tourist attractions bunbury wa

Western Australia Expert

The Best Things To Do In Bunbury: Locals Guide 2023

Looking for things to do in Bunbury? I’ve got you! I’ve lived in WA for over 20 years, and Dave was born here, so we’ve spent many years exploring our state, including this coastal town.

Bunbury, a coastal port city in the southwestern region of Western Australia , is waiting to be explored. With its picturesque beaches, lush green forests, and bustling city life, Bunbury has something to offer for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventure-filled escape, or a wildlife experience, Bunbury has it all.

From the iconic Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre to the tranquil beauty of the Tuart Forest National Park, this city is a melting pot of natural wonders and adrenaline-fueled activities.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

My Favourite Attraction in Bunbury

The Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. This world-class facility is home to a family of bottlenose dolphins, often seen playing and interacting with visitors. Join this eco-cruise Cruise within Koombana Bay, designed to get you as close as possible to the dolphins without getting your feet wet.

Top Things to do in Bunbury Western Australia

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1. Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre

Koombana Bay is home to around 100 to 150 wild bottlenose dolphins, regularly seen in the bay and surrounding calm water.

Mrs Evelyn Smith, a local resident, began feeding the dolphins in the mid-60s, but it wasn’t until 1989 that Bunbury Dolphin Trust hired a dolphin specialist to continue this tradition.

The Interaction Zone was created in 1990, and the Dolphin Discovery Centre followed four years later. It’s unknown why these dolphins keep returning, but researchers think it’s not just for the small amount of food they receive, as many don’t get any fish. A board at the front of the building shows the times and dolphins that have shown up, which you can use as a guide to finding the best time to visit. When we were there, it was from around 8 am to 9 am. It’s one of the best things to do in Bunbury for free.

The centre also runs the Marine Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Facility, the only one in the Southwest of Western Australia licensed by Parks & Wildlife. Since its inception in the mid-’90s, they have successfully rehabilitated and released approximately 200 marine turtles. 

There are several experiences at the Dolphin Discovery Centre with the Interaction Zone, Interpretive Centre, Eco Cruise, and Dolphin Swim.

Interaction Zone

The Interaction Zone is a dedicated protected area for people and dolphins to interact, overseen by volunteers. This is free, but strict guidelines must be adhered to, and remember that it is illegal to touch any wildlife, including these dolphins.

Interpretive Centre

You will get an immersive experience by visiting the Interpretive Centre, which features interactive displays, has feeding programs, and showcases an extensive range of themed fish and coral aquariums.

As an Advanced Eco-Tourism attraction, they do not have captive dolphins on display, but you can explore the wild dolphins of Koombana Bay with a guide to learn about their natural behaviours.

2. Dolphin Eco Cruise

A great way to see the wild dolphins is on this dolphin eco cruise , where you’ll spend 90 minutes within the shores of Koombana Bay on a boat designed to get you as close as possible to the dolphins. The skipper and crew will introduce you to the local Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact in their natural environment.

3. Dolphin Swim Tour

Join this dolphin swim tour if you’re up for adventure and want to get close to the dolphins. An experienced guide and trained volunteers will accompany you as you venture into the open waters of the serene Koombana Bay.

Join this dolphin swim tour if you’re up for adventure and want to get up close to the dolphins. An experienced guide and trained volunteers will accompany you as you venture into the open waters of the serene Koombana Bay. However, as they are wild animals, dolphin interaction cannot be guaranteed, but you get a second tour free if there are no dolphin sightings.

The Swim Tour season runs from November to April, with tours departing every day (except Tuesday) at 8 am.

4. Bunbury Foreshore

The new foreshore redevelopment in Bunbury has breathed new life into the waterfront from Koombana Bay to Casuarina Boat Harbour. Kids will enjoy the Koombana Foreshore Playground with water play activities, climbing towers, and a zipline. You can grab a coffee at the Hello Summer Beach Kiosk and watch them play happily.

Take a walk over Koombana FootBridge, which is designed to resemble a ship’s hull. On the ground are the names of the numerous shipwrecks in Koombana Bay.

You will see the new sculpture, Wardandi Boodja, representing the face of a Noongar elder and standing as a reminder that Noongar culture is vibrant and strong.

5. Bunbury Farmers Market

Bunbury Farmers Market is the place for fresh produce, much of it sourced from surrounding farms. In addition, you can choose from gourmet pies, delicious local and French cheeses, hand-pressed juices, fruit, vegetables, cured meats, baked goods, and a range of sauces, spices, and chutneys.

This indoor marketplace is a popular stop for people heading south to stock up on all these goodies to complement the Margaret River wines. Don’t go thinking you’ll be able to grab a bargain as it’s a market, though, as it can be pretty pricey as the products are top quality.

6. Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

The state-of-the-art Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre is housed in the former 1886 Bunbury Boys School. It includes an extensive range of items relating to Bunbury’s history, along with audiovisual exhibits. Another free Bunbury attraction and great rainy day activity.

7. Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

The Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, housed in a former convent, is Western Australia’s largest regional art gallery and hosts world-class exhibitions.

8. Bunbury’s Street Art

Bunbury city has the most extensive collection of street art in regional Australia. Download a copy of the map here and discover the incredible street art Bunbury has to offer.

9. Bunbury Wildlife Park & Big Swamp Parklands

One of the best things to do in Bunbury with kids is to visit the Bunbury Wildlife Park, where you can enjoy seeing some native animals along with two walk-through aviaries. Kangaroos can be hand-fed in a paddock with lots of native trees.

