Dunsborough Area Guide

Dunsborough, nestled along the pristine coastline of Western Australia's Margaret River region, is a delightful blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and family-friendly activities. With its tranquil beaches, vibrant dining scene, renowned wineries, and a plethora of attractions suitable for children, Dunsborough offers a memorable experience for every visitor.

Things to Do

Dunsborough is a haven for families, offering a multitude of activities that cater to all ages:

• Meelup Beach: This north-east facing beach is renowned for its calm, clear waters, making it ideal for families with young children. The surrounding parklands are perfect for picnics and nature walks.

• Ngilgi Cave: A short drive from Dunsborough, this ancient limestone cave offers guided tours that delve into its fascinating formations and Aboriginal legends, providing both education and adventure.

• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the lighthouse provides guided tours that share insights into the region's maritime history. The surrounding trails are also excellent for spotting wildlife.

• Country Life Farm: A delightful spot where children can interact with farm animals, enjoy boat rides, and have fun in the extensive playground, ensuring hours of entertainment.

• Tama Wellness: A holistic wellness studio featuring infrared sauna therapy, body treatments, and meditation sessions in a tranquil setting.

• Yallingup Maze & Mini Golf: A family-friendly attraction in Margaret River featuring a timber maze, mini-golf course, nature play areas, and a puzzle café.Explore Boutique Stores: Dunsborough offers a charming boutique shopping experience with a mix of stylish fashion, accessories, and homewares. The town’s vibrant shopping precinct, complemented by cozy cafés and its stunning coastal backdrop, makes for a perfect day out.

Places to Eat

The town boasts an impressive array of eateries that cater to diverse palates.

Cafés & Breakfast

• Sora Cafe: Sora reflects a "less is more" philosophy, focusing on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create simple yet well-crafted meals.

• La Lah Cafe: A family-owned brunch café in the heart of Dunsborough, has a cheery holiday vibe, a menu that blends classic dishes with adventurous touches, and a dog-friendly outdoor area.

• Little Iris Cafe: Locally owned and operated garden café, offering an eclectic brunch and grazing menu featuring wholesome, fresh, and seasonal produce in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Dining Spots

• Yarri: For families and fun, or treats and date nights; it’s for quick bites and great cocktails.

• Ilma Beach House: A luxurious seaside retreat, offering modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences, featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood in a refined beachside setting with views of the Indian Ocean.

• Blue Manner: Offers fresh Australian seafood with an Asian twist in a relaxed setting.

• Bungalow: A mid-century style beach house offering sourdough pizza, natural wine, local beer, and tropical spirits in a relaxed setting.

• Meelup Farmhouse: A relaxed restaurant and bar located on a coastal hobby farm with a menu crafted by Head Chef Dean Williams that showcases the best local produce and seasonal ingredients.

• Wayfinder: A restaurant and urban cellar door offering a seasonal, farm-to-table menu designed for sharing and pairing with their curated wine selection.

Brewery's

• Eagle Bay Brewery: A family-owned brewpub featuring a production brewery, restaurant, garden bar, veggie garden, and vineyard on a 75-year-old working farm with stunning views of Cape Naturaliste and the Indian Ocean.
  

• Bailey Brewing Co: This family-friendly pub offers iconic Bailey Brewing Co. beers, tasty food with a local twist, and a quintessential family-friendly atmosphere.

• Wild Hop Beer: A family-friendly brewpub with a rotating selection of small-batch, seasonal beers, complemented by a wood-fired, share-style menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, all set within a picturesque bushland environment.

Desserts & Treats

• Simmo's Ice Creamery: Simmo's Ice Creamery has over 60 flavours of award-winning ice cream and features a family fun park with mini-golf, adventure playgrounds, and expansive grassed parklands.

• Tas's Bakery: An iconic bakery serving up a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats. From fresh-baked breads to decadent pastries and hearty pies, Tas's Bakery have something to satisfy every craving.

Exploring Local Wineries

Dunsborough's proximity to the Margaret River wine region means visitors have access to some of Australia's finest wineries:

• Swings & Roundabouts: A family friends winery withMediterranean-style wines, wood-fired pizzas, and a relaxed atmosphere amidst picturesque vineyards and a playground for the kids.

• Aravina Estate: A comprehensive wine and culinary experience amidst natural beauty, featuring traditional Margaret River varieties and emerging European varietals. The outdoor area also features a playground for children making it a family-friendly location.

• Cherubino Wines: Renowned for producing premium wines from regions like Frankland River and Pemberton, with accolades for varietals such as Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. ​

• Cullen Wines: Established by Drs. Kevin and Diana Cullen, this Margaret River winery is celebrated for its artisanal wines with a restrained, medium-bodied style, particularly excelling in Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

• Amelia Park Wines: A notable Margaret River winery recognized for its premium wines and contributions to the region's reputation for quality wine production.

• Vasse Felix: Founded in 1967 by Dr. Tom Cullity, it is Margaret River's founding wine estate, known for producing some of the most sublime, elegant, and sophisticated wines in the southern hemisphere.

You can explore more winery options in our Margaret River Area Guide here.