Known as the gateway to Cape Naturaliste, Dunsborough was not officially proclaimed a town until 1879. However, American whalers had been using Geographe Bay as a base from the early 1800s. The beautiful sheltered bay provides the ideal conditions for swimming, fishing and boating and Dunsborough has become a popular holiday resort with an increasing permanent population.
Local industry comprises tourism, arts and crafts, vineyards and sheep grazing.
Quindalup, just 3 kilometres east of Dunsborough, was the site of the Yelverton's Mill in 1857. Cape Naturaliste, also known as the 'Cape of Contrasts' contains some spectacular coastal flora. The Geographe Bay side boasts clear tranquil waters with trees almost to the waters edge at the little cove at Meelup. Eagle Bay is known for its scenery and larger beach ideal for beach and boat fishing. On the opposite side, the wild Indian Ocean breaks onto some of the best surfing beaches in the world.