Must-See Natural Attractions in Dunsborough: From Beaches to Caves
Updated. April 23, 2025
The South West region of Western Australia is a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find quaint towns brimming with hospitality dotting the coast. Perhaps none more than those around Dunsborough.
There’s something about Dunsborough that grabs you and doesn’t let go—maybe it’s the sapphire-blue bays, the ancient caves, or the kind of sunsets that make you pull over just to take them in. This revamped 2025 guide dives deeper into Dunsborough’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions—beaches, caves, and trails—with maps, new activities, and practical tips to make the most of your South West WA adventure.
Dunsborough’s Natural Attractions
Meelup Beach: No visit to Dunsborough would be complete without a trip to the beach. This beautiful, family-friendly sandy playground offers calm waters and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and picnics. Protected by Geographe Bay, Meelup Beach and its serene, crystal clear waters attract visitors from around the world. The beach also has all the necessary facilities, like excellent public change rooms, toilets and showers.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Although not a natural attraction per se, it certainly helps visitors enjoy one. When you reserve a guided tour of the lighthouse, you’ll take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the span of Geographe Bay. When visiting the lighthouse, visitors can learn more about the fascinating maritime history of the Cape region, hear tales of shipwrecks off the formidable coastline, hear about the hardships of life as a lighthouse keeper and learn more about the functions of this amazing working lighthouse.
As well as being a fun educational experience, after an easy climb of 59 stairs, you’ll be rewarded with incredible ocean views. Plus, the new observation platform at the base of the lighthouse tower enables universal access to sweeping ocean views and great photo opportunities – keep an eye out for humpback whales!
Bunker Bay: A picturesque beach with clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. On a sunny day, why not take out a boat and cast a line, you might just catch a herring, whiting or skippy. The bay is also known for its whale watching opportunities during migration season. Bunker Bay beach has all the necessary facilities like public toilets, a car park and nearby restaurants and cafés.
Ngilgi Cave: Explore this fascinating limestone cave, home to beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours are available where you can hear stories of early exploration, caving by candlelight and romantic escapades from your expert guide. After your guided tour, you are free to wander this remarkable underworld, with lights and signage leading the way and telling you more about the variety of calcite crystal decorations.
Eagle Bay: Another stunning beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and picnicking. Eagle Bay is known as the luxury escape of choice for Western Australia’s rich and famous. Here, in scenic seclusion, you can indulge in world-class wineries and restaurants, surfing and diving, and sensational bushwalking.
Dunsborough Foreshore: Locals flock to Dunsborough Foreshore when the sun is out. This scenic area along the coastline is perfect for leisurely strolls, family picnics and BBQs, and enjoying the sunset. Families love using the large swimming enclosure and pontoon (seasonal).
This spot is also ideal for stand-up paddle boarding because of the sheltered waters – plus, equipment is available to purchase or hire during the warmer months. The majority of Dunsborough Foreshore is dog-friendly, but be sure to have doggy bags on hand to pick up after your pet.
Yallingup Beach: A popular surfing spot with consistent waves and stunning views, as well as a sheltered lagoon, perfect for young children swimming. Why not sign up for surf lessons and soon you could be riding the waves like a pro. Spend some time there and you might even spot world class surfers like Taj Burrows, who happens to hail from this pristine part of Western Australia.
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park: Discover a diverse range of flora and fauna, hiking trails, and breathtaking coastal views within this expansive park. There is an endless list of activities and attractions to experience in this amazing park. Visit over 3 different caves, hike the scenic trails, visit historic homes, go canoeing and explore the vast wildlife. After a day of exploring the park, see for yourself why locals say ‘west is best’ and drive to the coast to catch the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.
Geographe Bay: This is a beautiful bay with breathtaking Indian Ocean views, soft white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. This is the perfect spot for a fun-filled family day beside the sea, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking or even sailing. The bay is also just minutes from Busselton center, a famous tourism town in Western Australia.
Credit: Photo by Corey Serravite on Unsplash
Castle Rock: An impressive granite outcrop offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Castle Rock Beach is located just a short 5-minute drive from Dunsborough town center. You can even hike to the top for a memorable experience and a great Instagram pic! Once you’re finished hiking up the trailhead, head back down to the beach where there are gas barbecues for you to enjoy a picnic with friends.
Hiking Trails with Wild Views
Meelup Reserve Trail
- Length: 7.4km one way
- Trail type: Coastal hike from Old Dunsborough to Meelup and Bunker Bay
- Look out for: Wildflowers in spring, dolphins in the bay
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Loop
- Length: 3km loop
- Why go: 360° coastal views, easy terrain, and whale watching from the top.
- Bonus: Book a lighthouse tour for extra history and epic pics.
Castle Rock Trail
- Length: 2km return
- Highlight: Climb over boulders and reach panoramic views of Geographe Bay.
Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge Trails
- Tip: Download the AllTrails app and filter by dog-friendly or kid-friendly.
- Spotlight: Quenda Trail (flora and fauna lovers) and Wardanup Trail (clifftop drama).
Don’t Miss These Seasonal Natural Wonders
Whale Watching
- When: Sept–Dec
- Where: Cape Naturaliste, Bunker Bay, or via charter tours from Dunsborough Boat Ramp
Wildflower Season
- When: August to November
- What to expect: Orchids, kangaroo paws, and coastal blooms
Bioluminescent Plankton
- Where: Meelup Beach or Bunker Bay
- When: Late summer nights (Jan–March)
- How to see them: Walk along the water’s edge after 9 pm on a warm, calm night
Where to Stay: Your Home Base for Exploring Nature
Stay in style with our handpicked collection of luxury vacation homes near Dunsborough ideal for nature lovers and families. Choose from:
- Pet-friendly retreats
- Homes with outdoor showers (perfect post-beach)
- Properties walking distance from trails, beaches, and caves
Commonly Asked Questions about Natural Attractions in Dunsborough
What is the best time to visit Dunsborough?
The best time to visit Dunsborough depends on your preferred activities. For beach activities, the warmer months from October to April are ideal. For whale watching, visit between September and December, when humpback and southern right whales can be spotted along the coast.
Are there any guided tours available?
Yes, there are several guided tours available, including walking tours, cave exploration, and whale-watching tours. You can also find local companies that offer wine tasting, food tours, and surfing lessons.
Is there an entrance fee for any of these natural attractions?
While many of Dunsborough’s beaches and coastal areas are free to access, some attractions, like Ngilgi Cave and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, require an entrance fee. National parks may also have entry fees or require purchasing a park pass.
Related Topics
Bridgetown Busselton Eagle Bay events Family Holiday margaretriver Margaret River Pemberton Pet-Friendly romantic getaways southwest south west southwestregion Wilyabrup winter Yallingup beaches
