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New exhibition shines a light on Dunsborough history

A new temporary exhibition at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is shining a light on the stories, people and industries that helped shape the Dunsborough region.

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Curated by the Dunsborough Historical Society, Reflections of the Cape draws on more than 150 years of local archives and family records to tell the stories of whaling, fishing families, timber, Caves Road and the early development of the town.

Margaret Baxter, chair of the Dunsborough Historical Society, said the exhibition, which is housed in one of the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages, showcases material gathered and preserved over generations of local families and historians.

She said the extensive material available made selecting themes and stories one of the project’s greatest challenges.

There were hours and hours and days and days of just choosing the right photographs and the right words for those boards with our themes.

~ Margaret Baxter

Historical image of Caves House Yallingup

Caves House, Yallingup


Lighthouse manager, Tod Kearns, said the exhibition complemented the existing lighthouse experience.

We share information that focuses on the role of the lighthouse, its lighthouse keepers and the region’s maritime history. This exhibition helps build on that story, providing visitors with a broader understanding of how Dunsborough developed over time

~ Tod Kearns

Historical beach image from the Dunsborough region

Meelup beach and campsite.


If people are still sharing these stories in 100 years’ time, then the Society will have succeeded in preserving our local history.

~ Margaret Baxter

The Dunsborough Historical Society was reformed in 2016 following strong community interest in local history and has since grown to approximately 45 active members and 25 social members. The Society has continued the legacy of the Cape Naturaliste Historical Society, inheriting a significant collection of archival material gathered over generations.