After a few changes with our state and the COVID restrictions allowing us to do a bit more travelling, Brad and I decided to take another little family trip down to Dunsborough. We still have a lot of restrictions in place where we live here in Perth so we thought instead of us spending Brad’s time off from work at home unable to necessarily really go out anywhere or do anything, we marswell travel down south again, relax and unwind and enjoy a few more luxuries which included a lot more shops and restaurants being open. I was also going to write this blog detailing about our experience down south while the COVID restrictions were in place, however while we were down there we got the update that majority of these were being lifted within the following week of us returning home, so it would seem a little pointless to do so. We ended up visiting a few places which were different to what we had experienced on our last trip down, so I decided to still write a smaller blog, but just with the details of what we got up to this time around. My previous piece written in March runs through in detail of a lot more things that were available for us to get up to while we were down there (and while there were no restrictions in place) so if you are going to be heading down south any time soon, make sure to have a read of that one to get a few more tips !
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Opening times | MONDAY – SUNDAY 9-5pm
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is only a short drive from the centre of town in Dunsborough (approx 10-15 min) We chose not to do the guided tour which just meant we were only able to walk up to the lighthouse and onto the observation deck behind it. If you are interested in a bit of history surrounding the lighthouse I would highly recommend to book the guided tour in advance to make sure you secure a spot. Pricing to see the lighthouse includes free roam of the grounds as well. There is a little kids play area including a large sandpit and some playground equipment on the grounds just outside a quaint little cafe. This wasn’t open when we were there ( I believe due to restrictions ) There are a few benches available outside the cafe where you are able to sit and eat as well. A gift shop selling some cute touristy nick knacks is at the front of the grounds and this is where you will also buy your tickets from. I would recommend wearing something warm as it was extremely windy and cold while we were there, especially whilst standing on the observation deck overlooking the ocean. It’s a great little day out to spend with the family and to learn about some fantastic local history while your at it
Meelup Farmhouse
Opening times THURSDAY – MONDAY 9am – 5pm | CLOSED Tues + Wed
So I went into a lot more detail about this amazing restaurant in the last blog post I did about our most recent trip down to Dunsborough, and I can certainly tell you that after visiting here YET again, you are honestly missing out if you haven’t been to this location yet! Located only a short drive from town (approx 5/10 min!) and nestled in a gorgeous remote location you will find an array of free roaming chickens, a gorgeous highland cow named Lizzie and a restaurant of your dreams (with a killer menu to boot!). It’s a rattan lovers dream! There are large, stunning rattan hanging pendants adorning the ceiling throughout the seating areas, fresh smelling flowers placed throughout and a gorgeous wide open view into the landscape while you eat your brekkie or lunch. I aim to come back here if I can every time I travel down to Dunsborough! It’s safe to say I have found the restaurant of my dreams down here
Swings & Roundabouts Winery
Opening times MONDAY – SUNDAY 10-5pm
We always aim to try at least one different thing when we come down here, whether it be a new eatery or a new adventure. We decided to give this winery a go for lunch after hearing so many people rave about it. Firstly the scenery is next level! Situated on a huge amount of land (so it makes the most perfect location for kids to run around) there are lots of spots available to sit and eat whether it be inside or outside. We were unable to use the kids play area outside as it was pouring with rain on the day we went but it makes it a great location to take the kids for lunch because of this feature. The menu is very “pizza, tapas and drinks” orientated as well. We had a restricted time for our lunch while we were there and with it only being an hour time frame we did feel extremely rushed by the staff to be finished and done with our meals and the service in general was pretty sub par if I’m being honest. However, we did understand it was more than likely incredibly hard for staff to navigate how to serve customers during the COVID situation and my husband and I both said we would be willing to come back and give this venue another try. I would highly recommend coming in the summer or warmer months to really get the full use of the outside area which is what we hope to do in the future
Simmo’s Ice creamery
Opening times | MONDAY – SUNDAY 10-5pm
Another great little place I wrote about in my last blog but unfortunately didn’t get to visit last time we were here was Simmo’s Ice creamery. I feel like visiting this place is a necessity when you come down to Dunsborough! We came here one afternoon in need of a treat after a big day out of exploring and we were not disappointed! There are so many flavours of ice cream to choose from it was honestly hard to decide what to even get! There is also a lot of grassed area available for the kids to run around, plenty of tables to sit and relax on and a kids play with a large sandpit and various playground equipment. We were unable to venture too far onto the grounds due to it being closed off to the public because of COVID (and the rain!), but I believe once restrictions are lifted this week, everything should hopefully be back up and running as normal
Recommendations on things to do while your down here
EAT
Cape lavender tea house Yallingup | WESBITE
Clancy’s fish pub | WEBSITE
Goanna gallery Cafe | WEBSITE
Hot Chocolatte Dunsborough
White Elephant beach cafe | WEBSITE
The Berry Farm | WEBSITE
Candy Cow | WEBSITE
EXPLORE
Sunflower animal farm and farmstay | WEBSITE
Ngilgi cave | WESBITE
Busselton Jetty underwater observatory | WEBSITE
Canal rocks Yallingup | WEBSITE
Next level monkey business | WEBSITE
Naturaliste Reptile Park | WEBSITE
Chilli waters supa golf | WEBSITE
