meelup Beach
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
8. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
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
9. Countrylife Farm
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
10. Eagle Bay Olives
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
11. 4WD Road Tours
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
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!
Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour
Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
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!