Inside the free-flight aviaries, birds will fly to you and take food from the palms of your hands. We always enjoy chatting with the funny cockatoos and asking them to dance for us. Please don’t put your hand in their cages, though, as they can bite despite looking cute!

Allow about an hour to spend at this small zoo. If you’re an Entertainment Cardmember, they currently have two-for-one admission (one per membership).

Bunbury Wildlife Park is an excellent spot for a picnic, and the Big Swamp Playground is close by. While here, take the Big Swamp Wetlands Walk, which meanders through the wetlands. Don’t miss the beautiful Paperbark Walk.

10. Lena Ship Wreck Dive

The “Lena” is a purposely sunk wreck off the Bunbury coast that now attracts over 100 species of marine life, including humpback whales, turtles, skipjack, western blue devils, wobbegong and port jackson sharks, tuna, and dhufish. The boat was fishing illegally in Australian waters in the early 2000s. It was chased all the way to South Africa before she surrendered, being one of the most prolonged sea chases in maritime history.

The highly-rated open water Lena wreck dive is an easy swim-through with no silt and excellent visibility.

11. Marlston Hill Lookout Tower

The walk up to the Marlston Hill Lookout Tower is short but steep and gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. This former lighthouse has been converted into a viewing tower with panoramic views of Koombana Bay, Bunbury Harbour, and the hinterland. It can be very windy at the top, especially in the afternoon.

Other lookouts

Boulters Heights, between Haig Crescent and Wittenoom Street, is a challenging climb but offers incredible city views.

Koombana Park Lookout is the newest viewpoint overlooking Leschenault Inlet, Mangrove Cove, and Koombana Bay. The site also has a playground, seating areas, and barbecues.

12. Bunbury Lighthouse

You cannot access the Bunbury Lighthouse, but it can be viewed easily from the paths and Marlston Hill Lookout. The black and white checkered lighthouse is a popular Instagram photo location, especially at sunset.

13. Cultural Tour

Take this Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tour to learn about local Noongar guide Troy Bennell’s Indigenous heritage and culture. Listen as he tells Dreamtime stories and the traditions of his family growing up.

14. Back Beach

Head to Back Beach for water activities, including bodyboarding, surfing, snorkelling, swimming, and fishing. If you’d prefer to keep dry, the coastal path is great for walking, running, or cycling. You can hire bikes from Melo Velo.

15. Mangrove Walk

If you’re a nature lover, you will enjoy the Mangrove Walk around the Leschenault Estuary, which takes you through Western Australia’s southernmost mangroves. These wetlands are a favourite breeding spot of the Black Swan and have over 70 bird species living there.

16. Wyalup Rocky Point

The 130 million-year-old Basalt Rock of Wyalup Rocky Point is highly culturally significant to the local Indigenous people. Wyalup means ‘place of mourning’ because the area previously was a Noongar burial ground.

Take in the views from the beach lookout, and the playground will keep the kids occupied while you relax watching the sunset. There are also BBQ facilities here.

17. Dine or Drink out

Bunbury has improved massively over the years and has many small, intimate wine bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants to choose from. If you’re after coffee, head to Victoria Street’s cosmopolitan cappuccino strip.

Try the refurbished Rose Hotel, Nicolas Ristorante, Lost Bills, or visit Cuprum Distillery’s cellar door to pick up some truffle gin, coffee liqueur, or other incredible spirits sourced from local botanicals.

18. Bike Ride

There are two child-friendly bike rides around Bunbury – the Leschenault Inlet Loop and the Big Swamp Wetlands.

The Leschenault Inlet Loop is a 5 km ride around the inner inlet that starts and ends at Koombana Beach.

The purpose-built cycle track around the Big Swamp Wetlands is about 3-4 km and is a great option for younger kids.

Bunbury Dog Friendly Walks

You can take your dog on a few walks, including forest and waterside.

1. The Maidens 1.8 km

This walk in South Bunbury takes you along crushed limestone paths through the sand dunes in the Maidens Reserve. Along the way, you can stop at the lookouts for sweeping views of the ocean and city.

2. Manea Park 2.3 km

Manea Park is an excellent place to view the beautiful wildflowers in spring. It is also a fantastic bush reserve that supports several threatened species, including the forest red-tailed black cockatoo and both native species of white-tailed black cockatoo.

3. Leschenault Inlet Circuit 5 km

This popular walk winds around Leschenault Inlet. Read the signs that have been installed, made out of timber recycled from the old jetty and the former Koombana rail bridge.

4. Big Swamp Wetlands 3.5 km

To protect wildlife (there are over 60 species of birds), dogs are limited to the outer path. Across the road, there is an off-lead exercise area.

5. Back Beach

Take a walk along the dual-use path and stop at one of the two dog exercise beaches along the way.

Bunbury Visitor Centre

We usually stop at Visitor Centres to pick up free maps of the area, so pop in and see the friendly guides at the Bunbury Visitor Centre .

Bunbury Accommodation

Bunbury has many accommodation options, including hotels, motels, beachfront accommodation, caravan parks, self-contained apartments, and private rentals.

How to get to Bunbury from Perth

International and domestic visitors will fly into  Perth Airport . Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this  Australia Travel Guide  and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this  Western Australia Travel Guide .

There are car hire booths at Perth Airport , but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated. DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia. It includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, & Jucy as well as smaller ones. Compare Rental Cars Here .

You can get from Perth to Bunbury by train, bus or car.

Perth to Bunbury by car

The quickest way to get to Bunbury from Perth is by car, which will take about an hour and 50 minutes. You can make it part of a South West Road Trip from Perth to Albany .

