12 of the best brunch spots down south

The great south west, or ‘douth’ as the Perth locals call it, is brimming full of eateries and activities for a weekend away from city life.

While often considered wine country, there are plenty of other Instagram-worthy food and drink options to try all along the coast for travellers and locals to try out! Read to find out 10 of the best spots for brunch in West Australia’s south west.

Words by Emma Ruben.

The Goose

After being destroyed by a fire two years ago, The Goose is back and sits right at the foot of the Busselton foreshore. Popular among the locals, the beachside restaurant overlooks the iconic Busselton Jetty and offers up a variety of options for brunch-goers. Diners can choose from buttermilk pancakes to a tom yum fried rice to a timeless eggs hollandaise for a brunch meal.

15 Foreshore Parade, Busselton

Shelter Brewing Co.

This might be a brewing company but don’t be fooled, Shelter Brewing Co. opens up from 7am every day for coffee, bagels and other baked goods. And the cream cheese and spring onion bagel from Shelter could certainly rival some bagels from New York City. Those wanting a wake-me-up can also order a coffee to go and head down to the Busselton Jetty for a leisurely walk.

11 Foreshore Parade, Busselton

Hummingbird

If you’ve ever wanted a cocktail for breakfast (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere), Hummingbird will sort you out. From a cool, cucumber gin to an early morning espresso martini, there’s something for everyone – even a mocktail. Their food menu doesn’t disappoint either – customers can choose from a breakfast gnocchi, a sambal scramble and buttermilk pancakes for an early morning feast. Or if you are grabbing lunch make sure to try their bulgogi beef burger with a gochujang mayo.

60-66 Queen Station, Busselton

Equinox

Equinox, a beloved fixture on the Busselton foreshore, has remained a family-owned eatery for over 20 years. Delighting patrons with their hearty breakfast options, the menu boasts breakfast favourites such as bacon and eggs, granola and mouth-watering Belgian waffles. As diners relish a leisurely weekend brunch, the scenic view of the beach and the jetty makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

1 Foreshore Parade, Busselton

La Lah Cafe

Spilling out on the streets of Dunsborough, it’s hard to walk past Lah Lah and not get your phone out to take a snap. It’s not just their aesthetic shopfront that’s enticing, their menu is the perfect blend of Instagram-worthy food and melt-in-your-mouth brunch options. Customers can dig into a Nordic snack of rye toast with avocado pea smash or savour some of the lah lah granola. Coffee enthusiasts will want to get their morning brew from Lah Lah’s as they serve one of the best cups of coffees in the Dunsborough area.

3/27 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough

Artezen

Nestled in the heart of Dunsborough, Artezen has been a cherished fixture for two decades and draws in tourists, locals and customers in search of a satisfying breakfast or a laid back lunch. Embracing the changing of each season, their menus evolve to offer a diverse selection of culinary delights such as a ‘satisfrying’ smoked salmon rosti or some delectable duck and mushroom crepes.

1/234 Naturaliste Terrace, Dunsborough

Merchant & Maker

The encompassing emporium that is Merchant & Maker functions as a grocery store, a café, and a place for a great cup of coffee. Priding themselves on the ability to make a great cup of Joe in the mornings, what sets these guys apart is their general store which stocks jars of food for customers to purchase and take home. Think Bolognese sauce and French-style chicken catered in jars for those who need an easy dinner option!

8/35 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough

Wild & Woods

A café and eco store, Wild & Woods source fresh and local produces from the Dunsborough area to create their menu. They serve “classic favourites” with a range of bites that cater to gluten free or vegan/vegetarian option too. Their coffee is also locally sought from the legends at Margaret River Roasting Company.

2/237 Naturaliste Terrace, Dunsborough

Meelup Farmhouse

A fan-favourite for a reason, one simply can’t make their way down south and not venture out to Meelup Farmhouse. Diners will get a chance to pick something from their seasonal menu and eat under a lantern lined veranda with a view of the bush and paddocks. After eating you’ll want to stay and walk around the beautiful, green grounds and pet a few animals too. As its name indicates, the restaurant is also home to plenty of farmhouse animals including chickens, cows, goats, alpacas and a friendly farm dog!

54 Sheens Road, Naturaliste

Goanna Bush Cafe

Tucked away inland of Dunsborough and Yallingup, Goanna Bush Cafe has great food and it truly is a lovely experience to sit outside and enjoy one of their epic Indo Spiced Coconut Rice dishes surrounded by bush. After you’ve finished with your meal you can head around the art trail, which is full of quaint statues and art pieces scattered throughout the neighbouring bushland. If that doesn’t hit the spot, there’s a small gift shop inside you can check out as well, or maybe you’ll just stick around for a while and knock back a couple of their epic Bloody Marys.

278 Hayes Road, Dunsborough

Riversmith

With new local owners manning the ship since 2022, Riversmith returned with a revamped menu and interior intending to provide customers with an “authentic Margaret River experience”. Situated at the heart of Margaret River town, locals and visitors can choose from buttermilk pancakes, tomato shakshuka and Spanish tortilla to name a few. Their cabinet also features some sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats for customers to peruse.

122 Bussell Highway, Margaret River

White Elephant Cafe

For brunch right on the beach you can’t go past the White Elephant Cafe, owned and operated by local legends AJ and Alex and offering all the good stuff including local coffee from Margaret River Roasting Co, the best poached eggs going around and even the perfect wedding venue (should you require one).

Gnarabup Road, Margaret River

Header Image Credit: Meelup Farmhouse