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Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough

Bush Walk

(+1)
Trail Running
 in South West

  • Half day
  • 7 km
    • Bush Walk Class 3

      Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

The Meelup Reserve Trail is a beautiful serene 7 km coastal walk that traverses along the north-facing Geographe Bay. This lovely bush track is a moderately easy walk consisting mainly of a limestone and granite path decorated with stunning white sandy turquoise bays and pristine bushland.

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A walk along this trail will take you to isolated petite bays and coves through to the famous and popular bays and beaches that have facilities such as picnic areas, barbecues, showers and toilets.

The trail starts just off Hurford Street in Old Dunsborough where the Meelup Nature Reserve begins. The trail will take you past Curtis Bay, Castle Rock, Castle Bay, the famous picturesque Meelup Beach, Point Picquet and finishes at Eagle Bay.

Most of the beaches along this track are renowned swimming beaches and are particularly inviting with their calm turquoise water. Small reefs and rocky outcrops provide good snorkelling. On the trail there’s plenty of wildlife and wildflowers in spring. The track has numerous whale watching vantage points along the way and is a great spot to see whales from September to December.

Busselton Visitor Centre

(08) 9780 5911

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Be trail ready for Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

3-4 hours

Length

7 km each way

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Meelup Regional Park, Hurford Street, Dunsborough.

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Trail End

Riddle Park, Eagle Bay

Get directions

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Hazards & Warnings

Sections of trail with steep cliffs and unpatrolled beaches. Beware of snakes in summer – December to February

Facilities

The foreshore at Meelup Reserve is wheelchair accesible, however the rest of this trail is a narrow dirt track with many rocky sections, and not universally accesssible. 

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Cafe
  • Car Park
  • Lookouts
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • Water Access Points

Trail Access

Road or bus

Prohibited Items

No pets permitted
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3 trail goers have rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough as 4.67 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Annique Lee

Reviewed 6 Aug 2021, 3:05pm

This hike was amazing. I had a beautiful sunny winter's day on my side. The sound of the waves, the fresh smell of the bush and sound of the soft breeze blowing through the trees and the little birds flying overhead was healing to the soul. I loved the the beach at Curtis Bay. The track is well signed, however just after Point Picquet, there was an area of rock that the track opened to with no sign and no trail in view other than a little track the led you to cross the road and enter the beach. It did not take me long to realise my mistake and headed back and found the trail again. If I was to do it again, I would only do Dunsborough to Point Picquet, from that point on you cannot see the coastline, just a bush walk. However I had set myself a goal, and I did it. Please note that it should be noted that the trail starts at the corner of Gifford Road and Hurford Street, where you can leave your car safely.
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Marco Zecca

Reviewed 29 Jan 2016, 7:29pm

A couple of hidden gorgeous bays are nestled in this scenic easy walk, turquoise calm waters perfect for a swim!
Sally Westlake

Reviewed 25 Apr 2014, 1:30pm

dunsborough to Meelup is a very pretty walk and suitable for all ages, there is fun rock scrambling for the kids if they want too and pretty little bays. Carry water and a snack, and decent shoes.

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