Dunsborough is a popular holiday and tourist destination in the South West of Western Australia. Located north of Margaret River a large part of Dunsborough’s appeal lies in the stunning ocean vistas and turquoise bays. These curve from the beachside township along Geographe bay through Castle Rock, the popular tourist beach destination of Meelup Beach. Continuing past Eagle Bay Bay to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
Located within this stunning area is the Geographe Wine Region which forms the northern part of the Margaret River Wine Region. Showcased in the region is a valuable array of vineyards and wineries. Popular wine varieties enjoyed in this region include Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc It’s red wine portfolio includes popular styles Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and shiraz. But it is not limited to these with italian and french varietals making an appearance in the region
The Geographe Wine Regions collection of wineries and vineyards have become a popular source of outings for locals and visitors alike. Some of them have offerings which include onsite brewing and distilleries. Visitors to the region can tour local wineries and enjoy wine tastings of award-winning wines. Choices for winery dining include light meals, tasting boards, to three and four course meals or a full degustation experience.
Aerial view of car driving along Point Picquet at Eagle Bay Beach, Dunsborough.
Wise Wines & Restaurant
Wise Wines is a renowned winery located in Eagle Bay about a 15 minute drive from Dunsborough. The estate offers a unique dining experience at its restaurant, which features seasonal menus crafted from fresh, regional produce. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in unmatched views of the surrounding vineyards and ocean.
The winery produces a diverse range of wines, including sparkling, white, red, dessert, and fortified varieties, aiming to suit all taste preferences and budgets. Visitors can also participate in wine tastings at the cellar door, with options to sample up to eight wines tailored to individual preferences.
Wise Spirits are produced in their custom-built 380 litre column stills using traditional distillation methods. The stills have been specifically designed to produce Gin and Pisco spirits. All spirits are hand bottled and packaged on their premises.
The Wise Tasting Room was specifically built to observe and taste their range of quality spirits and wines.
Cape Naturaliste Vineyard
Cape Naturaliste Vineyard is a family-owned boutique winery in Margaret River. It sits within a restored 19th-century stone inn. The cellar door offers award-winning wine tastings with stunning views of vineyards and rolling hills. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The vineyard follows biodynamic and organic principles, ensuring sustainable and high-quality wine production. Each bottle reflects the unique regional terroir. Visitors can bring their dogs, making it a pet-friendly destination. Enjoy a guided tasting, explore the property, or simply unwind.
Palmer Winery Restaurant
Palmer Winery Restaurant and Cellar Door, located just minutes from Dunsborough, offers an inviting blend of fine dining and exceptional wines. Set within a charming Tuscan-style building, the restaurant provides a warm and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a special weekend dinner. The menu showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted into dishes that pair beautifully with the winery’s premium selections. indulge in a leisurely meal on the sun-drenched terrace or enjoying a cosy evening indoors. The setting enhances the experience with its scenic vineyard views and rustic European charm.
As one of the closest wineries to Dunsborough, Palmer Winery is a convenient stop for those exploring the Margaret River region. The Cellar Door offers tastings of their renowned wines. Allowing visitors to sample award-winning vintages before selecting a bottle to take home. The combination of excellent cuisine, boutique wines, and a tranquil setting makes Palmer Winery Restaurant an ideal destination for food and wine lovers. Whether you’re on a tight touring schedule or looking for a relaxed afternoon, providing unforgettable dining and tasting experiences.
Flametree Wines
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Geographe Bay, Flametree Wines stands as a gateway to Western Australia’s renowned Margaret River wine region. Conveniently located on Caves Road, halfway between Busselton and Dunsborough, this beach house-style cellar door offers visitors a relaxed and informative wine-tasting experience. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, guests can sample award-winning wines, explore art exhibitions, and unwind on the inviting deck overlooking beautiful gardens.
While Flametree Wines does not operate a full-service restaurant, they provide delightful platters featuring quality local produce to complement their wine tastings. Visitors can enjoy these offerings in a serene setting, complete with an open fireplace for cooler days and a spacious deck for warmer weather. This combination of fine wine, local delicacies, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Flametree Wines a must-visit destination for those exploring the culinary and viticultural delights of Western Australia.