Perth to Bunbury by train

Trains run twice daily between Perth Station and Bunbury Station, taking two and a half hours. Tickets on the Australind train are around A$34.20 one way.

Perth to Bunbury by bus

TransWA runs coach services between East Perth and Bunbury, taking between two and a half and three hours, depending on the route.

South West Coach Lines runs daily services from Perth to Bunbury, taking about three hours. Tickets cost approximately A$58 one way.

Bunbury Weather & Forecast

February is the driest month, while July is the wettest. 

February is also the warmest month, with an average max temperature of around 30 °C and a minimum of 16°C.

The coldest month in Bunbury is July, with an average maximum of 17°C and a low of 7°C.  

The ocean is warmest in March (22.2°C) and coldest in September (17.9°C).

If you want to visit the beach or swim with the dolphins, summer is the best time to visit Bunbury. However, it can be too hot for walks. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can be a lovely time of year with sunny days and cooler nights.

See the Bureau of Met for an up-to-date 7-day forecast in Bunbury .

Bunbury Events

There is always something happening in Bunbury. See Bunbury Geographe Visitor Centre for a complete list of events .

Western Australia’s South West Travel Guide

This detailed travel guide provides information on all the regions that make up Australia’s South West . Read about the destinations, including what to do and where to stay.

Bunbury History

The Bunbury area was originally known as “Goomburrup” before the arrival of settlers.

The town was first settled in 1838 and was named in recognition of Lieutenant Henry William St Pierre Bunbury, who developed the problematic inland route from Pinjarra to Bunbury.

By 1842, Bunbury had 16 buildings and a port servicing local industries, including timber. Railway lines in 1891 and 1893 increased the port’s importance, exporting Karri and Jarrah wood to England.

Bunbury became a city in October 1979.

Western Australia Travel Guide

For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.

Save Money Planning Your Trip

Click on the links, which will take you directly to the website.

We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service, and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use  Booking.com  for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

For pet sitting in Western Australia and worldwide, we are members of Trusted Housesitters . Free accommodation for pet and house sitting.

Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use  Discover Cars , an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

Campervan/RV Rental 🚐

DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, and Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More  and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel. See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.

What are the best things to do in Bunbury?

The best things to do in Bunbury are: Dolphin Eco-Cruise Visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre Enjoy watersports or relax on one of the beaches Take the Mangrove Walk to see over 70 species of birds Learn about the local Aboriginal culture on a Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tour Dive or snorkel the Lena Dive Wreck

What is the population of Bunbury?

Bunbury is the state’s third-most populous city after Perth and Mandurah, with a population of 71,090, according to the 2016 census.

We hope you found this guide on things to do in Bunbury useful. If you have any questions, please email or comment below. Have you already visited Bunbury? What did you think? Let me know below.

Please consider using our links to book any accommodation or tours as this won’t cost you any extra, but we receive a few cents, which helps in the cost of running this site. Thank you.

Where to stay

Take a look at these places to stay when planning your next visit to Australia’s South West.

Bunbury Seaview Apartments

The face of Bunbury has changed in an incredible way. Once seen as just an industrial port, the City has received an injection of edgy boutiques, intimate wine bars and top-notch restaurants, mostly thanks to a group of hip, young entrepreneurs who decided to transform their city into a place they wanted to work and play.

Situated on a peninsula, Bunbury is known as the City of Three Waters, making it an aquatic playground. There’s rumbling surf of the Indian Ocean to the west, the calm waters of Koombana Bay and the tranquil Leschenault Inlet. Surfing, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and boating are all very popular.

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Dolphin Season

South west art now, things to do.

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Here are some of our top picks!

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Wyalup-Rocky Point

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Bunbury bucket list, other ideas for your trip.

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Read up on the different experiences and trips for the holiday of your dreams.

Bunbury Bucket List Itinerary

5 Unexpected Experiences in Bunbury

What are the top tourist attractions in bunbury.

The top tourist attractions in Bunbury are the Dolphin Discovery Centre with its Interpretive Centre and Aquariums, the Dolphin Interaction Zone in the calm waters of Koombana Bay Beach and the Wardandi Boodja sculpture on the Koombana Bay foreshore. Other popular attractions include the Bunbury Wildlife Park, Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and the many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife on bustling Victoria Street.

How far is Bunbury from Perth?

Bunbury is just under 170km by road from Perth. The drive south to Bunbury from Perth takes roughly 2hrs by car.

What is Bunbury known for?

Bunbury is known for being the coastal city of creativity, with colourful street art trails and a family friendly town with a foreshore frequented by wild dolphins. Bunbury is also known for having a vibrant nightlife scene with quirky cocktail bars, destination restaurants and heritage pubs.

When is the best time to visit Bunbury?

The best time to visit Bunbury is during dolphin season from November to April each year. These months span the Aboriginal Six Seasons of Kambarang (late spring), Birak (summer), Bunuru (late-summer and early autumn) and Djeran (autumn).

What are the best things to do in Bunbury?

There are lots of things to do in Bunbury. The best things to do in Bunbury include the Dolphin Swim Tour at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, tasting locally distilled spirits at Cuprum Distillery, dining at award-winning restaurant Market Eating House, meeting friendly animals at the Bunbury Wildlife Park and marvelling at street art around town, as well as the latest exhibition at the pink convent building: Bunbury Regional Art Gallery.

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Nannup is a place to relax and recharge, get close to nature, discover our heritage or have an adventure.

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored.

