Major city · Australia
Dunsborough
Give Dunsborough 2–3 nights as a Geographe Bay base: calm swimming beaches, Cape Naturaliste and the caves, with Margaret River wineries 30–40 min south.
Dunsborough sits on the calm side of Cape Naturaliste, about 3 h by car from Perth and 25 min from Busselton. Geographe Bay is flat, shallow and swimmable; the wilder surf coast and the Margaret River wine strip are a short drive south. Two or three nights covers beaches, the lighthouse and a cave, with a winery day added.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (warm, dry, calm bay); Dec–Jan is peak and busiest
- avoid Jul–Aug (wet, 8–10 °C (46–50 °F) nights); late Nov school-leaver weeksavoid Jul–Aug (wet, 46–50 °F (8–10 °C) nights); late Nov school-leaver weeks
- Airports
- BQB · PER
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Dunsborough000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Emergency information (national)1800 226 226
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Dunsborough, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a beach town; the real risks are summer bushfire, unpatrolled water, theft from beach car parks and late-November school-leaver crowds.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 1800 226 226 emergency information (national)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBQB Busselton Margaret River Airport (Closest field, about 30 min by car; limited routes, check current schedules.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: beaches, the lighthouse and the caves are spread along Caves Road and Cape Naturaliste Road with no useful bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or holiday-unit double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMotel or holiday-unit double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BQB Busselton Margaret River Airport (Closest field, about 30 min by car; limited routes, check current schedules.) · PER Perth Airport (Main gateway; about 3 h by car via the Forrest Highway and Bussell Highway.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Care*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Oct, Dec–Apr. Mixed: Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Dunsborough: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
17 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
18 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
16 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Nov
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: beaches, the lighthouse and the caves are spread along Caves Road and Cape Naturaliste Road with no useful bus. The town and bay are flat, so bikes work well on shared paths, but shoulders on Caves Road are narrow. Taxis and rideshare are thin — book ahead for evenings.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Bussell Highway south, about 25 min by car
Jetty and sheltered bay; pair it with a Dunsborough beach afternoon.
Margaret River
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Caves Road or Bussell Highway south, 30–40 min by car
Winery and brewery strip plus the town's cafés; a full day if you taste.
Ngilgi Cave
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Caves Road west of town, about 10 min by car
Guided cave tour; buy a timed ticket and wear closed shoes.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Cape Naturaliste Road west, about 15 min by car
Clifftop walks and whale watching in season; check tour times before driving out.
Bunbury
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Bussell Highway north, about 50 min by car
Dolphin discovery centre and city services; only worth it on a wet day.
Door to door: About 4 h
South Western Highway via Manjimup, about 4 h by car
Too far for a day return: sleep a night on the south coast.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Dunsborough town centre
Walk to the beach, bakery, cafés and the pub; best for a car-free stay.
Geographe Bay beachfront (Naturaliste Terrace and west)
Resorts and holiday houses facing the water; quiet at night, 10–20 min walk to town.
Bunker Bay and Cape Naturaliste
Resort and bush stays 15–20 min west; you need a car for everything.
Quindalup and Dunsborough Lakes
Family holiday houses 5–10 min east; cheaper per bed for groups.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or holiday-unit double room1 × 3 nights × A$220 | A$660 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × A$170 | A$1,020 |
| Car hire, one day1 × A$90 · check | A$90 |
| Fuel, Perth return (about 500 km)1 × A$70 · check | A$70 |
| Ngilgi Cave guided tour, per person2 × A$25 · check | A$50 |
| Winery lunch for two1 × A$110 | A$110 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$200 |
| Trip total≈ A$367 per person per day, bed included | A$2,200≈ US$1,500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Bakery pie | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Fish and chips | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pub main | A$25–38 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Winery tastingOften waived with a purchase. | A$10–25 (≈ US$7–17) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Caves Road is a two-lane rural road with cyclists and winery traffic: drive it in daylight.
- Beach car parks are targeted by thieves in summer: leave nothing visible in the car.
- Late November to early December brings school-leaver crowds to the bay towns; expect noise and booked-out beds.
- Bushfire risk peaks in hot, windy summer weather: check emergency warnings before driving into the hinterland.
- Swim between the flags on patrolled stretches; the bay is calm but there are no lifeguards at every beach.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Emergency information (national)
- 1800 226 226
Pocket card
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DunsboroughDunsborough
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, thanksTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Emergency information1800 226 226
Embassy
No consulates in Dunsborough; the nearest are in Perth (about 3 h).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Perth → Dunsborough by car: about 3 h, 250 km (155 mi), fuel about A$35–45 (≈ US$25–30) each way (check)about 3 h, 155 mi (250 km), fuel about A$35–45 (≈ US$25–30) each way (check)
- Perth → Busselton by coach: about 3 h 30 min; check current timetables and fares
- Taxi Dunsborough town → Bunker Bay: A$30–45 (≈ US$20–30) (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- Safe to swim here? — Is it safe to swim here?
- Where's the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
Australia has no national tipping norm; 000 works from any phone.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Dunsborough. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (warm, dry, calm bay); Dec–Jan is peak and busiest · avoid Jul–Aug (wet, 8–10 °C nights); late Nov school-leaver weeks · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BQB and PER: last transfers, taxi fallback and a late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, Geographe Bay foreshore, Quindalup and the Caves Road strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Ngilgi Cave, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Meelup and Eagle Bay) and eat pages with last orders.
- Summer bushfire and school-leaver fixtures so gates A–D can go green.