5 Stunning Beaches in and Around Dunsborough
Dunsborough, nestled along the pristine coastline of Western Australia’s South West, boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the region. Whether you’re after calm, crystal-clear waters for a relaxing swim or rolling waves perfect for surfing, Dunsborough has something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at five must-visit beaches and what makes them special.
Old Dunsborough Beach
Drive Time from Dunsborough: 2 minutes
Old Dunsborough Beach is a serene and picturesque spot ideal for families and those who love calm waters. The beach features soft white sand and a netted swimming area, making it a safe option for young children. The crystal-clear, shallow waters are perfect for snorkelling, and there’s even a nearby boat ramp for those keen on exploring the bay by water. While it’s not a surf beach, it’s an excellent spot for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding.
Old Dunsborough Beach – Photo Credit: Safer Swimming Australia
Quindalup Beach
Drive Time from Dunsborough: 5 minutes
Quindalup Beach stretches along Geographe Bay and is one of the most peaceful beaches near Dunsborough. With its gentle, lapping waves and shallow waters, this spot is fantastic for swimming, fishing, or simply lazing on the soft white sand. You’ll often see boats moored offshore, adding to the relaxed coastal vibe. Like Old Dunsborough, Quindalup Beach doesn’t have surfable waves, but it’s perfect for stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Meelup Beach
Drive Time from Dunsborough: 10 minutes
Meelup Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the South West, known for its strikingly blue, calm waters and powdery white sand. The bay’s gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and its well-maintained picnic and barbecue areas make it a popular family destination. While the water here is typically too calm for surfing, it’s a great spot to launch a kayak or even try your hand at paddle-boarding. Meelup Beach also has a seasonal pontoon available for those wishing to practice their diving and bombies! In the right season, you might even spot migrating whales offshore!
Eagle Bay
Drive Time from Dunsborough: 12 minutes
Eagle Bay is renowned for its untouched beauty, with soft white sand and stunningly clear turquoise waters. It’s an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkelling, and simply soaking up the natural surroundings. The gentle waves make it a perfect beach for families. Depending on the weather it has been known to create good surfing and body-surfing waves. However, its peaceful, secluded feel makes it an excellent destination for those looking to escape the crowds.
Aerial view of car driving along Point Picquet at Eagle Bay Beach, Dunsborough.
Yallingup Beach
Drive Time from Dunsborough: 10 minutes
For those chasing waves, Yallingup Beach is the ultimate surf destination. Known for its powerful swells and consistent breaks, this beach attracts surfers from all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to take a lesson at the nearby surf school, Yallingup delivers fantastic conditions. The rugged coastline, rock pools, and scenic coastal walks make this beach a must-visit for adventure seekers. Swimmers should take caution due to strong currents, but there’s a lagoon-like area near the shore that provides safer waters. Slightly north of Yallingup Lagoon is Rabbits a tumultuous and at times dangerous body boarding wave, popular with locals.
Whale Watching in Dunsborough
Dunsborough is one of the best places in Western Australia to experience the incredible spectacle of the annual whale migration. The whale watching season runs from August to late November. The humpback whales, southern right whales, and even the occasional blue whale travel south from their breeding grounds in the warm waters of the Kimberley to the rich feeding grounds of Antarctica. During this time, Geographe Bay provides a sheltered resting place for the whales, making it a prime location for close-up encounters. Unlike other parts of the coast where whales are often seen passing by, Dunsborough offers calm, protected waters where these majestic creatures linger, providing a unique opportunity to observe their natural behaviours in a relaxed environment.
A whale watching tour with Naturaliste Charters takes you right into the heart of this breathtaking migration. Departing from Dunsborough, the tour ventures into the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot pods of humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping. Southern right whales can also be seen gliding gracefully through the water, sometimes with their calves in tow. On rare occasions, blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, make an appearance, offering an unforgettable sight. The knowledgeable crew provides live commentary, sharing fascinating insights into the whales’ migration patterns, behaviours, and conservation efforts.
Beyond the whales, a Naturaliste Charters tour offers the chance to encounter a variety of marine wildlife. Playful bottlenose dolphins often ride the wake of the boat, while Australian sea lions can sometimes be spotted basking on the rocks. Seabirds such as shearwaters (muttonbirds), gannets, and petrels follow the boat, diving for fish in the open waters. The calm conditions of Geographe Bay make for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise. This ensures that every guest gets a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable experience. A whale watching tour in Dunsborough is a must-do activity during the migration season.
Final Thoughts
Dunsborough and its surrounding beaches offer a mix of tranquil swimming spots and exhilarating surf breaks, all within a short drive from town. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out, a picturesque picnic location, or a thrilling surf session. These five beaches have you covered. So pack your towel, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore some of the best coastal gems Western Australia has to offer!