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By Locals – Best things to do in Bunbury WA (2024)

Last Updated on 19 March 2024 by Ariana Svenson

If you are looking for a different family get away to somewhere you haven’t been before these things to do in Bunbury will give you food for thought.  Long bypassed for those heading down to Margaret River and a reputation as a grimy port city, Bunbury Western Australia has undergone a serious facelift in recent years.  Gone is the “Bunno” of my youth, and replaced by a cosmopolitan city.

This incredible re-vitalization has come on various fronts.  For art lovers the central Bunbury area is dotted with the bigger than life Mural Project 6230.  The BRAG is known for its edgy world class art exhibitions and the BREC high quality live performances.  Combine all of this with the charm of the Victoria Street eateries and Bunbury has an arty cosmopolitan feel that is unrecognizable to those who knew Bunbury 30 years ago.

During its history Bunbury was a wonderful seaside resort and considered ‘The  Brighton of the Colony’.  Later, it became more industrial than touristy as the port boomed.  Nowadays the port mostly ships out woodchip and alumina.

Located just 2 hours from Perth, Bunbury for the weekend is an easy, stress free drive on new freeways.  There are many things to do in Bunbury for families, including innovative playgrounds, white sand beaches and the world class Dolphin Discovery Centre.  Hold on tight as we share in detail these Bunbury activities for your next weekend getaway. Check out our best accommodation in Bunbury if you want to learn more details about where to stay.

And in case you want to explore more getaways near Perth , feel free to dive into our blog post for some extra inspiration!

** Who are we?  We are Western Australian locals and I estimate we’ve visited Bunbury 6 times since the pandemic started.  Last year our pre –Christmas getaway was to Bunbury.  We spent 3 glorious days staying at the recently renovated Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore.  On a foray south in late April 2023 we stayed at the Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay, chosen for its indoor heated pool.  We’ve stayed at the Bunbury Lighthouse before and loved their cute little pool but wanted to try something different this time.  Therefore this list of things is one that comes from first hand experience!

Disclosure: Through my site there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support. We hope you have a ball in Western Australia!

The top things to do in bunbury wa.

Meet Dolphins in the Wild (One of the Free Things to do in Bunbury)

Did you know you can see the wild Bunbury dolphins for free?  We didn’t know this when we arrived but its free to go and sit on the beach in Koombana Bay and wait for the dolphins to arrive (look for the beach interaction zone).   You can have a swim and the kids can build a sandcastle while you wait.  There is a lookout platform where red shirted volunteers keep an eagle eye out for dolphins and make announcements to the public.  This does not cost any money.  The dolphins are wild and do not come to the shore every day.  When they do, it is only from November to April.

(For reference we stayed in Bunbury for 3 days in December and did not see any wild dolphins)

Dolphin Discovery Centre

Having visited the Dolphin Discovery Centre pre-refurbishment I thought we would be in and out of the Discovery Centre in an hour or so!  How very wrong I was!  The brand new interpretive centre is a fully immersive experience with a lot of wonderful interactive displays that help you to learn about the local marine life, as well as the history of the Koombana Bay.  This is definitely the main tourist attraction in Bunbury.  If you are short of time,  don’t miss this one.

The 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium allows you to go underwater without getting wet.  For my kids there were a good number of interactive learning exhibits that helped them to learn about the local marine environment.  In short, even if you don’t take a dolphin tour and are not lucky enough to see a dolphin in the interaction zone, you will still learn a lot and have a highly memorable experience.

The Dolphin Discovery Center Café has a cosy setting in winter and an open setting in summer to let the breeze in.  The cafe is beachside alongside Koombana Bay.  With a delicious looking breakfast menu, and a great lunch menu there is sure to be something for you. We were going to grab a mid-morning snack the day we visited the Discovery Centre but it looked pretty full we decided against it.

There is also an upstairs Sunset Bar.  Grab your family and friends and come and enjoy the atmosphere of the Sunset Bar.  Situated upstairs overlooking beautiful Koombana Bay, it’s a prime location to unwind from your week.

Dolphin Eco Cruise

If you want to see wild Bottlenose Dolphins then the dolphin eco cruise is probably for you.  The 90 minute long cruise takes you around Koombana Bay.  The guides will locate the local Bottlenose Dolphins and get you up close as possible.  Check here for prices and availability.  

Dolphin Swim Tour

Departing November to April, the Dolphin Swim Tour is still on our bucket list, as you are able to actually swim with the dolphins, under the watchful eye of experienced guides.

As the dolphins are wild animals, dolphin interaction cannot be guaranteed, but you get a second tour free if there are no dolphin sightings.

Koombana Bay Playground and Foreshore

We have made numerous stops at the Koombana Bay Playground on road trips down through the south west since this playground was built back in 2017.  Gosh it feels brand new!  It’s definitely a great place to get some beans out before your next leg of the journey.  It is also almost directly across the road from the awesome Discovery Parks Koombana Bay where we stayed last year.

It has a nautical theme with two big red funnels like the funnels of a ship, with climbing apparatus and slides.  There is also a great flying fox, toilets and picnic area.

In addition, this is a beautiful safe, sheltered beach so pack your bathers!  Plan to make a morning of it with alternating swims in the ocean and plays at the playground.  There are also shade sails which can make welcome relief in summer when temperatures can soar *almost* as high as Perth!  This is a great place for water sports and a popular spot for Bunbury folk to enjoy the sun.

