Dunsborough holds the enviable position of being at the heart of several popular and rewarding fishing spots. Whether you prefer beach fishing or boating, the waters of Geographe Bay offer excellent opportunities.
Finding fishing spots can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with an area, so we’ve broken down where to fish throughout the year.
Dunsborough is a bayside town nestled in the spectacular South West of Western Australia. Wine enthusiasts will recognize Dunsborough for its proximity to the world-renowned Margaret River wine region, located to the north.
The bay stretches as a wide curve of coastline, extending from Cape Naturaliste past Dunsborough and Busselton, and ending near Bunbury in the north. Protected by Cape Naturaliste, the bay shields itself from the rough seas of the Indian Ocean, making it a popular destination for recreational boaters and beach fishers alike.
Dunsborough Area
The township of Dunsborough sits beside a stunning turquoise beach, nestled around Geographe Bay. While fishing isn’t common on Dunsborough Beach, fish have been caught off the Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp. Just 5 kilometres to the east, you’ll find Quindalup Jetty, and another 10 kilometres further is Siesta Park Beach and Abbey Boat Ramp. These spots, along with the areas in between, are known for yielding flathead, flounder, King George whiting, and yellowfin whiting.
After a storm, it’s not unusual to see fishers pulling in pink snapper from the small jetties. Alternatively, you can set a crab net along the beach and try your luck for Blue Manna crabs. Squid also frequent these waters, particularly around the sea wrack meadows, but you’ll need a boat or kayak to reach them.
Heading west from Dunsborough, enjoy a scenic drive to Castle Rock, Meelup Beach, and Bunker Bay. Here, you can catch herring, King George whiting, flathead, skippy, and tailor along the small beaches or rocks that line the bay.
Dunsborough township is home to several tackle stores where you can purchase bait, rods, or lures. The staff is always happy to offer advice on current fishing conditions and what’s biting.
Busselton Area
To the east of Dunsborough lies the city of Busselton, another oceanside town famous for its 1.8km-long Busselton Jetty. The shallows near the shore are great for catching herring, gardies, skippy, tarwhine, whiting, crabs, and squid. Fishing from the jetty is especially productive during the early mornings and evenings.
As you move further along the jetty, use a heavy line with live bait to target larger species such as samson fish, mulloway, yellowfin tuna, and sharks. Halfway along, you’ll find an ideal spot for catching mulloway and john dory, especially when using live bait near the pylons.
There are several fishing platforms along the jetty, where squid is a common catch using squid jigs or lures. After stormy weather, pink snapper can also be caught, though be aware of seasonal restrictions and an exclusion area if fishing from a boat at the jetty.
Safety Tip: Avoid beach fishing from the rocks during large swells or storms. Wear shoes with good grip, steer clear of slippery rocks, and bring a companion for added safety.
Salmon Fishing
The best time to fish for Australian salmon is during the annual salmon run, which typically occurs between March and April. For beach fishing, some of the top spots are between the Old Dunsborough boat ramp and Eagle Bay. Both rock and beach fishing are effective methods, but make sure to use a beach rod and strong line for success.
Salmon eagerly take lures, so using metal slices, stick baits, poppers, and shallow diving bibbed minnows can boost your chances. Keep in mind, there’s an individual bag limit of 4 fish (minimum size 300 mm). However, if you enjoy the thrill of fishing, catch and release is always a great option!
If you have a decent fishing boat, head out into the Indian Ocean. Start around the tip of the cape, past Yallingup Beach, and continue down to Sugarloaf Rock or Cowaramup. In these areas, you can troll for pelagic species like yellowtail kingfish, southern bluefin tuna, and dhufish, as well as deep-sea species such as groper, breaksea cod, and bronze whaler.
What Else Can I Do in Dunsborough?
One of the most spectacular experiences in Dunsborough and Geographe Bay is seeing whales in the bay. For many, it’s a bucket-list adventure. If you’re visiting between August and November, booking a whale charter is a must. Fortunately, Naturaliste Charters is based right in Dunsborough, making bookings quick and easy.
During this period, humpback whales and their calves can often be seen playing in the bay. As they migrate back to the Antarctic, they take time to rest before continuing south along the Indian Ocean. Occasionally, blue whales are also spotted crossing the bay. To book a tour, you can either call or visit Naturaliste Charters’ shop, or book online by searching “whale watching.”
These tours offer an impressive 99% success rate, and they even guarantee you’ll see whales—or your next tour is free within two years. That’s an offer too good to pass up!
While you’re in this beautiful region, don’t forget to bring a rod. You never know what you might catch! But if you prefer a more peaceful way to experience ocean wildlife, watching whales in Geographe Bay is worth sparing two glorious hours to do. Book your Dunsbrough Whale Watching Tour now!
