Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Dunsborough
POP 3400
Smaller and less sprawling than Busselton, Dunsborough is a relaxed, beach-worshipping
town that goes bonkers towards the end of November when about 7000 'schoolies' des-
cend. When it's not inundated with drunken, squealing teenagers, it's a thoroughly pleas-
ant place to be. The beaches are better than Busselton's, but accommodation is more lim-
ited.
The name Dunsborough first appeared on maps in the 1830s, but to the Wardandi
people it was always Quedjinup, meaning 'place of women'.
2
Activities
Cape Dive
( 08-9756 8778;
www.capedive.com
; 222 Naturaliste Tce)
There is excellent diving to be done in
Geographe Bay, especially since the decommissioned Navy destroyer HMAS
Swan
was
purposely scuttled in 1997 for use as a dive wreck. Marine life has colonised the ship,
which lies at a depth of 30m, 2.5km offshore.
DIVING
Naturaliste Charters
( 0419 186 133;
www.whales-australia.com
; adult/child $80/50; 10am & 2pm Sep-Dec)
Two-hour whale-
watching cruises from September to December. From January to March the emphasis
switches to an
Eco Wilderness Tour
showcasing beaches, limestone caves with Indigenous art,
and wildlife including dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Tours also run out of Augusta.
WHALE WATCHING
4
Sleeping
There are many options for self-contained rentals in town depending on the season; the
visitor centre has current listings.
Dunsborough Beachouse YHA
(
HOSTEL
$
08-9755 3107;
www.dunsboroughbeachouse.com.au
; 205 Geographe Bay Rd; dm $32-34, s/d $55/80;
)
On the Quindalup beachfront, this friendly hostel has lawns stretching languidly to the
water's edge; it's an easy 2km cycle from the town centre.
