Dunsborough, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port Guide

Where is The Port Located?

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Dunsborough’s port setup is unique – there isn’t one. Instead, cruise ships anchor in Geographe Bay, and you’ll travel to shore on smaller tender boats.

You’ll land at Dunsborough Beach, stepping onto pristine white sand. The town centre sits just a few minutes’ walk from your landing spot.

The tender boat system works smoothly in good weather conditions, taking you straight into the bay’s calm waters. Once ashore, you can easily reach local shops and cafes.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Dunsborough‘s Boat Access Points

You can reach Dunsborough through four main transport options:

By Air

• Fly to Perth Airport first
• Take a connecting flight to Busselton Margaret River Airport
• Travel 25km to Dunsborough from the airport

By Road

• Drive south from Perth on the coastal highway
• Journey takes about 3 hours
• You can rent a car at Perth Airport or city centre

By Bus

• Head to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in Perth
• Take the South West Coach service
• Buses run regularly throughout the day

By Tour Transfer

• Book your transfer through your cruise company
• Travel with other cruise passengers
• Includes door-to-door service

Remember to book your preferred transport option well before your cruise departure date. You’ll need to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled boat departure time.

Port Parking Options

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Your Dunsborough Port Parking Options:

You’ll find three parking choices when arriving for your cruise:

Harbour Lot:

• 200 spaces right next to your ship
• £15 per day
• Book ahead in busy seasons

Shuttle Lot:

• 2km from port
• £8 per day
• Free shuttle bus every 15 minutes

Economy Lot:

• 3km from terminal
• £40 per week
• Best value for longer trips

You can book your space at the port’s website, where you’ll get discounts if you’re a returning customer.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting to the Port: Transport Options

You can reach the port easily from Dunsborough using several reliable options:

Airport Shuttles

• Book your direct transfer from Busselton Regional Airport
• Shuttles meet all incoming flights
• Pre-booking ensures your spot

Local Taxis

• Ring Dunsborough taxis for direct port transfers
• Available 24/7
• Door-to-port service

Public Buses

• Catch hourly buses from town centre
• Most affordable option
• Regular service throughout the day

Hotel Transfers

• Check if your hotel offers free port shuttles
• Many local hotels include this service
• Book through your accommodation’s front desk

Choose your transport method early to avoid last-minute rush. You’ll find contact details for all services at your accommodation or the local tourist office.

Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility

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The cruise terminal welcomes you with its modern, single-storey design. You can access free Wi-Fi, relaxed seating, and air-conditioned spaces throughout the building.

You’ll find disability-friendly features across the terminal:

• Ramps and lifts in all areas
• Wheelchair hire (book ahead)
• Dedicated staff for mobility support

The terminal offers practical facilities:

• Clean toilets
• Tourist help desks
• Convenience shops for essentials
• Water filling stations

You can easily move through the terminal with your luggage using the smooth flooring and wide corridors. The layout helps you find your way to check-in, waiting areas, and boarding points without confusion.

Your basic needs are covered with:

• Clear signage
• Comfortable temperatures
• Good lighting
• Easy access to refreshments

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

How to Spend Your Pre-Cruise Day in Dunsborough

You can enjoy several activities in Dunsborough before your cruise departs. This coastal town offers easy access to beaches, caves, and wineries.

Four Essential Pre-Cruise Activities:

1. Visit Meelup Beach
   • Walk on white sand
   • Swim in clear blue water
   • Take coastal photos
2. Discover Ngilgi Cave
   • Tour the underground chambers
   • See spectacular stalactites
   • Learn about local geology
3. Try Margaret River Wines
   • Visit nearby boutique wineries
   • Taste regional specialities
   • Buy bottles to take home
4. Shop in Town Centre
   • Find local art pieces
   • Buy handmade crafts
   • Pick up unique souvenirs

Your pre-cruise time matters, so choose the activities that interest you most. You can easily combine two or three options in a single day.

Remember to check opening times and book any tours in advance.

