Perth to Dunsborough Road Trip:
Scenic Stops and Seaside Delights
Has that city life got you feeling beat? Are you tired of the traffic, that smoggy city air, the views of endless buildings. If so then I highly recommend you cash in on some of that annual leave (or sick leave… this trip will of course benefit your mental health after all). Get in your car and make the journey south on an epic Perth to Dunsborough road trip.
Dunsborough is just a 3 hour drive south of Perth. It is home to white sandy beaches, laid back cafes, niche giftware stores. It’s a central hub to all the goodness that surrounds this beauty of a town. What goodness you wonder, well where to start? There are endless breweries, wineries, attractions, restaurants, beaches and more. There is everything you need for a relaxing, adventurous, exciting day, weekend, or a full holiday away.
However, not only is the destination something to be excited about. Why not make it a real road trip and enjoy some of the great experiences along the way! See below some suggestions to make your road trip from Perth to Dunsborough something to remember!
Breakfast stop – Dome Café Deep Water Point
Before the big journey it is a good idea to stop for a bite to eat (you’ll need that energy for your big day ahead). There are numerous coffee stops on the way out of Perth but if you need to grab a decent breakfast.Then the Dome Café at Deep Water Point in Mt Pleasant is a good place to start. Now what makes this place so special is the location. Unlike many other Dome Café’s this one is set in a beautiful suburb right on the water way. It gives off good vibes and a good sense of calm! Once you have ordered sit outside. Enjoy the sight of families setting up their picnics, boaties out enjoying the river, then tuck into a delicious feast!
Giants of Mandurah – Mandurah
As you head south down the Kwinana Freeway on your Perth to Dunsborough Road trip I suggest you make a stop in Mandurah. Western Australia’s largest regional city. Mandurah is less than 1 hours drive south of Perth and is a town that made the headlines this year. It being crowned the winner of WA’s Top Tourism Town Award for 2022. A well-deserved award as this is a destination that is lush with water ways, nature, activities and more.
Now something that is worthwhile checking out here is the Giants of Mandurah. This free outdoor exhibition celebrates the beauty of Mandurah and the nature surrounding the city. Discover the giant wooden sculptures scattered across five secret locations. Created by Thomas Dambo, these sculptures are a wonderful asset to the region. As a result they are a must-see attraction for anyone travelling south.
Bunbury Farmers Market – Bunbury
No trip down south is ever complete if you don’t stop at the Bunbury Farmers Market! This isn’t your normal Farmers Market, this place is different. It has a magical feel which you will never find in any of your normal supermarkets. There are a few options here A. Just grab a quick bite to eat from their Café (think freshly baked pies, cakes, juices and more) or B. Grab a trolley and walk on through and stock up on all your favourite local produce that you will graciously enjoy once you arrive in Dunsborough. Now it’s not just fruit and vegetables here, there are premade dinners, chocolate dipped strawberries. Don’t forget locally made relishes and pickles, all types of yummy cheeses, freshly baked breads, seafood and more!
But wait, that’s not all! Be sure to enjoy some of the complimentary tasters on offer as you walk around the store. Then, as you check out, you will be greeted by a wonderful customer service team instead of a self-serve check out! Grocery shopping can be dull at the best of times. However, the Bunbury Farmers Market is more of an adventure than a chore, enjoy!
If you are a firm favorite of “keeping it local”. Then Bunbury Farmers Market, since 2024 have opened another market at the end of the Busselton Bypass in Vasse. Vasse is a short and perfect 15 minutes drive from Dunsborough. You will support south west growers and the local work force by shopping here.
Forrest Adventures – Ludlow
Now that you are well and truly out of the city it is time to get that fresh bush air into your lungs. What better way to do that than be dangling in the trees 19M off the ground! Forrest Adventures is based 20 minutes from Busselton (or 30 minutes from Bunbury). There are activities here for the super adventurous souls and then also some for the more conservative types. These activities include flying foxes, Tarzan ropes, base jumps, snowboarding through trees and more! A great way to get your blood bumping!
Your Perth to Dunsborough road trip has almost come to an end. After leaving Forrest Adventures you can choose to stop in at Busselton.
<H3>The Iconic Busselton Jetty</H3>
The Iconic Busselton Jetty is next on our radar. Bring your fishing rod and squid jig if you have time to spare! If short on time you can continue straight through to Dunsborough and perhaps stop in on your return. The Busselton Jetty is definitely a worthy stop with it’s scenic, walkable 1.8km jetty. They also have a rideable electric train for those not all that keen on those miles. At the end it’s worth heading down into the sub structure to view the under area of the jetty and its wonderful sea life.
Now that you have arrived and settled in at the quintessential seaside town of Dunsborough. It is now time to look at doing some Dunsborough activities. Please see below some of the best things to do in Dunsborough.
Occy’s Brewery
Occy’s is situated in the Dunsborough town centre. It is here you can enjoy specialty craft beers, fruity cocktails and of course a delicious menu is on offer. I recommend sitting outside (there are heaters available if you find it a bit chilly) but the ambience is lovely. You can look out at the trees, gardens and the social hub of the town is right here!
Yallingup Bodhi Spa
It is now time to REALLY relax and there ain’t no better place to do that than the newly opened Bodhi J Yallingup Spa. Facials, massages, skin treatments and more. It is a beautiful location to sit back, unwind, be pampered and enjoy that much needed “me time”.
Whale Watching with Naturaliste Charters
From mid August – mid November you can step on board a 20M catamaran. Here you can cruise on the glistening blue waters of Geographe Bay in search of migrating whales. This is one of the most memorable experiences you could ever do. Watching whales frolic and play in the bay, soaking in the knowledgeable yet fun commentary and marvelling at the stunning coastline. Tours depart 10am and 2pm daily.
Book your Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour here.
I hope you get the opportunity to experience a Perth to Dunsborough road trip. With all the beautiful sights and experiences along the way. Drive safely, have a good playlist prepared and have the most amazing time.
