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 which curve from the beachside township along Geographe bay through Castle Rock, popular tourist beach destination of Meelup Beach, 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, Sauvignon Blanc and popular reds Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Geographe Wine Regions collection of wineries and vineyards have become a popular source of outings for locals and visitors alike with their offerings also including 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 of tasting boards, to three and four course meals or a full degustation experience.
Wise Wines
Some of the best wineries in the region are not limited to but include the likes of Wise Wines where guests can indulge in their lunch or dinner experience with a seasonal menu featuring fresh, regional produce – complimenting wines from their extensive wine range of award winning wines, local craft beers, small run distilled Gin and Pisco spirits all the while taking in some of the best views of the ocean along Geographe Bay.
Cape Naturaliste Vineyard
Cape Naturaliste Vineyard is a family and dog friendly boutique cellar door offering award winning wines from its 19th Century stone inn overlooking stunning vineyards and rolling hills. Their wines are produced using biodynamic and organic principles.
Palmer Winery Restaurant
Palmer Winery Restaurant and Cellar Door offer lunch time dining experiences and evening dining during weekends in its beautiful Tuscan style restaurant. Its location being one of the closest to the town of Dunsborough making it the perfect visit for wine tasting or a meal if you have a busy touring schedule.
Flametree Wines
Flametree Wines, located on Caves Road opposite Geographe Bay between Busselton and Dunsborough, is a stunning beach house style cellar door. Award winning wine maker, Cliff Royle’s aim is to produce brilliant Australian wines of uncompromising quality and character. Flametree Wines offer a tasting plate experience with their wine.
Happs Wines
Happs Wines are located a short drive out of Dunsborough along the Quindalup Ridge, taking in breathtaking views of the bay. Founded in 1978, Happs and Commonage Pottery has a long and inspiring history as one of the pioneering, family-run wineries and potteries in the Margaret River region. You can tick off your list for wine, art and a cultural experience at Happs.
Aravina Estate
Aravina Estate is a popular winery and dining experience located in beautifully landscaped gardens. You can visit the Cellar Door to sample award winning wines or enjoy a beer on tap from their on site micro brewery. The Riviera Bar offers cocktails with italian stone-fired pizza options or you may prefer to indulge at the Terrace Restaurant with a 3 course meal and their superb wines. Aravina Estate has Western Australia’s only Surf & Sports Car Gallery, it’s filled with unique memorabilia which is a must see.
Cullen Wines
Further south of the Margaret River Region towards the town of Margaret river along the scenic drive of Caves Road is an exceptional winery called Cullen Wines. Their dining experience based on organic offerings is second to none when paired with their fine wines. Mentioned frequently as one of Western Australian wines biodynamic pioneer vineyards, Cullens also uses five biodynamic kitchen gardens on their property which supply over 90% of the fruit and vegetables used in their carbon neutral dining room. Cullen’s holistic and natural approach to both vineyard and winemaking and their fine dining experience make it a “down south” experience like no other.
What Else Can I Do in Dunsborough?
Whilst you are visiting the region 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 from August to November. Comfortable whale watching boat “Alison Maree” is built for deep sea conditions and is an extremely popular charter in the bay which departs from the Dunsborough Professional Fisherman’s Boat Ramp seven days a week.
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.
