Guide to Dunsborough Western Australia Australia

Dunsborough, half an hour’s drive down the coast from Busselton, overlooks the waters of Geographe Bay. It is an ideal family retreat with quiet coves, sandy beaches, national parks, nature reserves and numerous scenic walk trails.

Dunsborough was judged Western Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 1999. It is home to the largest accessible dive wreck in the Southern hemisphere. The former HMAS Swan, a 120 metre long decommissioned naval destroyer, was scuttled in December 1997. Diving tours, for novice to experienced divers, are available most months of the year, subject to weather conditions. There are twelve moorings available for divers, however private boats need a dive permit which can be obtained from the Busselton or Dunsborough Tourist Bureaus.

Whether you are interested in nature based activities, photography, wineries, canoeing, caves, camel rides or adrenalin pumping adventure activities, there is a tour to suit your needs. Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay offer great beaches for fishing, swimming, snorkelling and picnics. Dunsborough is an ideal base for exploring the many wineries of the Margaret River Wine Region which are situated only a few minutes’ drive from the town centre.

View the Cape with one of the many half or full day tours available by classic car, four wheel drive or coach.

The town is perfectly located for the annual whale watching season, between September and December, when southern right, humpback and pygmy blue whales move along the coast from Cape to Cape. Seeing them basking or at play in Geographe Bay is an unforgettable experience when viewed either from coastal vantage points, such as the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, or from tour boats (be sure to observe stand off regulations if approaching in private vessels). You can purchase land-based Whale Watching Kits for the Cape to Cape Region from the Busselton and Dunsborough Tourist Bureaus.

Other activities and attractions include swimming, snorkelling, art and craft galleries, wining and dining, striking coastal scenery, wildflower walk trails, and tours of the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.

Dunsborough is a busy, seaside town which provides an array of entertainment options, particularly in the summer months. Live music, art and craft galleries, extensive wining and dining options plus regular market days are some of the pleasures on offer.

A wide variety of dining experiences wait to tempt your tastebuds, from beachside cafes, fine dining restaurants to gourmet vineyard delights. The Margaret River Wine Region is responsible for only one percent of Australia’s wine production, but supplies no less than 10 percent of the premium market. Visitors will find vineyards dotting the picture book hillsides throughout the Capes. Each has its own style and ambience with many offering lunch and dinner. In all there are over 50 vineyards and 30 wineries, a remarkable number considering that wine was first produced in the region just 30 years ago. Character and quality can be found in fruit intense chardonnays, rich semillons, robust cabernets, soft merlots and other varietal wines and blends. Highly skilled chefs have, like the winemakers, been attracted to the region by the promise of working with high quality produce. Invariably they are stimulated to produce dishes with flair and imagination.

Many wineries offer meals with spectacular views over vineyards and tranquil rural settings. You can also find several boutique breweries set amongst the vineyards, where you can partake of some unusual and exotic amber brews.

An excellent selection of resorts, hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, selfcontained and caravan parks are available.

Free information and booking services are available through Dunsborough and Busselton Tourist Bureaus.