Wardandi Boodja 

You can’t go past the incredible Wardandi Boodja artwork, which is located at the Koombana Bay Foreshore. Depicting a Noongar face, Wardandi Boodja is a five-and-half-metre steel bust sculpture representing South West families. Apparently the artists used studied historical and contemporary photos of Noongar people to create an image that recognized all the families of the region.

Spend some time to soak in the wisdom in the gaze. Wardandi Boodja seems to move with the landscape, and changes at different times of the day.

Sykes Foreshore Splash Park

It was pictures on Instagram of the Sykes Foreshore Splash Park that actually caused us to book our pre-xmas getaway to Bunbury.  Opened in 2022 and has 40 water features with the giant tipping bucket at the centre of the action.

I originally thought that this Splash Park was part of the nearby Discovery Parks Koombana Bay, but this is not correct.  It is a free facility for everyone.  That said, we could actually see the playground from the verandah of our villa.  So it goes without saying that we were regulars!

Sykes Foreshore Reserve Playground

This is another fabulous Bunbury playground!  Located on the banks of the Leschenault Inlet with views of Bunbury city. This is a lovely spot for a sunset walk.

In addition to the Splash Park there’s a pirate boat with climbing apparatus, fireman’s pole, a small flying fox and slides.  My youngest adored the whale tail swing. We loved the vibe of this whole area with small children splashing in the shallows of the inlet, and others fishing.

The facilities at the Sykes Foreshore Reserve Playground Splash Park include BBQs, toilets, picnic shelters and seating. All are modern and well maintained.

Mangrove Cove Playground

Considering that there are two AMAZING playgrounds within a kilometre of the new Mangrove Cove Playground, I could hardly believe this place.  I’d estimate both Koombana Bay Foreshore Playground and the Sykes Foreshore Playground are less than a kilometre away!

Done in two stages, we have only visited the first part with a lookout area, informative signs and outdoor classroom done in 2020.  We are looking forward to returning for the all abilities nature play area inspired by the mangrove system of the Leschenault Inlet.  Featuring root-inspired climbing frames, slides, rope nets, ladders, and rope bridges.

In addition to a wheelchair-accessible sand pit and tunnels, cubbies there will also be toilet, picnic, and barbeque facilities.

Mangrove Walk

While the total distance of the Mangrove Walk circuit around the Leschenault Inlet is 5.3km, you can also join it for a short distance and then turn back.  The walkway at the Sykes Foreshore Reserve is part of the circuit.  If you access the Mangrove Walk at the Mangrove Cove Playground you can easily see the southernmost occurrence of the white mangrove in Western Australia.  The grove of white mangroves are quite relaxing, amidst the busyness of Bunbury.

Koolambidi Woola – Bunbury Skate Park/ Youth Precinct 

My kids nearly fell out of the car as we drove past this huge parkour park just over the funky whalebone bridge, and into the centre of Bunbury.  This amazing teens/ tweens space for kids aged 12-18  is namedKoolambidi Woola Youth Precinct (Noongar for ‘celebrating young people’).  There is definitely plenty to do.

My kids are not skaters but there is a huge skate park, basketball courts, the parkour section, as well as a really challenging (difficult1) climbing net.  We headed over to the mini golf to discover it was BYO clubs.  However, still a great idea should you have some golf clubs hanging around!

ReDiscover Street Art Trail / 6230 Mural Project

I remember first seeing the Bunbury Murals back when there weren’t murals on every corner of every street.  I still feel like these examples of public art are some of the best around.  It is now known as the ReDiscover Street Art Trail.  The trail includes over 30 artworks from an international collection of artists.  You’ll roam back alleys (which feel very safe in Bunbury), around Victoria and Wittenoom Street, and most of the heart of Bunbury’s CBD to discover these real gems.  Don’t miss the area at the back of the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.

This art trail initially started as the  Six Two Three Zero .  An independent, Bunbury-based initiative commissioned a number of artists, including Kyle Hughes-Odgers, and Anya Brock (famous as the painter of the Zebras at Ootong and Lincoln in Freo).  My kids love the Kyle Hughes-Odgers kids’ books.  We were all thrilled to see one of his murals in Caloundra on a recent holiday!

We dropped into the Bunbury Visitor Centre to get a paper map (call us old fashioned).  However, you can also download it if you prefer to use your phone for guidance!  This is one of the top things to do in Bunbury WA.

Leaving the City of Bunbury Offices, we stumbled upon the beautifully tranquil Centenary Gardens, with beautiful lawns and trees.  We particularly loved the striking stone sculpture and water feature.  It is a large granite ball that can rotate in any direction at the slight touch of a hand thanks to a small amount of water passing underneath.

Also in the gardens is some interesting historical information.

BRAG / Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Known as one of the best art galleries in regional Western Australia, the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries goes by the rather cool acronym, BRAG.  Located in a rather eye catching pink, former convent.  BRAG is open to the public from 10am – 4pm Wednesday to Sunday (including public holidays).  We unfortunately were there on the wrong day.  So we will have to go back another time.

This gallery features regularly changing exhibits of local artwork.  My daughter visited as part of a school camp and was clearly left quite changed as the experience!  There is also free entry.

Bunbury Visitor Centre

We dropped into the Bunbury Visitor Centre located at the City of Bunbury Offices to get a map of the murals.  They had very friendly staff.  In writing this article, it appears that the Visitor Centre may have moved to the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre.  You can also get the Heritage Trail Map at the Visitor Centre, and free overnight stay permits for fully self-contained RVs and caravans (conditions apply).