Wining and dining options in the Dunsborough Region
Happs Wines
Happs Wines, established in 1978, is a family-owned winery located at 575 Commonage Road in Quindalup, Western Australia. The winery is approximately 7 kilometers, or about a 10-minute drive, southeast of Dunsborough. Known for its innovative approach, Happs offers over 40 different wines, ensuring a selection that caters to diverse palates. They were pioneers in the region, introducing an outdoor, self-serve wine-tasting experience in a family-friendly setting.
Beyond its extensive wine portfolio, Happs Wines is also home to Commonage Pottery, reflecting the founders’ passion for both wine and art. Visitors can explore a charming two-story art and crafts shop on-site, enhancing the cultural experience. The picturesque outdoor area, surrounded by beautiful gardens, provides an ideal setting for picnics and relaxation. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or an art lover, Happs Wines offers a unique and enriching destination near Dunsborough.
Happs Winery Dunsborough
Aravina Estate
Aravina Estate in Yallingup offers a memorable food and wine experience in the heart of the Margaret River region. The fine dining restaurant features seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, showcasing the best of Western Australia. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the casual pizza bar serves delicious wood-fired pizzas daily, with panoramic vineyard views.
The cellar door provides a range of premium wines, including Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, perfect for tasting and taking home. The estate is also home to the WA Surf Gallery, which celebrates Western Australia’s surf culture, as well as live music performances on weekends. Families can enjoy the estate’s playground and a seasonal kids’ menu.
Just 15 minutes from Dunsborough, Aravina Estate is a must-visit for foodies, wine lovers, and families looking for a relaxing day out on their stunningly landscapes gardens.
Aravina Estate
Dunsborough
Cullen Wines
Further south of Margaret River, along the picturesque Caves Road, lies Cullen Wines—a must-visit winery renowned for its biodynamic practices. Known as a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Western Australia, Cullen Wines focuses on sustainable farming, crafting wines that reflect the essence of the land. Their dining experience is unparalleled, with organic produce from their five biodynamic kitchen gardens providing over 90% of the ingredients.
The winery’s carbon-neutral dining room offers a unique culinary experience, pairing exceptional wines with seasonal dishes. Cullen Wines’ holistic approach to both vineyard management and fine dining ensures a truly unforgettable “down south” experience. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a food lover, Cullen Wines delivers an extraordinary, sustainable visit. Celebrating the best of the Margaret River region.
What Else Can I Do in Dunsborough?
Mother and calf humpback whale whale swimming along side each other
Whilst you are visiting the region – during August until November – why not create further memorable experiences by adding a bucket list tick and enjoy exclusive whale watching in Dunsborough. Tours leave from Dunsborough and travel along the coast abutting Meelup Regional Park to Bunker Bay and are seasonally available. Naturaliste Charters also has tours operating from Augusta in the Margaret River Region during May until August. Comfortable whale watching boat “Alison Maree” is built for deep sea conditions. It is an extremely popular charter in the bay which departs from the Dunsborough Professional Fisherman’s Boat Ramp twice daily, seven days a week. Augusta’s season departs from Augusta Harbour twice daily during May until August seven days a week also.
Aerial view of a whale watching cruise operator off the Dunsborough coastline. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Cruise the Sea in Comfort with Naturaliste Charters
At Naturaliste Charters, we offer two and a half hour whale watching experiences daily with morning and afternoon options available. Our recently upgraded boat can seat up to 90 people with plenty of viewing areas for all aboard. The tour is guided by an experienced captain and the crew provides visitors with an in depth learning experience of the encountered marine life which are predominantly Humpback whales, Southern Right whales and even rare Blue whales have been viewed on the bay at times. Dolphins, seals and seabirds are also often encountered on these ocean trips.
Visit Dunsborough and envelop yourself in the wonderful collection of sights, sounds, tastes and oenophilic experiences. It is one you will never forget.
