Dunsborough Graze & Bathe Trail

Sugarloaf Rock is a mighty and majestic landmark on the South Westerly coast – spectacular, dramatic and huge – nature at its rawest to take your breath away. The gigantic granite formation is actually an island, separated by a narrow channel from more granite cliffs on the other side. This is one of the most photographed icons in Western Australia, having graced the cover of Australian Geographic magazine. ‘Sugarloaf’ is a dramatic stop on the Cape to Cape track, but can also be accessed by car. Along the track, walk trails and safe swimming spots are accessible nearby.

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 very accessible.

Western Australia’s first tourist attraction, and 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 Ngilgi Cave 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.

One of the region’s most popular attractions, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse has something for people of all ages and abilities. An easy climb of 59 stairs makes the lighthouse accessible even for small children. 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 the base of the lighthouse with sweeping ocean views, plus landscaped lawns and a nautical playground for visitors to linger or bring a picnic.

A prime classy-yet-casual establishment, where its slick limestone and concrete architecture – overlooking farmland and the Indian Ocean – belies a world of fun. Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a microbrewery, 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 six handcrafted brews to choose from.

Caters happily to the whole family, with grown-up brews, a modern casual setting overlooking epic views for the parents, 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 and spirits. Its share-style menu centres around the wood fire, with signatures including the rotisserie chicken and tomahawk steak. 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.

To visit Gabriel Chocolate is to travel the world one cacao bean at a time. The chocolate is taken seriously (being Western Australia’s first bean-to-bar choc makers) and is a tad more grown up – single-origin sourcing is a staple here. Explore far-flung chocolate destinations in the comfort of the gallery at Yallingup. Sit inside at the café or the outside veranda or lawn with Gabriel’s award-winning chocolate creations, famous hot chocolate, decadent chocolate chunk cookie, chocolate inspired gelato or a choice of loaded coffee.

Relaxing, all-white interiors and two-storeys of seafood-focused restaurant goodness metres from the sand at Yallingup. This makes Lagoon a no-fail combo for locals and visitors. Inside, the self-described ‘refined casual’ dining runs for breakfast and lunch (with limited edition seasonal dinners). The lunch menu especially is a celebration of local and native produce, where seafood is king. Wash it down with a prime selection of local vinos or a cocktail. If you’re doing a quick stop, Lagoon has a kiosk overlooking the Yallingup foreshore park and playground, serving breakfast, lunch and takeaway hot food.

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, woodfired 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.

A boutique family-run and owned winery in Yallingup, located on Caves Road, a stone’s throw from Smiths Beach. With a passion for the environment, the vineyard is managed with a biodynamic philosophy at heart. Marri Wood Park utilises sustainable and chemical free practices when crafting the wine. The winery has recently opened a cellar door set among the natural bush, where visitors can pop in to try the wines, with the open fire often going in winter. Call ahead to book a picnic or Yallingup Cheeseboard, borrow a blanket set and treat the kiddies to a gelato. It’s rustic, charming and dog-friendly.

Swings & Roundabouts is much-desired for a casual lunch and linger, often abuzz with its magnificent lawn, views and playground. The building itself is full of 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; the food is simple, flavourful and rustic to match.

Owned and run by multi-generational farmers who understand the importance of organics, Windows Estate is a beautiful rural property and award-winning cellar door set near the native forest. The winery was awarded Best Small Cellar Door in Margaret River by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine for several years running and offers picnics, organic vineyard tours and cheese and wine pairings (in addition to cellar door visits). Owner Chris began farming this land at just 19, and is meticulous over the handling of his certified organic vines, being his life’s work.

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 seven-course degustation menu. Bookings are essential.

Join Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland 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. Private Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tours are currently available for 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 above and below the water (wildflowers and marine life included), taste local produce, visit 2 stunning and contrasting wineries or discover rare and unique nocturnal native animal.

Beautiful architecture, jaw-dropping locations and creature comforts are all essential features of Private Properties. With a portfolio of 110-plus options, Private Properties has inspirational accommodation for unforgettable holidays all covered. Beachfront in Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay, on Yallingup hill with 180-degree ocean vistas, rural retreats on acres of sweeping countryside, and in Busselton and Dunsborough with an easy stroll to the beach. Locally owned and operated with over 30 years of experience, their passionate team can find the perfect holiday home for you.

One of the most exclusive resorts in the region, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort lies right on the shores of Bunker Bay and is 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. The property 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.

Relax in the ultimate beachside escape, Smith Beach Resort — 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.

Experience a dose of rural farm life at Wyadup Brook Cottages, just around the corner from the Cape to Cape Track and Injidup Bay. The Wyadup Brook flows through the middle of this 100-hectare property complete with chooks, cows, wildlife and wildflowers.

Surrounded by native peppermint trees, there are six uniquely crafted cottages to choose from, all self-contained including wood fireplaces to keep things toasty in winter. Located close to Caves Road for quick and easy access to Yallingup and Dunsborough.