Our Lady of the Cape Primary School

Dunsborough is a coastal town with a lovely balance of young families and retirees—the median age sits at 41, and about one in five residents is under 15. It’s a well-educated community, with 60.2% having finished Year 12, and incomes sit comfortably in the middle-to-upper range. Most residents were born in Australia (70.8%), with England, New Zealand, and South Africa being the most common overseas birthplaces. The overall vibe is relaxed, family-oriented, and welcoming to newcomers, making it an easy place to settle into a slower, beachside rhythm.

Our Lady of the Cape Primary School is a Catholic primary school that feels deeply connected to the local community. The school runs a Choir that performs at events throughout the year, and there’s also a Before School Sport program on the calendar—so kids can start their day with a bit of activity. Beyond that, religious celebrations and community gatherings are woven into school life. It’s the kind of place where children are known by name, and parents quickly find their footing in the school community.

The school hosts its own OSHC service, operated by Catholic Education Western Australia Limited, right on-site at 245 Cape Naturaliste Rd. It offers Before School Care, After School Care, and Vacation Care, approved for up to 60 children. That’s a solid option for working parents, so it’s worth a quick call to the school office to confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements. Having care on campus makes the morning and afternoon juggle much simpler.

For groceries, you’re well covered. There’s a Coles at Dunn Bay Rd & Cape Naturaliste Rd, an IGA Dunsborough at 5/42 Dunn Bay Rd, and a newer Woolworths at the Dunsborough Marketplace. If you want something special, Southwest Provisions on Commonage Rd stocks local produce and a few essential luxuries. For a night off cooking, Occy’s Dunsborough on Dunn Bay Road is a kid-friendly pub with burgers and pizza, Peace Pizza is locally loved for its woodfired pies, and Thai Papaya Takeaway offers casual, family-friendly Thai for a quick dinner at home.

As a Catholic primary school, fees are typically lower than independent schools, the school office will have current fee schedules. For commuting to Perth, there’s no direct train station in Dunsborough. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. A direct Transwa bus to East Perth takes around 4 hours 6 minutes, while driving is fastest at roughly 2 hours 48 minutes. For most families, this is a weekend trip rather than a daily commute.

Start by reaching out to the school office to arrange a tour and ask about current fees, OSHC hours, and any upcoming open days. While you’re at it, pop into the local supermarkets and try a pizza from Peace Pizza—it’s a great way to get a feel for the neighbourhood. If your child needs extra support, Liferaft Learning offers personalised English tutoring locally, and Superprof lists private tutors for a range of subjects. Dunsborough is a welcoming, family-friendly town, and Our Lady of the Cape is a warm place to begin your next chapter.