Facing north to the Indian Ocean, these beaches boast calm, sheltered water and, like many of Western Australia’s beaches, are refreshingly uncrowded. Pack a picnic or crank up the free barbeques and make a day of it.
Dunsborough is also a top spot for diving with the largest accessible dive wreck in the Southern Hemisphere, The HMAS Swan.
Proclaimed as a town in 1877, Dunsborough was no more than a few beach shacks until the mid-1950s. Today, it’s got a vibrant arts scene, with live music and market days in summer and a plethora of well-respected art galleries.
Nearby award-winning restaurants offer sweeping bush and coastal views.
What’s more, there are an impressive 220 vineyards and 80 wineries in the Margaret River region, quite a feat considering wine was first produced here just 30 years ago.