We travelled to Western Australia at the peak of the school holiday season, when accommodation prices in the region are at their highest, so we didn’t get to stay where I would have liked – but it all worked out in the end. There’s certainly no shortage of options to stay in the Margaret River region.
I’ll share some of the places that caught my eye the most (but were unfortunately completely out of my budget). At the end, I’ll include where we actually stayed – not the top of the range, but probably one of the better options still available, considering that many places were fully booked for our dates (and I booked six months in advance)! It makes me think that many Australian families book their holiday homes a year ahead.
Located in Bunker Bay, Dunsborough, right on the beach, this was our first choice of accommodation in the area. Had it not been for the price of AUD $5,000 for seven nights over Christmas and New Year period 😲, we would have been very happy to stay here.
Prices are much more reasonable at other times of the year, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
They offer everything from studio rooms with one bed and a kitchenette for light meal preparation, to larger three-bedroom villas.
The Bayshore Beachside Resort also seemed like an excellent option for accommodation in the area, and it’s just one road crossing away from the beach.
The villas have at least two bedrooms and come with a barbecue for guests to use. It’s very popular, so tends to book up quickly in high season.
This resort is right next door to where we stayed, but it’s in a completely different league – so only check it out if your holiday budget allows for a splurge. During the Christmas period, for example, prices can go up to $1000 AUD per night. That said, all accommodation is very spacious, ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms.
The beach the resort has access to, is the same one we went while staying at the Bayview Geographe Resort Busselton, and I can confirm it’s excellent – calm, crystal clear waters.
Photo 1: Beach accessible from Bayview Geographe Resort Busselton
Photo 2: The dark spot in the water is a stingray
The resort has all the usual amenities, including a pool, gym, and according to the website, even a kids club during the school holidays.
Located in Geographe Bay, this accommodation is just a short walk from the beach, and about a 10 minute walk from the centre of Dunsborough, with easy access to cafes, restaurants and a supermarket.
There are several types of cottages available, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms, so it’s ideal for groups of friends or families who want to stay together in the same house.
The beach to which these cottages lead is not in my opinion one of the best in the area, but Dunsborough Beach Cottages is still a very popular choice.
I mentioned the Smiths Beach Resort when we visited Smiths Beach (see post Things to do in the Margaret River region), and I couldn’t help but notice this hotel right on the beachfront.
There’s a restaurant and café on site, and I think the only downside is the price – it’s quite steep.
This was our base for exploring the region, and I must admit it fell a little short of expectations. However, the location was excellent, with direct access to the beach, which was one of those calm, clear water beaches. We even had several stingrays visits!
Behind the Bayview Geographe Resort is a path where you can walk or cycle along the beach, although you’ll still need a car to get to supermarkets or restaurants, which wasn’t a problem for us.
We stayed in a two-bed studio, which was perfectly adequate in terms of space, but could have been better maintained and insulated, as it was absolutely freezing in the mornings.
The resort offers free self-service laundry for guests, and there’s a gas barbecue in the grassy outdoor area, which we used a couple of times, although it wasn’t always in the cleanest condition.
One thing I was a little disappointed with was the description on Booking.com, which said that the kitchenette had everything you needed to prepare a meal, which wasn’t entirely true, as there was no stove! Sure, we could use the communal barbecue, but the description felt a bit misleading.
Photo 3: Our studio
Photo 4: Playground at Bayview Geographe Resort Busselton
Photo 5: One of the barbecues at Bayview Geographe Resort Busselton
There’s also an indoor pool, but it looked overcrowded every time we passed, so we didn’t bother trying it out.
Still, it wasn’t a bad deal considering the local prices and limited availability in peak season (December), and we managed to save a bit compared to some of the more attractive hotels.
On the same road as the Bayview Geographe Resort, there’s another place that looked very similar, maybe even a little better, called the Broadwater Resort, could be a good alternative at a reasonable price.
In the Dunsborough area, and throughout the Margaret River region, you’ll also find plenty of accommodation options through the following platforms:
Check out Quedji Cottage Dunsborough which is highly rated and would have been my choice for our holiday, had it not already been booked during our travel dates. It has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
Or if you’re looking for something more rural, don’t miss Djilba Cottage at Windance, located on a vineyard, the Windance Winery, and just 1km from one of the recommended restaurants: Swings and Roundabouts.
Check out the other posts about the Margaret River region:
