Most people flock to the sunny places of the world during winter so they can work on their tans, but there really is something alluring about living close enough to one of the most majestic places in WA- Especially in winter!
We recently packed up our car full to the brim, cranked the daggy travel tunes and road tripped it to Dunsborough- The perfect spot for a winter escape. With it only being a 2.5 hour drive, it gives us the freedom to be spontaneous about these types of vacays. The type of spontaneity that allows families to explore, relax and create memories without having to leave the country.
{Scroll to the end for accomodation details and links}
Our first stop was Dunsborough. This town has the perfect mix of quirk and class that entices you to keep coming back again and again, year after year. During summer its buzzing with swim suits, sunscreen on a sea of bodies and you can smell the salty ocean drifting through the town. During winter, the town is still a buzzing, but with a different kind of energy. The local bakery seems to be the heart of the town, drawing locals and tourists in with the constant smell of warm home made perfection. Cafes have wood fires crackling, the parks and beaches are full of rugged up explorers with hot coffees in hand and the locals smile at you always. What’s not to love about how super friendly this place is.
Where we Stayed…
In Dunsborough our accomodation was a two minute walk from the town centre. Even in the cold, it was so lovely to put Alaska in her pram and walk as a family at our own pace. Each night we walked in early, ordered take away dinner and walked back home. I would highly recommend where we stayed as it’s perfect for families. The Stones Throw Dunsborough has three bedrooms each with a queen bed, a set of bunk beds, two bathrooms and a self contained kitchen (great cost effective option to split the cost between three families). I loved that there was a no fuss attitude about this place so we didn’t have to worry about making a mess with our baby. It was clean and stylish, large enough to feel like a luxurious getaway and the location allowed us to be as flexible as it’s a close distance to everything possible.
Empire Retreat Retreat…
In Yallingup we stayed at Empire Retreat And Spa which was insanely magical. We managed to sneak Alaska in even though it’s not kid friendly, but as it was not during peak time it was rather quiet and we were the only visitors there. If you’re planning a honeymoon, an anniversary getaway or just a romantic surprise then this retreat is a must have on your bucket list. Every corner and wall is drenched with lush furnishings and art work. You will feel inspired to completely overhaul your own house once leaving this place. You can stay in your relaxing room, choose to walk the magical gardens or sit by the toasty fire and sip on champagne. It was raining most of our stay here, but it was really refreshing to stay snuggled up in our room, watching old DVD’s and tuning out from the world. This retreat is a five star place on the higher end of the budget scale, but definitely worth experiencing.
Where Did We Eat…
- Peace Pizza Dunsborough– Great to take home and share. Affordable and tasty
- Clancy’s Fish Pub– Large indoor area and really kid friendly
- Eagle Bay Brewing Co– Huge outdoor area perfect for kids- make sure you BOOK
- Simmos Icecreamery– Must try the Apple Pie ice-cream and huge park with animals out the back- Great for kids and free entry
- Bunkers Beach House– Great for early morning beach walks to order a coffee and a fresh warm muffin
- Occy’s– Great for a pub style meal with a funky retro feel. Kid friendly and can easily share meals making it cost effective
- La Casina– Perfect for the rustic farm style vibe. Perfect for large group bookings
- Oh Dehli Indian– Yumo! More of a pricier option but don’t order as much between two
- The Fire Station– The fire was cranking and it was a super funky place
- Margaret River Chocolate Factory– A must overtime you visit- Kid friendly!
What Did We Do:
The beauty about being based in Dunsborough is that it’s only a short drive to, well, everywhere awesome! Yallingup, Margaret River, Busselton and Bunbury. All fabulous places to go and explore, each with their own unique charm.
- Wonky Windmill & Farm– Amazing for kids. It costs for entry but we just hung around the main part and saw enough without having to go in.
- Bakers Beach– Gorgeous fishing spot or just to stroll and admire
- Caves House– The gardens are amazing to explore and great spot for kids
- Busselton Jetty– Currently being worked on but still really pretty and a great day out with cafes along the shore line
- Busselton Markets– Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday of the month – 7am – 12pm
- Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse– There’s lots of lighthouses this site of WA but this one is really gorgeous and super close to town. You can pay for a tour or venture on your own to save money (like we did)
Beach in winter…
DETAILS:
Stones Throw Dunsborough |Book Here | $153 per night for Three bedroom self contained house
Empire Retreat Yallingup | Book Here |$450 per night Delux Balcony Room perfect for honeymooners (NOT family friendly)
* This post is in no way sponsored. There was a mutual collaboration with Empire Retreat Yellingup for a discounted rate. All thoughts, words and ideas are completely my own*
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