Close-up of group of friends holding glasses of red wine in a toast outdoors in a Margaret River winery.

Explore

Of course, you could easily spend your days soaking up the serenity—reading, strolling to the beach, swimming, or simply enjoying the comforts of the house. But if you’re in the mood to venture a little further, there are some great spots nearby that are well worth the short drive. Here are a few of our favourites…

Busselton

Drive: 14 minutes from Abbey

Ride: 30 minutes from Abbey

  • Beach days - Busselton’s beaches are some of the most family-friendly in Western Australia. Sheltered by the bay, the water is usually gentle and shallow, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating the day away.

  • Check out the iconic Busselton Jetty, stretching 1.8 km into Geographe Bay, is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Ride the Jetty Train and explore the Underwater Observatory at the end

  • Head to Busselton's foreshore which is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions including playgrounds, cafes and a huge skate park.

  • Pop in to Shelter Brewing Co for craft beers, tasty pub fare, and unbeatable views of the jetty

  • Rocky Ridge Brewing Co – for beer lovers wanting to sample local brews just a short stroll from the foreshore

  • Visit Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop – a choc lover’s paradise packed with handmade chocolates, ice cream and coffee.

  • Enjoy scenic walks or bike rides along the coastal path from Abbey to Busselton

Busselton Jetty extends into the ocean under a clear blue sky, with a few people walking along it.
Red train car with wooden seats at the bus stop, with a building in the background that reads "Born & Brewed in Busselton" and a few people standing nearby.
Fresh leafy greens and vegetables displayed in baskets on store shelves at Vasse Farmers Market.
A person pouring hot coffee from a glass pot into a white ceramic mug on a wooden table in a Dunsborough coffee shop..

Vasse

Drive: 5 minutes

Ride: 10 minutes

Just 5 minutes from Little Herring, Vasse is a small but vibrant hub packed with great food, coffee, and local charm.

  • Grab a Coffee – Start your day with a flat white at Coffee Heads or Bohemian Brew.

  • Pick Up Fresh Goodies – Stock up at Vasse Bakery or browse local produce or grab a wood-fired pizza at the Vasse Farmers Market.

  • Enjoy Summer Nights – The Lions Vasse Twilight Markets light up Napoleon Promenade with food trucks, live music, and local crafts.

  • Stroll or Ride from Abbey – Follow the smooth, 1.6km path from Abbey Beach to Napoleon Promenade. Perfect for walking the dog, cycling, or scootering, with an underpass to avoid the Busselton Bypass. Keep an eye out for kangaroos in the surrounding fields!

  • Stock Up on Supplies – With a supermarket, bottle shop, and specialty stores, Vasse has all the essentials for your Down South stay.

  • Girls’ weekend calling? Gather the gang for nails, lashes, hair, and massages – because pampering is a team sport and it can all be found in Vasse.

Dunsborough

Drive: 15 minutes

Just 15 minutes from Little Herring, Dunsborough blends postcard-perfect beaches with a laid-back village feel, great coffee, boutique shopping, and plenty of adventures for all ages.

  • Bailey Brewing Co. – Brewery serving tasty food with a local twist and a quintessential family-friendly atmosphere

  • Elski Creamery – Treat yourself to small-batch gelato and sorbet, made on site with seasonal flavours and plenty of love.

  • Simmos Ice Creamery – A local icon with over 60 flavours of homemade ice cream, plus a playground, shady picnic spots, and mini golf for the kids (and big kids).

  • Old Dunsborough Beach – Calm, turquoise waters make this the perfect spot for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or a relaxing picnic.

  • Next Level Monkey Business – An exciting high ropes adventure course with zip lines and climbing challenges, set amongst the trees – fun for kids, teens, and adventurous adults.

  • Boutique Shopping – Browse coastal homewares, surf gear, fashion boutiques, and gourmet food stores along the main street.

  • Nature & Coastline – Take a scenic drive to Meelup Beach, Castle Rock Bay, or Sugarloaf Rock for some of WA’s most stunning coastal views.

Wooden pathway leading to a Abbey beach with ocean waves and cloudy sky
Interior of a cozy cafe with a large plant, white chairs with cushions, a black chalkboard menu, and a barista working behind the counter. A person is sitting at a table using a laptop.
Shelves of freshly baked bread loaves inside a rustic wooden bakery oven in Yallingup.
Southwest WA beach with rocks along the shoreline with ocean waves splashing against them under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Yallingup

Beaches & Surf

  • Yallingup Beach – famous surf break and sheltered lagoon for swimming and snorkelling

  • Smiths Beach – pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, great for a beach day or sunset stroll

  • Injidup Beach & Natural Spa – striking coastline with a hidden rock pool for a unique dip

  • Enjoy a walk at Canal Rocks – dramatic granite formations with boardwalks and epic photo opportunities

  • Caves House Hotel – historic pub with a huge beer garden and live music

  • Swings & Roundabouts – relaxed winery with woodfired pizzas and a kid-friendly lawn

  • Yallingup Woodfired Bread – A South West institution offering traditional woodfired sourdough—often sold out by mid-afternoon, so get there early!

Margaret River

Drive: 30 minutes

Just 30 minutes from Little Herring, Margaret River serves up a perfect mix of wine time, wave chasing, and foodie finds – all wrapped in that laid-back Down South charm

Wine & Brewery Heaven

  • Over 100 cellar doors to explore, from boutique vineyards to iconic estates like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate

  • Craft breweries such as Cheeky Monkey, Beerfarm, and Colonial Brewing Co

  • Chocolate lovers can indulge at the Margaret River Chocolate Company or Temper Temper Fine Chocolate

  • Enjoy Beaches & Surf

    • Surfers Point – famous for world-class waves and stunning sunsets

    • Gnarabup Beach – calm, family-friendly swimming spot with a beach café

    • Redgate Beach – scenic and dramatic, popular with photographers

  • Nature & Adventure

    • Explore caves like Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Jewel Cave

    • Bushwalks and coastal trails with incredible views over the Leeuwin-Naturaliste coastline

  • Indulge in Shopping & Art - explore artisan galleries, boutique fashion, and handmade wares along the main street

Busselton beach with a man standing on the sand near surfboards and bags, looking toward the ocean with waves crashing onto the shore.
Group of friends toasting with glasses of red and white wine at local winery.
A dirt country road winding through green fields and trees, with rolling hills and mountains in the distance under a cloudy sky.
A man riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a forest of tall, white-barked trees.

Nannup

Drive: 50 minutes

Great for a day trip, Nannup is only 50 minutes drive from Abbey.

  • MTB Hotspot – Known as The South West’s Best-Kept MTB Secret, Nannup offers raw terrain, flowy lines, and adventure for all skill levels.

  • Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park (2 km east of town)

    • Over 35 km of trails through pine plantations and native bushland

    • Beginner-friendly greens to double black descents

    • Highlights: Easy Tiger (flow trail) and Blindside (technical challenge)

    • Shuttle services available for maximum downhill runs

  • Ngoolark MTB Jump Park (2 km north of town)

    • Two 160m downhill jump lines:

      • Nyini Ngoolark Biddi – intermediate

      • Boorung Ngoolark Biddi – advanced

    • Gentle return trail for easy repeat sessions

  • Not into mountain biking?

    • Stroll down Warren Road to discover heritage buildings, quirky shops, cosy cafés, and local artisan stores

    • Visit during the Nannup Music Festival (March) or Flower & Garden Festival (August) for extra charm

  • Food & Drink

    • Local cafés and restaurants serving hearty country meals and fresh-baked pastries

    • Cambray Cheese – sample and buy some of the South West’s finest artisan cheeses