Walks near the port

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Walking around Dunsborough port gives you plenty of ways to explore the area. You can stroll along Geographe Bay’s coastal paths to reach stunning beaches like Meelup and Castle Rock.

You’ll find the Cape Naturaliste Track easy to follow, with clear signs telling you about local plants and animals. The Dunsborough Foreshore path offers a quick, accessible walk from the town to the jetty.

You can walk to Ngilgi Cave, where you’ll discover fascinating rock formations and learn about Aboriginal culture. The cave trails start near the port and suit most fitness levels.

Dining and Shopping

Dunsborough’s shops and restaurants give you plenty to explore during your visit. The town centre sits just a short walk from where cruise ships dock.

Discover these popular spots:

1. The Dunsborough Collective: Browse handmade gifts and crafts from local artists
2. The Bay Fish House: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes while looking out over the ocean
3. Vine & Barrel: Sample local wines in a cosy tasting room
4. Coastal Traders Market: Shop for Aboriginal artwork and regional food specialities

You’ll find most shops and cafés concentrated in the main street, making it easy to walk between them. Local shopkeepers and restaurant staff are happy to chat about their products and share recommendations for what to try.

Accommodation near the port

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Looking for a place to stay near Dunsborough port? You’ll find several options within easy walking distance.

You can stay at:

• Dunsborough Beachfront Resort: Modern apartments with sea views
• Bay Village Resort: Family units 200 metres from the port terminal
• Dunsborough Central Motel: Budget-friendly rooms

You’ll need to book your accommodation early if you plan to visit between December and February, as rooms fill up quickly. Most places offer cruise-friendly services like early check-in and luggage storage to make your stay easier.

While most cruise ships don’t dock overnight, these accommodations work well if you want to extend your visit and explore more of our coastal town.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Busselton, Western Australia for a different Western Australia Cruise destination.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Visiting Dunsborough: Your First-Time Cruise Guide

You’ll find these tips helpful when cruising to Dunsborough:

1. Book tours early
   • Contact local operators 48 hours before docking
   • Choose from walking, wine and wildlife experiences
   • Secure your spot to avoid disappointment
2. Pack right
   • Bring flat, supportive shoes
   • Choose breathable clothes for walking
   • Take a water bottle for exploring
3. Plan your spending
   • Bring Australian dollars for local markets
   • Keep cash handy for street vendors
   • Most shops accept cards
4. Stay connected
   • Download the Dunsborough Port App
   • Track shuttle times and locations
   • Get live port updates

The town centre sits within walking distance of the port. You can easily explore the main streets, beaches and markets on foot. Your cruise card works for getting back on board, but remember your photo ID for local tours.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

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Getting Through Customs & Immigration at Dunsborough Port

You need your passport and completed Incoming Passenger Card ready when your ship docks. The process takes 30-45 minutes.

The entry steps:

1. Go through electronic gates for document scanning
2. Meet Border Force officers
3. Answer questions about your visit purpose
4. Declare any items from your luggage

Biosecurity rules require you to declare:

• Food items
• Plant materials
• Animal products
• Wooden items

The electronic gates read your documents quickly, and officers direct you to the correct queues. You can speed up your entry by having all forms filled out before arrival.

Border officers check your documents and ask basic questions about:

• Your stay duration
• Where you’ll stay
• Your travel plans
• Items you’re bringing in

You can move straight to baggage collection after clearing immigration and customs checks.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Your Guide to Money in Dunsborough

You’ll use Australian dollars (AUD) during your stay in Dunsborough. The currency comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes.

Payment Options:

• You can pay with all major credit cards at most shops
• You should carry some cash for small purchases and market stalls
• You’ll find ATMs throughout the town centre
• You can tap your card almost everywhere with contactless payments

Money Tips:

• You don’t need to tip – service charges are included in prices
• You’ll get better exchange rates at local banks than at the airport
• You can exchange currency at any bank during business hours

Emergency Contacts

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Emergency Contacts for Your Dunsborough Stay

You need these emergency numbers during your visit:

• Dial 000 for police, ambulance, or fire services
• Call (08) 9781 3030 for Dunsborough Police Station (non-emergencies)
• Contact Dunsborough Medical Centre at (08) 9756 8999

Key Locations:

• Police Station: 28 Dunn Bay Road
• Medical Centre: Dunsborough town centre

Before leaving your cruise ship:

1. Save these numbers in your mobile phone
2. Note the locations on your map
3. Keep your ship’s emergency contacts handy

Your quick access to these contacts will help you handle any unexpected situations during your visit.

History of The Port

Your Guide to Dunsborough Port’s History

The port you see today tells a story that spans thousands of years. You’ll discover four key chapters in its development:

1. Aboriginal maritime culture: Local indigenous peoples used these waters for fishing and transport long before European arrival
2. European discovery: French and British ships mapped and explored the coastline in the 1800s
3. The SS Georgette story: A shipwreck in 1876 united local residents in a dramatic rescue effort
4. Modern transformation: The port changed from a fishing centre to a cruise destination in the 1980s

You can spot traces of this heritage as you explore the port today. Walk along the same shoreline where Aboriginal boats once launched, or visit the maritime museum to see artefacts from European sailing ships. The port continues to evolve, and you’re now part of its ongoing story.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

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When to Cruise from The Port

You’ll find different experiences in each cruising season from Dunsborough.

Spring (September-November):

• You’ll see stunning wildflower displays
• You can enjoy mild temperatures
• You’ll experience perfect conditions for land tours

Summer (December-February):

• You get ideal beach weather
• You’ll find it’s the peak tourist season
• You’ll pay premium rates

Autumn (March-May):

• You’ll encounter smooth sailing conditions
• You can avoid large crowds
• You can join wine tours during grape harvest

Winter (June-August):

• You can watch whale migrations
• You might face occasional rain
• You’ll find cheaper rates

Choose your cruise month based on what matters most to you:

• Wildlife watching
• Beach activities
• Crowd levels
• Budget considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Whale Watching Opportunities From Dunsborough’s Cruise Ships?

You can watch whales from Dunsborough’s cruise ships between June and December. Your cruise will take you through Geographe Bay, where you’ll spot humpback and southern right whales during their yearly migration. The bay’s calm, protected waters make it perfect for whale watching. You’ll get clear views as these magnificent creatures swim, breach and play in their natural habitat.

What Indigenous Cultural Experiences Are Available Near the Port?

Several Indigenous experiences await you near the port:

• Take guided bushwalks with Wadandi elders to learn bush medicine
• Join storytelling circles to hear traditional Dreamtime tales
• Participate in hands-on art workshops using native materials
• Experience traditional tool-making demonstrations
• Learn about local Indigenous food and cooking methods

You can book these activities directly through the Wadandi cultural centre, where local guides share their community’s heritage and customs with visitors.

How Rough Are the Waters Typically Around Dunsborough?

The waters around Dunsborough are mostly calm and gentle throughout the year. You’ll experience peaceful conditions in Geographe Bay, which acts as a natural shelter from rough seas. During winter (June to August), you might encounter slightly choppier waters, but they remain manageable for most activities. The bay’s protection makes it ideal for swimming, boating and water sports year-round.

Are There Any Famous Shipwrecks to Explore Nearby?

You can explore the famous HMAS Swan shipwreck located off Dunsborough’s coast. This former naval destroyer sits in clear waters, making it perfect for diving and snorkelling. The Busselton Jetty’s Underwater Observatory offers you a different perspective on local maritime history and shipwrecks without getting wet. Both sites attract divers from across Australia, and you’ll find guided tours available year-round.

What Marine Wildlife Might Passengers Spot During Their Cruise?

During your cruise, you can spot these marine animals:

• Dolphins swimming alongside the ship in playful groups
• Humpback whales emerging from the water and splashing back down
• Sea lions lounging on nearby rocks or swimming near the vessel
• Colourful tropical fish visible in clear waters
• Manta rays gliding gracefully beneath the surface

Keep your camera ready and watch the water carefully – these sea creatures often appear when you least expect them!

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Esperance, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port.