The best family-friendly things to do in Dunsborough and Yallingup

For those of you who have been returning for the annual family trip since you were knee-high to a grasshopper: yes, it has changed. But only ever so slightly. There are now a few more dining options, plenty of kid-friendly spaces and some super trendy boutiques.

At the heart of it though, Dunsborough is still a chilled-out beach town, and with the surf breaks and escape of Yallingup and Cape Naturaliste just down the road, it’s the spot for an ultimate family beach getaway.

No matter what season you are visiting, the below tips will keep grown-ups and kids busy, well fed and with a comfy bed once the day’s adventures come to an end.

You’ll be scoring brownie points big time when you tell the kids that their home away from home comes complete with its own Tarzan swing. Siesta Park Holiday Resort is right on the beach in Dunsborough, with plenty of shady lawns for the kids to play on if they don’t fancy the white sandy shore just a few steps away. You’ve got so much here that you almost don’t need to leave.

There’s an adventure playground, private fishing jetty, basketball and tennis courts and a playing area for younger children, along with plenty of BBQs scattered around the grounds. Pack the bikes, as the bike path runs along the beachfront right into town.

Settle into a comfortable two or three-bedroom villa at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, by the shimmering waters of Geographe Bay. Spend the day building sandcastles just a short stroll from your accommodation or relax poolside – there’s a family-friendly pool menu and pool toys are provided.

Located near Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Eagle Bay Brewing Co and Dunsborough town, it’s a great base to explore renowned beaches, breweries, wineries and other attractions. Look out for Kids Club activities during school holidays too.

If the idea of waking up and walking for five minutes before a morning dip in the ocean calls to you, Geographe Cove Resort can bring that dream to life. An easy 10-minute walk from the town centre of Dunsborough makes this a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed, slowed-down holiday with the family.

The villas are designed with families in mind and, depending on the size of your group (or how much space everyone likes to have!), provide rooms to suit between six and 10 people. Some of the facilities you’ll find here include a full-size tennis court with complimentary tennis racquets and balls, a lagoon-style swimming pool and the option to add a portacot and highchair for a small fee.

A hobby farm-cum-restaurant, Meelup Farmhouse is one of the region’s most Instagrammable dining spots. Kids can explore the sprawling open grounds, and meet the resident Highland Cow, Lizzie, or the free-range chooks. This place is for summertime grazing under gums and house-made picnics on the lawn, or cosy rugged-up lunches in winter, all within a short distance of the iconic blue water of Meelup Beach.

Pop down to the elegant Caves House Hotel in Yallingup for a coffee and slice of cake (or go the whole hog with high tea), while the kids enjoy exploring the undulating gardens. Filled with plenty of nooks and crannies, they will be occupied if you decide to spend a little longer here and your coffee date turns into wine o’clock. Rainy day? No worries, there’s a kids play box, colouring-in packs and fireplaces to curl up by on the couch.

Whether you need coffee or something a little more substantial, Goanna Bush Café is an awesome kid-friendly coffee spot. Let the littles ones run amuck in the bush playground while you caffeinate, and if they need to fill back up after all that energy is used, then a plate of Indo Rice goes down a treat.

It’s not a trip to Dunsborough without a quick detour for ice cream!

Simmo’s Ice Creamery is a popular choice to satisfy your sweet tooth. The biggest decision is which flavour to pick – there are 60 to choose from. Once the sugar has kicked in, kids can burn it off with plenty of grassed parkland, 18-hole mini golf and an adventure playground right outside.

Elski Danish Ice Creamery has a constantly rotating menu that changes with the seasons. Its location in the heart of Dunsborough town means it’s easy to find and hard to resist. Swing by for a scoop, or grab a takeaway ice cream tub to dig into when you’re back relaxing at your accommodation.

Dunsborough has several great wineries nearby that cater to families.

The first one on the list is Happs Wines. Situated on an expansive hillside with uninterrupted views of the bush, Happs offers something for the whole family in a picturesque and casual environment. The tasting area overlooks a grassed amphitheatre where children enjoy playing.  Guests can grab a hamper and unwind while enjoying a picnic, explore the bush or wander through the gallery.

Swings & Roundabouts has an incredible kids playground and is super relaxed for wine tasting or a casual lunch.

Aravina Estate also has a great European-designed playground, situated just at arm’s length so you can keep an eye on the kids while you enjoy a decadent lunch.

Want more family-friendly wineries? Check out this self-drive tour of the region’s best.

Everyone in the family will come away from a tour with Koomal Dreaming with a smile on their face and a brain full of facts, thanks to Wadandi Custodian Josh Whiteland. He’ll introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture and you’ll be able to take your pick from a number of different tours. Take a guided bushwalk and learn about the medicinal qualities of the native flora, experience the magic of Ngilgi Cave, and be transfixed by a live didgeridoo performance by Josh. Tours vary during the year, so check their website for current offerings.

If you have a fear of heights, now is not the time to tell the kids. Next Level Monkey Business is a high ropes course filled with ziplines, climbing courses and sky-high challenges. If you’d prefer to leave the kids to it, you can set them on their way and reward yourself with a refreshing drink afterwards at Clancy’s next door.

If high ropes aren’t for you and the kids, then pop next door and you can spend the afternoon cuddling farm animals instead. Country Life Farm is home to a menagerie of furry friends: rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, donkeys, ponies, Clydesdales and even the odd cow. There’s also a bouncy castle, merry-go-round, boat ride and giant slide once the animals have been loved enough.

The mystery of a lighthouse doesn’t wear thin, no matter how old you get. Just a short drive from Dunsborough, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is beautifully restored and, after a short climb, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most striking views of the coast you can find. The new Lightkeepers’ Museum is full of exciting stories, artefacts, and hands-on displays about brave lighthouse keepers protecting our coast since 1904 – you can easily spend a few hours exploring here.

Did you know that over 100 limestone caves lie beneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge? That’s why it’s called Caves Road! Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience in Yallingup has a scenic pathway through native bushland that 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. Inside the cave, kids can choose to navigate the optional cave crawl over and over again.

Cruise over the turquoise blue water alongside the family on an unforgettable adventure with Dunsborough Jet Ski Tours. You’ll see a unique perspective of Dunsborough’s coastline, passing the shorelines of iconic South Western Australian beaches like Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay. Children must be aged 16+ to ride themselves; however, little ones from age five or above can ride as passengers and enjoy gliding along the open ocean on your floating stallion.

Spontaneity and exploring are two things that make any holiday better, especially in Dunsborough and Yallingup. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, Secret Picnic Adventures delivers this with the added elements of excitement and suspense. Get the kids to help you solve fun puzzles while you follow the clues.

Your journey covers 35 kilometres along the picturesque coastline. Expect to collect different local food and wine across various locations, and, when the two to three hours are up, it’s time to relax at one of the scenic spots and enjoy your picnic.

There really is no better way to spend a summer’s day in Dunsborough than at the beach with the family. There are so many incredible beaches nearby to choose from. Stay away from the waves unless you have little surf champs in the making and instead hit Meelup Beach or Castle Rock for smooth-as-glass, sheltered coves. Dunsborough foreshore is right in the town centre and also lovely for a dip or a paddle, or hire a stand-up paddleboard. You can pick up a coffee at the Old Dunsborough Boatramp, or throw a snag on the BBQ for lunch. Pack an esky, throw your swimmers in the bag and get out to enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures: a day at the beach.

Have groms keen to shred some waves? Yallingup Surf School offers surfboard and wetsuit hire plus lessons for all ages, with the spot determined by weather conditions on the day.

Did you know that over 35,000 whales migrate right in front of Dunsborough between September and December? A day spent whale-watching is one that’ll become a lifelong memory. Experience these gentle giants from the shore. The Cape to Cape Track has some great spots to look out from, or you can gaze out over the Indian Ocean from Sugarloaf Rock or Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

To get up close though, you’ll want to jump on a boat and get out to the deep. Naturaliste Charters, All Sea Charters, Whale Watch Western Australia and Dundee Marine Charters all run seasonal whale-watching tours from September to December.