How To: Reset in Quiet Quindalup

With sweeping peppermint trees and a relaxed coastal feel, Quindalup offers the chance to reset and recharge.

Named for the Quenda, the Noongar term for the shy and elusive marsupial native to the area, Quindalup is located along Caves Road between Busselton and Dunsborough. Nestled into the long curve of Geographe Bay, Quindalup is roughly 250 kilometres from Perth making it a very doable two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Cape Naturaliste forms a spectacular natural barrier between the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay, giving boaters, fishers, swimmers, and marine life a safe haven and year-round calm waters. A protected, natural wonderland for families and ocean lovers of all ages, Quindalup is within close reach of the best of the Margaret River Region.

Settle in and make the most of your Quindalup stay – here’s your guide.

White Sand Beach - Credit Jinna Yang — Uncrowded, sigh-inducing beaches perfect for supping or a stroll. Photo credit Jinna Yang.

DAY ONE

Morning:

The summer months in Quindalup are perfect for beachcombing. Geographe Bay is roughly 10 kilometres of flat, sugar-white sand beach and transparent waters, making it perfect for a beach walk and a dip. Head north along Geographe Bay towards Busselton and reach the mouth of freshwater estuary Toby’s Inlet where it spills into the ocean – in spring you might find the inlet still fast flowing and teeming with life from the winter rains. Or warm up and walk or cycle the beach path that winds through the bush and leads all the way into Dunsborough.

Quindalup is also popular with whales, easy to spot resting in the bay on their journey south. The calm waters offer sanctuary for humpback, southern right and rare blue whales on their migration, particularly mothers and their calves. Naturaliste Charters offer whale watching tours departing morning and afternoon from Quindalup beach, from September to December.

Afternoon:

Dunsborough Bay Yacht Club overlooking Quindalup beach is popular with boaties and non-boaties alike. Meet family and friends in the upstairs clubhouse for a sundowner, and check-in with the club calendar or Facebook page for an up-to-date schedule of events. Early birds can also start their day here with yoga, held three times a week.

Not a yachtie? Then jump in the car and head out to local Quindalup vineyard and winery, Blind Corner on Vasse-Yallingup Siding Road. Visitors to the cellar door can book tastings of their range of organic and biodynamic wines, or take a peek behind the scenes in the fermenting rooms and explore the vines.

Blind Corner - Quindalup — Enjoy a glass of organic and biodynamic wine at Blind Corner's relaxed cellar door.

DAY TWO

Morning:

Set sail with Willie Cruises from Busselton Jetty and take in the beauty of the Quindalup coastline on one of the last operating pearl luggers. The experienced crew do all the hard work so you can sit back and enjoy complimentary morning tea and a fully licensed bar.

Looking for a bit more action? Dunsborough Jetski Tours depart from Quindalup boat ramp and offer one or two hour guided tours of the Geographe Bay coastline. It’s safe, fun, and a guaranteed hit with thrill-seekers and nature lovers as young as 12.

Willie Cruises - Credit Tim Campbell — Enjoy a sail on Willie, an original pearl lugger. Photo credit Tim Campbell.

Afternoon:

Smooth afternoons in Quindalup are the time to get on that stand-up paddleboard, and go cruising with the stingrays. Snorkelling, crabbing, fishing from the beach or a tinny, or one of the many launches moored in the bay during summer are big drawcards.

Kids can safely play in the shallows while adults kick back and watch the sunset with a glass of something cold. Locals are known for happily sharing the shade under their beach canopies, making it fun and festive. One local has taken this even further, floating a picnic-table bar in the shallows – a very popular addition to the bay.

Where To Stay

Bayshore Beachside Resort units and Whitesands Holiday Villas are both located directly across from the beach on Geographe Bay Road and offer a range of villas.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Point Piquet Credit Tim Campbell — Get yourself to Quindalup for some quality time-out in the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay. Photo credit Tim Campbell.