Dunsborough
LOCATION
258 km south of Perth
ACCOMMODATION
An excellent selection of resorts, hotels, motels, bed & breakfast, guest houses, self-contained and caravan park style accommodation available. A minimum of 3 nights is recommended to truly appreciate all that is on offer in the Capes region. Advance bookings are highly recommended, particularly for school holidays and long weekends. The Busselton and Dunsborough Visitor Centres provide an excellent free accommodation and tour booking service.
POPULATION
4,000 (estimate)
GENERAL
Dunsborough, was judged WA's Top Tourism Town in 1999. Sheltered by the waters of Geographe Bay, it is an ideal family holiday retreat with its quiet coves, sandy beaches, surrounding national park, nature reserves and numerous scenic walk trails. Many of the Margaret River Wine Region's fine wineries are situated only a few minutes drive from Dunsborough's town centre. Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay offer great beaches for fishing, swimming and snorkelling.
History
The Dutch named the southern tip of the coast "Leeuwin's Land" in 1622 but did not chart the coastline to the north. On May 30, 1801, Nicholas Baudin sailed up the coast rounded Cape Naturaliste and anchored in Geographe Bay. Both locations were named after his two vessels the Geographe and the Naturaliste.
Settlement of the area occurred from the movement of settlers from Augusta to Busselton in the 1830s and by 1845, Castle Rock Whaling Station was in operation. The town was proclaimed in 1877 but was little more than a few shacks until the mid-1950's. The name of Dunsborough is a mystery. A rumour says it was named after an American whaler named Dunn who settled in the area during the wet season and that the area simply became known as "Dunns Burrow" (Dunsborough).
Food & Wine
The Margaret River Wine Region is responsible for only one per cent of Australia's wine production, but supplies no less than 10 per cent of the premium market. Visitors will find vineyards nestled throughout the picture-book hillsides throughout the Capes. Each has its own style and ambience. In all, there are more than 200 vineyards and 80 wineries - a remarkable number considering that wine was first produced in the region just 30 years ago. Character and quality can be found in fruit-intense chardonnays, rich semillons, robust cabernets, soft merlots and other varietal wines and blends.
Highly skilled chefs, have like winemakers, been attracted to the region by the prospect of working with high-quality produce. Invariably they are stimulated to produce dishes with flair and imagination.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
The town is perfectly located for the annual whale watching season, between September and December, when Southern Right, Humpback, Pygmy and Blue Whales are moving along the coast. Seeing them basking or at play in Geographe Bay is a miraculous experience when viewed either from coastal vantage points or from tour boats (Be sure to observe stand-off regulations if approaching in private vessels). Bottlenose dolphins are also regular inhabitants of Geographe Bay!
SWAN Dive Wreck and Artificial Reef
Dunsborough is home to the largest accessible dive wreck site in the southern hemisphere. The former HMAS Swan, a 120 metre long decommissioned naval destroyer, was scuttled in Geographe Bay, off Meelup Beach, in December 1997. Diving tours, for novice to experienced divers, are available most months of the year, subject to weather conditions. There are twelve moorings available for divers, however private boats need a dive permit which can be obtained from the Busselton or Dunsborough Visitor Centres.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Only 13 kilometres from Dunsborough is the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Maritime Museum which offers guided tours, refreshments and souvenirs. Walk trails offer a variety of routes along the coastline and you can also enjoy spectacular views over Geographe Bay and the Cape coastline from the top of the lighthouse. Entry fee applies. Group bookings welcome (Ph/Fax: 9755 3955).
Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park & Meelup Regional Park
These parks offer numerous walk trails for the energetic visitor who enjoys wildflowers, bird watching and spectacular coastal scenery.
Sugarloaf Rock
Sugarloaf Rock is another example of striking coastal scenery. Located in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park it is an impressive formation that dominates the coastline, near Cape Naturaliste.
Galleries, Arts & Crafts
Pottery, fine wood furniture, works of art and locally produced crafts can be viewed at a diverse range of quaint boutique-style galleries and studios.
Sporting Facilities
The Dunsborough Lake Resort Golf Club and Dunsborough Country Club are open to the public.
Tours
View the region with one of the many half or full day tours available and choose to travel by classic car, 4WD or coach! Whether you're interested in nature based activities, photography, wineries, canoeing, caves, camel rides or adrenalin pumping adventure activities - there is a tour to suit your needs. Free booking service available through the Dunsborough and Busselton Visitor Centres.
For Further Information:
Tune into Western Tourist Radio, for up-to-date information on the region.
96.5 FM in Busselton, 98.4FM in Dunsborough, 96.5FM Cowaramup & 95.3FM Karridale.
Busselton Visitor Centre
busselton@geographebay.com
Dunsborough Visitor Centre
dunsborough@geographebay.com
For Further Shire Information:
Shire of Busselton
www.busselton.wa.gov.au
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