Dunsborough Graze & Bathe Trail

Sugarloaf Rock is a gigantic granite rock that emerges from the Indian Ocean extremely close to the mainland. The rock is situated within a designated nature reserve in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, just off Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough. As you approach Sugarloaf Rock, you will instantly see why this towering, sea-sculptured rock is one of the most photographed coastal landforms in the region. With its ocean side often battered by treacherous seas, and the rock separated from the coast by a narrow channel of wild water, this is an incredible seascape – best viewed from the elevated lookout.

The waters and landscape of Meelup Regional Park are like a dream – forested bush racing right up to the pristine shores of Geographe Bay, meeting secluded rocky bays and perfect white, sandy beaches. For just over 11 kilometres between Old Dunsborough and Bunker Bay, take your time in the park to find your own special spot, lay out your towel and your beach umbrella and do as much or as little as you like. The walk trails along this coastline commence in Dunsborough town and are mostly flat and accessible.

Guided tours give insight into the functions of the working lighthouse, where a fascinating maritime history of shipwrecks, the formidable coastline and the hardships of a lighthouse keeper are revealed. The heritage precinct features a universal access platform at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse’s base with sweeping ocean views. A new Interpretive Centre uses artefacts, stories, interactive technology and large-scale animated film to delve deeper into the region’s fascinating history. One of the region’s most popular attractions, an easy climb of 59 stairs makes the lighthouse accessible even for small children.

A prime classy-yet-casual establishment, where Eagle Bay Brewing Co’s slick limestone and concrete architecture – overlooking farmland and the Indian Ocean – belies a world of fun. The business is a brewery, restaurant and vineyard tucked away on a family farm, where the proprietors (third-generation farming siblings) have a passion for sharing their love of handcrafted brews and local produce. Enjoy lunch or late afternoon drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, with twelve handcrafted brews on tap. Wine lovers will have the choice between 11 different Eagle Bay Vineyard wines. Make sure to check out their stylish garden bar space, where you can pop in for a drink, no booking required.

Perched high on Cape Naturaliste, Wise Wine is the only winery-restaurant in the Margaret River Region to overlook both vineyards and the ocean — a breathtaking backdrop that captures the essence of Dunsborough’s “graze and bathe” lifestyle. Their complete visitor experience combines premium wine, handcrafted gin and brandy, and a celebrated restaurant known for showcasing the region’s finest produce. Guests can enjoy a tasting at their welcoming cellar door, linger over a long lunch with panoramic coastal views, or celebrate life’s milestones in one of the Cape’s most iconic settings.

More than a traditional cellar door, Wayfinder brings the vineyard into town, offering visitors a taste of their regenerative farming and light-touch winemaking in a vibrant, walkable setting. It’s a place to start your evening, settle in with friends, and connect to the flavours of this
region and season. Their point of difference lies in their commitment to organic farming, thoughtful hospitality, and wines of texture and restraint, all served with warmth and purpose, just steps from Dunsborough’s beach and boutiques.

A family-owned winery that has been operating for more than 40 years. Perfect for the wine-curious and adventurous – discover varieties, styles and flavours in the region’s only outdoor, self-serve wine-tasting venue that is free to everyone. The cellar door sits elevated on a hill of native forest, with beautiful grounds and a lawn area where you can enjoy your favourite bottle of Happs with a delicious build-your-own gourmet picnic hamper. Or, if you are looking for a unique gift or keepsake, visit the pottery and art gallery where you’ll find artists in residence and a selection of handicrafts and jewellery by local artists.

Commonage Pottery is a working pottery studio, art gallery and workshop space within Happs Winery. You will often find resident potters at work, or teaching workshops for both pottery initiates and dedicated students. Take a wander through the gallery where you’ll discover a showcase of beautiful creations, including paintings, sculptures and stunning jewellery, all handcrafted by local artists. Ceramic styles vary from Raku to stoneware, crystalline glazes, wood-fired and high-fired reduction glazes. The pottery classes are fun and are great to enjoy with your friends after a wine tasting. Check the website to book a class.