In younger years the Bunbury Visitor Centre was located in the beaut Old Railway Station in Bunbury.  This is a gorgeous building and you can imagine when this was a busy railway station.  While Bunbury is connected by two daily services to Perth (the Australind Train), it unfortunately arrives at the slightly uninspiring Transwa Bunbury Rail Station.

Bunbury Heritage Building Trail

One of the earlier settlements in Western Australia.  The CBD of Bunbury is not only filled with cute eateries and awe inspiring buildings,  it’s also home to some gorgeous historical buildings.  This includes some great old pubs (hotels).  You can pick up a map at the Visitor Centre or download the Bunbury Heritage Building Trail .

Also on my radar for our next Bunbury visit is the Leschenault Homestead.  It comprises the original wattle and daub weatherboard clad cottage (c.1846) and two further cottages.

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre 

For a unique introduction to Bunbury’s history make sure you visit the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre.  Hear stories of shipwrecks, the struggles of early settlers, convicts, and the Bunbury port.

These stories are innovatively told through audio visual presentations, so you can choose the stories you want to hear.  Also special is that for the first time you can hear voices of Noongar people speaking their language and reflecting on their lives.

Boulters Heights Lookout 

For spectacular scenic views across Bunbury, the Port, Leschenault Estuary and the coastline then we highly recommend the workout (ha! I meant walk) up the stairs to the Boulters Heights Lookout.  It is located opposite Bunbury High School and really helps orient you to the city.

We parked on Wittenoom St where you get 2 hours free parking.  We then took the Arthur Dunn Stairs up.  These wooden stairs will certainly get you puffing.  You can also drive to the top and access the lookout from Withers Crescent.  There is a small park with a gazebo.  That said, Marlston Hill Lookout is better!

Marlston Hill Lookout Tower

For the very best views of Bunbury City, head to the top of Marlston Hill Lookout.  Here you can get a 360-degree views, especially across the Bunbury Harbour and Koombana Bay.  There are a few parking bays near the tower, then it’s a 25 metre climb to the top.  The whole visit didn’t take us more than 30 minutes and it was great to get oriented on our first day in Bunbury.

I will say, it wasn’t particularly windy down in the town but we certainly nearly got blown away as we walked up.  Not recommended in wet, windy or hazy conditions.

Bunbury Lighthouse

Bunbury Lighthouse is popular with Instagrammers and photographers with its distinctive black and white checkered pattern.  Built in 1971, the Bunbury lighthouse is 37m high and visible from most places in Bunbury City, as well as 20km out to see.

This is Bunbury’s 5 th lighthouse, with the first lighthouse a beacon placed on a keg!  The first wooden lighthouse was built in 1870.  It was later replaced with a skeletal structure, and finally this more permanent iteration.  While the Bunbury Lighthouse is not open to the public it is easily viewed from Back Beach, and the paths that weave around the coastline.

The Bunbury Lighthouse is special to us as Papa flew his drone around it and got some of the shots that we have shared here.  That was late 2017.  Sadly on that weekend getaway, he had some of the symptoms that we were part of his terminal Pancreatic Cancer.

Marlston Waterfront Historic Walk

For an enjoyable waterfront walk, it’s nice to head down to the Marlston Waterfront.  There are a range of great restaurants and you can really feel the vibe of a seaside getaway.

If you read the signs, you will discover that Koombana Bay was once known as Shipwreck Bay for the number of wrecks.  You can also learn other interesting facts like breakwater off Casuarina Point, was designed by the great C.Y. O’Connor, architect of the Kalgoorlie water pipeline.  Keep your eye out for bust of french explorer Nicolas Baudin who sailed down the WA coast in 1800.

Bunbury Wildlife Park 

Well known locally for their dingoes (who have bred in captivity) the Bunbury Wildlife Park is a small but interactive wildlife park.  Kids can hand feed the friendly mob of kangaroos that live on the large paddock and mingle with the bird population in the free-flight aviary.

My daughter was particularly impressed by the dingoes.

 Shopping and eating along Victoria Street

If you like a fun urban vibe, then Victoria Street is for you.  It has a range of boutiques, restaurants, side walk eating and several gorgeous old pubs. The Rose Hotel is a south west institution and also very pretty.  The Prince of Wales hotel also has a nice sidewalk eating areas.  Many places have live music on the weekends.

Places to Eat in Bunbury WA

It has taken next to no time for  Market Eating House  to become synonymous with the coastal city of Bunbury.  Since opening in 2015, it has quickly grown into a destination restaurant and a place that those from the big smoke are planning their weekend trips around.

The kitchen features a custom-made charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, allowing Brenton and his team to ‘explore the honest relationship between food and fire’.

Melo Velo is much more than a bike shop or a café, though it’s both of them; it’s cycling culture in Bunbury.  They have great coffee and food, as well as a real community that centres on cycling.  (Check out their Facebook page for regular events)

Even if you are not into biking their food is wholesome and delicious, the café funky and the kids like that there are bikes everywhere.

You can’t miss Taffy’s in Bunbury if you have a sweet tooth.  In a fun pink and purple lolly shop/ factory on the Marlston Waterfront, the smell when you walk into the shop is deliciously overwhelming – downright mouth-watering.

The local Morris family have been making delicious treats for over 20 years;  we indulged in some fudge and salt water taffy, but there is a lot more on the to choose from including peanut brittle, and giant freckles.

You can see the taffy making in action between 10am-2pm most days.

Bunbury Farmers Market 

You will see the Bunbury Farmer’s Market if coming into Bunbury from Perth; it’s on the left hand side in the corner of Vittoria Road and the Highway.  It’s now open 7 days a week and a lot more permanent than the original little market.

