Perth | Dunsborough Road Trip Day Itinerary

Hi,

There’s something special about a road trip and heading anywhere south of Perth, especially when your destination is the infamous Margaret River Region.

Dunsborough is our personal favourite destination!

A vibrant coastal town notorious for its pristine beaches, boutique shops, and laid-back atmosphere.

A short 2.5 hour drive south of Perth, it’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to for the perfect place for down time.

This corner of Western Australia has been calling us back ever since our first day trip!

If you’re planning a day trip, a weekend away, or just looking for road trip inspiration, I’ve rounded up my favourite stops from Perth to Dunsborough that are worth adding to your itinerary.

The Road Trip

Stop 1: Lake Clifton

Just 85 minutes into your journey from Perth CBD, this lake is an unexpected gem!

Lake Clifton is a calm, saltwater lake located in the Yalgorup National Park.

You’ll find here it has unique thrombolites living in the lake! If you don’t know what these are (I didn’t either until we got there lol), they are rock-like structures formed by microorganisms. It’s a pretty cool spot to appreciate clear waters and nature doing its thing.

Stop 2: Dunsborough

About 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lake Clifton, Dunsborough town is our favourite spot for a lunch break.

Dunsborough charmed us on our first visit, and we equally excited to enjoy it every time since.

Evviva Cafe, is a regular visited for us when we’re in the area. You can expect fresh, high-quality food and relaxed atmosphere. If you visit in the summer, make sure to avail of the outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine.

While your in the area you might want to grab some snacks from Dunsborough Bakery. When it’s a local favourite, you know it’s good.

Stop 3: Eagle Bay

Now that you’re fuelled up, make your way to Eagle Bay, since it’s only a 10-minute drive from the town.

Get your book out, lay on the soft white sand and relax on the stunning beach. On a sunny day, the bright turquoise waters will leave you in awe.

Stop 4: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Sticking with the coastal vibes, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is just 12 minutes from Eagle Bay.

Walk around the lighthouse for stunning views of the Indian Ocean, grab a coffee at the cafe, or join a 30-minute guided tour for $16. We chose to explore on our own for just $5 each!

Stop 5: Sugarloaf

The last stop on your Dunsborough day trip is Sugarloaf Rock, only a 9-minute drive from the lighthouse.

This will be a quick stop because there’s nothing much to do other than the quick walk, but the views are worth it—this spot is one of WA’s most photographed for a reason.

On our visit, a brewing storm created a moody atmosphere, adding to the experience.

During the sunny weather, this would make for a great picnic spot with your goodies from the bakery!

Summary

And that’s a wrap on your Dunsborough day trip! The Margaret River Region has so much to offer, and this is just the start of my Day Trip Delights series. If you’re living in Perth, don’t miss out on these stunning spots—pack a picnic, bring a change of clothes, and enjoy a budget-friendly, unforgettable adventure!

If you’re wanting to expand your day trip to making a few nights of it, I have you covered with my favourite places to stay in the Margaret River Region!

As always thank you for being here!

Let me know in the comments if you have visited the Margaret River Region before and tell me where has been your favourite.

If you’re like me and love photos, come join me on Instagram. I share my travel pictures here daily!

CYA XX