Bunbury

Bunbury, the vibrant gateway to Western Australia's South West, is a coastal city that effortlessly blends urban energy with laid-back beachside charm. With its dolphin-filled waters, thriving café culture, and proximity to world-class wine regions, Bunbury offers a genuine taste of the good life without the crowds of its big-city neighbours.

Highlights & What to See

• Dolphin Discovery Centre – Get up close with the resident bottlenose dolphins at this interactive centre on Koombana Bay. Take a guided swim tour or simply watch them play from the beach.
• Mangrove Boardwalk & Leschenault Inlet – Wander through a boardwalk over the mangroves, spotting birdlife and enjoying calm water views. It's a peaceful escape right in town.
• Bunbury Regional Art Galleries – Housed in a stunning heritage convent, this gallery showcases contemporary Australian art and local Indigenous works. The building itself is a highlight.
• Koombana Bay & Back Beach – Two distinct beaches: Koombana for swimming and dolphin watching, Back Beach for excellent surf breaks and long walks.
• Marlston Hill Lookout Tower – Climb the 360-degree viewing platform for panoramic vistas over the city, harbour, and out to the Indian Ocean.
• Bunbury Farmers Market – Every Saturday morning, this market bursts with fresh local produce, artisan foods, and live music – perfect for a picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you a solid taste of Bunbury. Spend your first day exploring the Dolphin Discovery Centre and the beaches, then dedicate a day to the city's galleries and the historic port area. If you have a third day, use it as a base for a day trip into the Ferguson Valley wine region or the Tuart Forest. Bunbury is also a perfect overnight stop on a drive between Perth and Margaret River.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ferguson Valley – A 30-minute drive inland, this rolling green valley is studded with boutique wineries, breweries, and farm gates. Great for a leisurely afternoon of tastings.
• Busselton – Home to the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and a buzzing foreshore precinct. Just 50 minutes south.
• Margaret River – World-renowned for its surf breaks, premium wineries, and ancient caves. An hour's drive south, it's a must-do for food and wine lovers.
• Yallingup – Stunning coastal scenery with granite boulders, surf spots, and the Ngilgi Cave. Ideal for a day trip combining nature and gourmet stops.
• Wellington National Park – Just east of Bunbury, this park offers the Wellington Dam mural (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere), bushwalking, and swimming spots.

Please check official sources for current details.