With so much to see in the area, where do you begin? We have curated some “tours” with personal recommendations for what to do in the area based on your interests.
These are perfect to do on the Tuesday after the main bits of the event, and before the BDS afterparty that night at 6pm in Margaret River.
The Tours
“Beyond the Sea“
Best of the northern region’s beaches, coast, and rock formations.
“Walk on the Wild Side“
See the region and key attractions while seeing and interacting with local animals and wildlife.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz“
Fancy shmancy, the finer things in life (and in the region).
“I Like Wine, You Like Wine“
All things about the region’s famed wines.
“La Vie en Rose“
Relax, unwind, melt away those sore muscles
“Cave Man Blues“
See limestone caves, a lighthouse, and stop in for wine and cheese
Beyond the Sea
The best of the northern region’s beaches, coast, and rock formations.
- Start your day at Castle Rock. Go for a swim, climb the rock and take in the views.
- From there, take the road over to Meelup beach, a regional favourite with still clear waters. Perfect for a snorkel.
- Continue along the coastal drive to Eagle Bay beach and go for a dip.
- From here, stop in for lunch at Eagle Bay Brewery or head back to Dunsborough and grab a takeaway sandwich at Merchant and Maker.
- Yallingup, “place of lovers”, is your next stop. Swim in the calm lagoon or go for a walk to the northern end of the beach and watch the surfers and crashing waves.
- Head to Injidup Natural Spa (what one of our class levels is named after!). This famous spot is known for waves crashing over natural walks into a calm clear pool below.
- Finish the day with an ice cream at the beloved Simmo’s Ice Creamery.
Walk on the Wild Side
See the region and key attractions while seeing and interacting with local animals and wildlife.
- Start your day with a whale watching tour with Naturaliste Charters to get up close and personal with Humpback whales (and cross your fingers to spot a blue whale!).
- Head to Busselton and check out Sunflowers animal farm where you can pat rescued roos and other animals.
- Take a train ride on the southern hemisphere’s longest jetty (fun fact, this train inspired the train in the film Spirited Away). You can also walk to the end.
- Duck into the Underwater Observatory at the end of the Jetty to check out the beautiful colrals and sea life up close without getting wet.
- Grab a meal at The Goose right on the Busselton foreshore (just next to the Jetty). Shelter is another nearby good option.
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Fancy shmancy, the finer things in life (and in the region). Think Art galleries, pottery, chocolates, luxurious soaps, olives, and finishing with an awarded degustation at a local winery.
- Start off in Dunsborough to check-out the stunning photography at Christian Fletcher Gallery.
- From here, head out to Yallingup Galleries to see what they have in store (particularly as part of Margaret River Open Studios).
- Head to Happs Winery and Pottery. Walk around the grounds, see the pottery and art, and taste some wine.
- Pop around the corner to Yallingup Chocolate (and top up on coffee as needed).
- Stop in at Rivendell for their local art gallery and Aravina estate for their WA Surf Museum/Gallery.
- Indulge your senses at Vasse Virgin with their locally made soaps, skincare, and locally grown olives.
- Finish off with a late degustation (tasting menu) at the awarded Wills Domaine winery.
I Like Wine, You Like Wine
Need we say more? A taste of some of our favourite wineries and breweries in the northern half of the region.
- Start close to Dunsborough at Skigh wines, known for their wild ferments. Book in for a group tasting at $10 a person or check their website for other more specialised tasting options.
- Head over to Fermoy Estate in the Wilyabrup section of the region. Their classic wines are well-regarded and even featured at a royal wedding.
- Next check out Amelia Park and their stunning cellar door with views that will make you want to sip extra slowly.
- Pop around the corner to Cherubino. Their wide range, influenced by European wine-making styles and varietals, whilst tasting in their barrel room makes for a unique experience.
- You’ll be hungry by now. Shake things up and head to a favourite brewery, Wild Hop. Their beers change regularly and have a wine range with something for everyone. Their food is delicious. Grab some plates to share and don’t miss the fried pickles while enjoying a view over the small dam.
La Vie en Rose
Relax, unwine, and melt away the sore muscles from the region. Rather than a specific tour, we’ve highlighted a number of ways for you to deeply unwind.
- Start your day with some yoga at Yoga South West. This studio is so beloved that it regularly gets visitors from Perth while down for the weekend.
- Curate your own wellness day with options for massage, sauna, facials, and more.
- Grab yourself a healthy meal at some local varouties like Little Iris, Sora, Mano Wraps, and La Lah cafe.
Tama Wellness
LUMA Skin
BODHI Yallingup Spa
OM Day Spa
Empire Spa Retreat Yallingup
Golden Orchid Thai Massage
Vitality Steam Sauna
Vie Spa Bunker Bay
Cave Man Blues
A simple tour – just caves, lighthouse, and a little wine tasting (because why not?).
- Start at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. You can pay for a tour or just walk the grounds and take in the views.
- Head to the northern-most cave, Ngilgi Cave. Take yourself on a self-guided tour focused on local Wardandi culture.
- Drive all the way down to Lake and Mammoth caves, two more of the region’s expansive Limestone caves. Tours are required.
- Finish off all your adventuring (and rest your legs!) at winery, Mr Barval. Their wines are crafted in an Italian style and owned by a local family. Grab a cheese board (highly recommended) and relax and take in the views. Walk around their aboriginal art gallery with works collected from around Australia. An absolute fave – don’t miss it.