However, the philosophy behind the Bunbury Farmers Market remains the same – to provide good value, fresh local growers, farmers and producers.

In recent years they’ve installed a commercial kitchen which offers a wide range of home bake style quiches, soups and pies, sushi, rolls, salads and more.

The Bunbury Farmers Market is perfect place for a stop on your way back home to Perth; stock up on that fresh south west produce, and make your holiday stay with you a little longer.

Other tours in Bunbury

Ngalang wongi aboriginal cultural tours.

If the stunning statute of Wardandi Boodja on the Koombana Bay foreshore has piqued your interest and you’d like to learn more about indigenous culture, then The  Ngalang Wongi  tours are a great introduction to the local Noongar culture.  These hands on tours teach about how the Wardandi made twine from bulrushes, created their own antiseptic from tree sap, and made traditional ochre paint.   There are a couple of tours to choose from, depending on your interests.

Bunbury Makes a Great Base for Surrounding Areas

Phew!!!  And we have only covered what there is to do in Bunbury so far.  You can also use Bunbury as a base to explore neighboring towns.  For example, we highly recommend making a day trip out to the Ferguson Valley to drive through the picturesque countryside, lovely vineyards and to see the incredible Mural across Wellington Dam .  For families with kids, we’d take a slightly different route, calling into Gnomesville and also Donnybrook with its impressive Apple Fun Park!

If you are new to the region, you might even want to venture as far south as Busselton to visit its world class Busselton Jetty, one of the Busselton Breweries , or zip through the trees at the Forest Adventures.

The Verdict – Things to do in Bunbury WA 

We hope that we have adequately covered the best things to do in Bunbury WA.  Whether it is roaming the streets of the city centre, enjoying beautiful views from one of the lookouts, or gazing out at the sublime Indian Ocean, there is something for the whole family to do.  Even though Bunbury is Western Australia’s biggest regional city, most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of one another.

We believe that this vibrant city is a good starting point for an exploration of the South West and merits a couple of nights stay at least.  If you are on a road trip further south, then make sure you at least visit the Dolphin Discovery Interpretative Centre and admire the waters of Koombana Bay for a few hours at least.

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Top Things to Do in Bunbury

Things to do in bunbury, explore popular experiences, tours in and around bunbury.

• Margaret River Region Impression Day Tour From Perth

• Discover Bunbury Geographe and Harvey region

Geographe Wine Region Tour

• Bunbury Geographe Forest, Wine and Brewery Tour

Margaret River Winery and Brewery Day Trip, Plus Gourmet Winery Lunch

Full Day Winery and Brewery Tour in a Classic Silver Spirit Rolls Royce

Margaret River Beer & Wine Adventure (departs Dunsborough/Busselton)

Busselton Jetty and Underwater Sculptures Snorkel Boat Tour

Full-Day Wine, Beer, Gin, Cider Private Guided Margaret River Tour

Full-Day Boutique Wine Tour with Pick Up and Lunch

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in bunbury.

Other Top Attractions around Bunbury

What travellers are saying

• Bunbury Farmers Market
• Koombana Bay
• Bunbury Wildlife Park
• Marlston Hill Lookout Tower
• Leschenault Inlet
• Mangrove Boardwalk

Top Things to Do in Bunbury, Australia

Places to visit in bunbury, explore popular experiences, tours in and around bunbury.

• Margaret River Region Impression Day Tour From Perth

• Discover Bunbury Geographe and Harvey region

Geographe Wine Region Tour

• Bunbury Geographe Forest, Wine and Brewery Tour

Margaret River Winery and Brewery Day Trip, Plus Gourmet Winery Lunch

Full Day Winery and Brewery Tour in a Classic Silver Spirit Rolls Royce

Margaret River Beer & Wine Adventure (departs Dunsborough/Busselton)

Busselton Jetty and Underwater Sculptures Snorkel Boat Tour

Full-Day Wine, Beer, Gin, Cider Private Guided Margaret River Tour

Full-Day Boutique Wine Tour with Pick Up and Lunch

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in bunbury.

Other Top Attractions around Bunbury

What travellers are saying

• Bunbury Farmers Market
• Koombana Bay
• Bunbury Wildlife Park
• Marlston Hill Lookout Tower
• Leschenault Inlet
• Mangrove Boardwalk

Visitor Centre Bunbury Visitor Centre

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

• Bunbury Visitor Centre

The Bunbury Visitor Centre is undertaking a 12-month trial based at Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and Dolphin Discovery Centre. Having the two locations will allow for enhanced and flexible visitor servicing with greater accessibility for the community and visitors, while also bolstering the service with improved use of technology. 

Bunbury Visitor Centre has fully embraced its position as a regional visitor centre in recognition of the growth and development being experienced by the City of Bunbury. Backed by the resources of the City, the Bunbury Visitor Centre has shown strength and commitment to increasing economic viability, while recognising the constantly changing social, environmental and cultural tourism landscape.

 The Centre has accessible visitor brochure information, an accommodation and tour booking service, free overnight (and up to 48 hours) stay permits for fully self-contained RVs and caravans (conditions apply), free street, heritage and art trail maps. 

If you are looking for accommodation, interesting places to visit or just in need of a street map, then pop into the Bunbury Visitor Centre at either location. 

Bunbury Visitor Centre at Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Operating hours 

Monday to Friday – 9am to 4.30pm 

Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 3.30pm 

Public holidays – 10am to 2pm (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day) 

Please note, BMHC’s operating hours may differ and can be found here .  

