Dunsborough Suburb Profile

The catchphrase of ‘where the bush meets the sea’ pretty much sums up life in Dunsborough. Adorned with gorgeous national parkland and pretty bays, this coastal playground has been repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Coastal treks along Cape Naturaliste’s headland, windswept Sugarloaf Rock at sunset and witnessing whales migrating by are all part of Dunsborough’s appeal. 

Living in Dunsborough means immersing yourself in breathtaking nature, with access to endless outdoor activities. Jaw-dropping nature aside, Dunsborough offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle thanks to the many outstanding restaurants, wineries, cafes, bars, pubs, galleries, homewares, boutiques and day spas. The range of accommodation options includes holiday parks, forest escapes, coastal paradises, glamping, resorts and boutique villas designed to make you never want to leave. But when you do need to leave, the airport in nearby Busselton will whisk you back to Perth or the east coast, unless you’ve opted for a leisurely drive home. 

With staggering nature every which way, living in Dunsborough allows you to do as much or as little as you want, ranging from fishing, water sports, trekking, photography, fine dining, wine-swilling or simply flopping by the crystal waters of Geographe Bay. 

Area Features

Sugarloaf Rock

One of the most photogenic spots in the region, Sugarloaf Rock juts out of the Indian Ocean just off Cape Naturaliste and a few minutes from Dunsborough. The ever-changing kaleidoscope of hues changes with the temperament of the sea and weather and continues to capture the imagination of photographers and artists. Accessed from the scenic Cape Naturaliste Road, this wild environment is explored at your own risk unless you opt for the safety of the lookout for unforgettable views, including bottlenose dolphins playing nearby.

Cape Naturaliste

Offering spectacular coastal views and situated in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this stunning spot is a drawcard for its natural beauty and many attractions. Tour Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, fill your Instagram feed with shots of the iconic Sugarloaf Rock or follow the Cape to Cape trek for 135km between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin – if you dare or just walk part of it in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Secluded Beaches and Bays

Considering how popular this part of the world is, much of the coastline remains undeveloped and in some parts, inaccessible unless you have a boat or know where to find the hidden trails. However, there’s no need to go bush bashing to relax in the azure waters of Castle Rock and Meelup Bay, part of the Meelup Regional Park, known for its walking trails and wildflowers. The HMAS Swan was laid to rest at Meelup Beach, a popular diving spot and home to an artificial reef teeming with coral, fish and marine life. Not exactly secluded but equally charming, the Dunsborough Foreshore is on the edge of town and perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or picnics.

Whale Watching

Cape Naturaliste’s purpose-built whale watching platform, Sugarloaf Rock and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse offer fantastic vantage points for spotting over 35,000 whales migrating between September and December. Or join a tour such as Naturaliste Charters to get up close and personal with the majestic southern right, humpback and blue whales playing in Geographe Bay.

Dunsborough Town

Whether you’re looking for the best coffee, breakfast, a leisurely lunch or dinner, takeaway or a brew or two, Dunsborough never fails. This busy town is also home to several boutiques, galleries, speciality stores and supermarkets to stock up your self-contained accommodation ranging from farmstays, holiday parks and boutique villas with sweeping coastal and forest views.