Things to Do in Dunsborough & the Margaret River Region

Whalers Cove sits at the heart of Western Australia's premier holiday region. This is your guide to making the most of it.

Dunsborough consistently ranks as one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations — and for good reason. Protected beaches, a walkable town centre, direct access to Cape Naturaliste National Park, and the Margaret River wine region on the doorstep make it one of the most complete holiday bases in the state.

Staying at Whalers Cove puts you on Geographe Bay, ten minutes walk from town, and within easy reach of everything the south-west has to offer.

Where Is Dunsborough?

Dunsborough is located on the shores of Geographe Bay, approximately three hours south of Perth CBD. The town is accessible by car via the Forrest Highway or by coach from Perth, and serves as the main hub for visitors to the Cape Naturaliste peninsula and the wider Margaret River region.Whalers Cove is situated directly on the beachfront at 3 Lecaille Court — walking distance to the town centre, and immediately adjacent to some of the region's best beaches and walking trails.

Dunsborough Beaches & Water Activities

The beaches around Dunsborough are consistently rated among the best in Western Australia, and the variety within a short drive is exceptional.Geographe Bay — directly in front of Whalers Cove — is calm, shallow and safe year-round, making it ideal for families and swimmers of all abilities. Water clarity here is outstanding.Meelup Beach, fifteen minutes west, is a sheltered cove set within Meelup Regional Park. It's one of the most popular spots on the cape and gets busy in peak season — go early.Bunker Bay offers a more exposed, dramatic stretch of coast on the western side of Cape Naturaliste. Excellent for walking and photography, and popular with surfers when a swell is running.Sugarloaf Rock at Cape Naturaliste is one of the most visited natural landmarks on the WA coast — a striking sea stack accessible via a short walk from the lighthouse car park.Whale watching is a genuine regional highlight. Between September and December, humpback whales pass through Geographe Bay in significant numbers during their southern migration. Several licensed operators run tours from Dunsborough during the season — our managers can recommend current operators.Diving and snorkelling in the waters around Cape Naturaliste offer good visibility and diverse marine life. Local dive operators cater for all experience levels, from first-timers to experienced divers.

Wine, Beer & Dining

The Margaret River region is internationally recognised for its wine production, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The cellar door trail along Caves Road offers tastings at over 200 producers, ranging from boutique family operations to large estate wineries, most with restaurant facilities on site.Dunsborough to Margaret River is approximately 40 minutes by car — an easy day trip that can be tailored around food, wine, surf, or a combination of all three.Eagle Bay Brewing Co. is one of the region's most popular venues — a craft brewery with a full food menu and views across the bay, located fifteen minutes from Whalers Cove.Private wine and brewery tours are available through a number of regional operators, with pick-up available from Dunsborough accommodation. This is worth considering if you're planning a full day in the wine region.Dunsborough itself has a strong dining scene for a town its size — from good cafés and casual lunch spots through to quality evening restaurants. Our managers eat here regularly and are a reliable source of current recommendations.

Family Activities in Dunsborough

Dunsborough is well set up for families, with a range of activities suitable for children of all ages.Horseriding is available through several local operators, with trail rides through bushland and coastal terrain. Consistently one of the most popular family activities in the region.Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse runs guided tours and is an excellent outing for families — good walking, strong sea views, and reliable whale sightings from the headland during migration season.Hiking and walking trails throughout the Cape Naturaliste area are well-maintained and clearly marked. The Cape Naturaliste Track, sections of the Cape to Cape Track, and the Caves Trail all offer accessible routes with good scenery. Nothing technical — suitable for children who are reasonably active.Surfing lessons are available at Yallingup and surrounding breaks, fifteen minutes from Dunsborough. Several reputable surf schools operate in the area, catering for beginners through to intermediate surfers.The Margaret River Chocolate Factory is a working producer and retail outlet forty minutes south — a reliable option when travelling with children, and popular with adults too.

Art Galleries in Dunsborough

Dunsborough has a well-established arts community with several quality galleries in and around town. Christian Fletcher Gallery is the most prominent — Fletcher's large-format aerial photography of the WA coastline is widely collected and regularly exhibited. Worth visiting even if you're not in the market to buy.Other galleries worth your time include the Tu-Art Gallery, John Miller Design, The Sensei Pot Art Gallery, and The Studio Gallery. A gallery walk around town takes a couple of hours and costs nothing.

Shopping in Dunsborough

Dunsborough's town centre is compact and walkable, with a mix of independent retailers stocking locally produced goods — olive oil, natural skincare, pottery, regional produce, and wine. The shopping precinct is ten minutes on foot from Whalers Cove.For larger supermarkets and general retail, Busselton is twenty minutes east and has full facilities.

Day Spas & Wellness

The Dunsborough and Margaret River region has a solid wellness offering — day spas, Thai massage, yoga studios, and float tank facilities are available in town and in the broader region.Bookings are recommended, particularly during school holidays and long weekends when availability tightens quickly. Our managers are happy to assist with recommendations and can advise on current operators.

Day Trips from Dunsborough

Dunsborough's location makes it an excellent base for the entire south-west region:

DestinationDrive TimeHighlightsYallingup15 minSurf breaks, village, cellar doorsEagle Bay15 minBrewery, beach, scenic driveBusselton20 minJetty, markets, full retailMargaret River40 minWineries, restaurants, surfNgilgi Cave30 minGuided limestone cave toursAugusta / Cape Leeuwin90 minSouthern tip of the continent

The Margaret River Visitor Centre publishes a free regional guide covering current events, operators, and seasonal highlights — recommended reading before arrival.

Stay at Whalers Cove, Dunsborough

Whalers Cove offers one, three and four-bedroom self-contained villas on the beachfront in Dunsborough. Our on-site management team has extensive local knowledge and is available to assist with bookings, recommendations, and any questions about the region.

The distance figures and drive times above are approximate. Seasonal availability of tours and activities varies — contact operators directly or speak with our managers on arrival.