Nestled between the gums and on the edge of a dam in a modern casual setting, this spot caters to the whole family with house-brewed beer for the adults, a nature playground for the kids and even welcoming well-behaved pooches on leads. Wild Hop features a revolving list of seasonally inspired craft beers as well as local wines, spirits and non-alc options. The family-style share menu centres around the wood fire, with signatures including the rotisserie chicken or flame-licked WA steaks, and seasonal vegetable-based dishes. There’s a woodfire inside surrounded by comfy lounges, with a beautiful deck and plenty of outside seating or lawn lazing for those sunny afternoons.

When dining alfresco at Wills Domain, one of the finest views in the Margaret River region is delivered, atop a hill overlooking the entire Gunyulgup Valley. As well as that vista, Wills Domain has a renowned restaurant, which works in perfect harmony with its award-winning wines. The restaurant is consistently one of the best-awarded in Western Australia – now helmed by acclaimed chef Jed Gerrard – where you can be delighted by a four or eight-course degustation menu. Bookings are essential.

100% single organic vineyard winery, where every wine is handcrafted to the finest detail. The name House of Cards is inspired by the gamble winemakers and growers take every vintage, forced to play the hand we are dealt by Mother Nature. They process about 50 tons of their own fruit each year from the 12-hectare vineyard in Yallingup. The owners believe that to create beautiful wine, you must first start with fruit of outstanding quality. They use organic sprays, cover crops and opt for mushroom compost throughout the vineyard to help produce the best fruit possible while also focusing on environmental sustainability.

Much-desired for a casual lunch and linger, Swings & Roundabouts is often abuzz with its magnificent lawn, views and playground. The building itself has an artful timber interior, designed to mimic the feel of a wine barrel. Expect a friendly atmosphere, good music, open fires and cosy corners. Outside – sit at a picnic table, spread a blanket or take a spot at one of the most photo-worthy tables in the region, complete with actual swings for seats. The wines are plentiful and Mediterranean in style; a perfect match for the woodfired pizzas and modern Australian share food on offer.

Western Australia’s first tourist attraction, its popularity led to the construction of its namesake, the historic Caves House hotel nearby. Ngilgi Cave lies in the pristine coastal corner of Yallingup, surrounded by peppermint and eucalyptus trees. A scenic pathway through native bushland connects a series of interactive installations along the Ancient Lands Experience, bringing you to the entrance of the stunningly decorated Ngilgi Cave which you can explore at your own pace. At a constant temperature of 20°C, the cave is an ideal place to visit at any time of year.

Join Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland from Koomal Dreaming for an introduction to one of the world’s oldest living cultures with his authentic, personal interpretation. Be moved by the skill and intensity of Josh’s didgeridoo playing and fire-making, taste native foods, discover bush medicine and meet the animals, plants and Dreaming spirits that have enriched the lives of Wadandi and Bibbulman people since time began. There is a range of great tours available – don’t miss the Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tour, a truly unique experience, privately accessing Ngilgi Cave after it is closed to the public for the day.

To scratch below the surface of the region and tap into the nature, the wildlife, the produce, then who better to guide you than two brothers, born and bred third-generation locals? Sustainable nature and wildlife tours is the game at South West Eco Discoveries, where the motto is ‘See, Taste, Discover’. Three different tours are on offer (all family-friendly) where you can see the sights of Geographe Bay (wildflowers and marine life included), taste local produce, visit two stunning and contrasting wineries or discover nocturnal native wildlife.

One of the most exclusive resorts in the region, lying right on the shores of Bunker Bay and surrounded by national park. The five-star luxury accommodation is 12 minutes from Dunsborough, but feels a world away with its access to hidden beaches and natural landscapes. Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is famous for indulgence with an outdoor heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, the Other Side of the Moon Restaurant and Bar, and the nature-inspired Vie Spa. Architecturally designed villas offer privacy, bathtubs, outdoor courtyards or decks and boardwalks down to the water’s edge.

Smiths Beach Resort is the ultimate beachside escape. Relax in spacious, stylish accommodation ideally situated in the heart of Western Australia’s Margaret River Region. Savour understated style and receive individual attention at this Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, the stunning stretch of white sandy beach, coastal Cape to Cape walking trails, Lamont’s gourmet deli, café and restaurant, infinity solar-heated swimming pool, tennis court and neighbouring world-class wineries. The Resort offers a range of accommodation styles, some offering stunning panoramic ocean views.