Meelup

Meelup Regional Park protects a stretch of spectacular coastal scenery near Dunsborough in WA's Southwest, encompassing Eagle Bay, Meelup Beach, and Cape Naturaliste coastal heath. The park is part of the Geographe Bay coastal landscape, offering accessible beach and coastal heath experiences for visitors to the Dunsborough and Busselton area. The turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and surrounding coastal heath create an idyllic coastal setting. The park's proximity to the Cape to Cape Track and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park makes it part of a premium coastal tourism corridor in one of WA's most visited regions.

The park's coastal waters host dolphins — resident pods of bottlenose dolphins use Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay regularly. Humpback and southern right whales are visible from the headlands during the winter migration. Sea eagles soar above the coastline. The western ringtail possum inhabits peppermint coastal woodland within the park. Quokkas maintain small populations in suitable coastal heath. Various shorebirds use the beach and rocky intertidal zones. Carnaby's black cockatoos and baudin's black cockatoos feed in coastal banksias.

The park's coastal heath is characterised by peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) woodland — a low coastal tree restricted to a narrow belt along WA's southwest coast — along with banksias, hakeas, and diverse shrubs. The heath provides critical habitat for western ringtail possums, which are largely dependent on peppermint foliage. Coastal dune vegetation stabilises the sandy beaches. The diverse heathland supports extraordinary spring wildflowers from August through November.

The park sits on the coastal plain, with Tamala Limestone underlying the coastal formations and Quaternary sands and sediments forming the beaches and dunes. The Cape Naturaliste peninsula is composed of Precambrian metamorphic rocks that form the rocky headlands visible from the park.

Mild maritime Mediterranean climate — approximately 800 mm annual rainfall. Cool winters; mild summers (22–26°C) with sea breezes. Spring wildflowers August–November. The Southern Ocean moderates temperatures year-round.

Within Wadandi Noongar country. The Geographe Bay coast provided abundant marine resources. Dunsborough developed as a tourism destination from the mid-20th century.

Meelup Regional Park was established to protect coastal heath and beach values near Dunsborough. Management balances high recreational use with conservation of coastal vegetation and fauna.

Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay for swimming and snorkelling. Coastal heath walks with wildflowers. Dolphin watching from beaches. Whale watching from headlands (June–October). Part of the Cape to Cape coastal trail.

Near Dunsborough — 250 km south of Perth. Carparking and beach access. Dunsborough provides full services. Open year-round.

Western ringtail possum habitat management in peppermint woodland is a priority. Coastal weed management and visitor impact management at popular beaches are ongoing challenges.