Bunbury Visitor Centre at Dolphin Discovery Centre

8am to 3pm, seven days a week (excluding all Public Holidays) 

Please note, Dolphin Discovery Centre is not managed by the City. 

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Top Things to Do in Bunbury

Things to do in bunbury.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bunbury Farmers Market

2. Bunbury Wildlife Park

3. Koombana Bay

4. Back Beach

5. Bunbury Lighthouse

6. Marlston Hill Lookout Tower

7. Bunbury Visitor Centre

8. Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

9. Leschenault Inlet

10. King Cottage Museum

11. Mangrove Boardwalk

12. Bunbury Museum Heritage Centre

13. Forrest Park Miniature Railway Bunbury

14. Manea Park

15. Wyalup-Rocky Point

16. St Patrick's Cathedral

17. Hungry Hollow Beach

18. Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum

19. Big Swamp Walk

20. Pelican Point Foreshore Reserve

21. Revolution Public Artwork

22. Mindalong Beach

23. Australind Bunbury Tourist Drive

24. The Rink

25. Wardandi Memorial Park

26. Turkey Point

27. Tuart Walk

28. South West Sports Centre Bunbury

29. Bunbury Turf Club

30. Nougat and Nice

What travellers are saying.

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Enjoy splendid ocean views from Ocean Beach in Bunbury >>

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Your Bunbury booking starts here

Browse Bunbury Western Australia

Bunbury Western Australia

Superbly located on a peninsular, surrounded by Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, the great array of water features gives the town a great maritime theme which has been reflected in all community parklands and city streets.

At a Glance

With safe swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, yachting, crabbing, any water activity you can imagine, with plenty of local dolphins to keep you company.

The best way to book Bunbury

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Where is Bunbury?

Bunbury is 180 kilometres south of Perth .

Bunbury is situated on the west coast of Australia's South West tourist region. Bunbury faces the Indian Ocean and is on the shores of Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet. Bunbury is the largest regional city in Western Australia and acts as the major commercial centre in the local area. One of the best ways to get to Bunbury is to hire a car from Perth Airport .

Things to see in Bunbury

Cappuccino strip.

Discover Victoria Street, where a cosmopolitan cappucino strip has evolved. Experience city dining, with a country flavour, following the aroma of the roasted coffee and sweet confections. The strip is decorated with flags and the 'Brother and Sister' fountain.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Mangroves Boardwalk

Over seventy species of birds inhabit these wetlands located remarkably close to the Bunbury city centre, which is a favourite breeding ground of the Black Swan. Walk along the wetlands boardwalk or utilize the bird hides to observe the natural Australian wildlife up close and first hand.

Koombana Bay Dolphins

An exciting feature of Bunbury is the local dolphins which frequent Koombana Bay. Visitors are encouraged to swim with these wild creatures in front of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Visual/audio shows teach visitors about these mammals before discovering them first hand. 

Image © Catherine Derieux

Marlston Hill Lookout

This former lighthouse has been superbly converted into a multi-level viewing tower which gives panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Only a short walk from the city centre, marvellous views of the Bunbury Harbour, Koombana Bay and hinterland can be seen.

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Formerly the 1886 Bunbury Boys School, this much-loved local building has been transformed into a state of the art museum with a huge range of audio visual presentations and objects pertaining to the history of Bunbury, from that of the Noongar people living here for aeons to the development of the city to its present state. Free to visit, this will be an awesome opportunity to learn about the stories of Bunbury.

Image © Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

What's the weather like?

Bunbury has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot Summers and cool Winters. Rainfall is received in the form of cold-fronts during Winter but the weather is rather pleasant for the rest of the year. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 28°C with an average minimum temperature of 14°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 19°C with an average minimum temperature of 9°C.

Get to know Bunbury's history

The Dutch first sailed the waters off Bunbury in the 1600s and was further explored by the French in 1803. After favourable reports by Lieutenant Henry William St Pierre Bunbury, the first settlers arrived in 1838 and by 1841 there were almost 400 settlers. The region prospered initially as a result of whalers who anchored their vessels in Geographe and Koombana Bays and grew steadily throughout the 19th century.

Bunbury became a municipality in 1871, and railway lines in 1891 and 1893 increased the port's importance as a major exporter of Karri and Jarrah timber to England. In 1903 the breakwater for the modern port was constructed and for most of the 20th century to the present date has retained its importance as a regional port. Bunbury became a city on October 8 1979, and is now the second largest city in Western Australia.

Looking for visitor and tourist information, maps and brochures, booking assistance and local expert tips in Bunbury? Check out the Bunbury Visitor Centre !

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Bunbury

Things to do in bunbury.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bunbury Farmers Market

2. Bunbury Wildlife Park

3. Koombana Bay

4. Back Beach

5. Bunbury Lighthouse

6. Marlston Hill Lookout Tower

7. Bunbury Visitor Centre

8. Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

9. Leschenault Inlet

10. King Cottage Museum

11. Mangrove Boardwalk

12. Bunbury Museum Heritage Centre

13. Forrest Park Miniature Railway Bunbury

14. Manea Park

15. Wyalup-Rocky Point

16. St Patrick's Cathedral

17. Hungry Hollow Beach

18. Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum

19. Big Swamp Walk

20. Pelican Point Foreshore Reserve

21. Revolution Public Artwork

22. Mindalong Beach

23. Australind Bunbury Tourist Drive

24. The Rink

25. Wardandi Memorial Park

26. Turkey Point

27. Tuart Walk

28. South West Sports Centre Bunbury

29. Bunbury Turf Club

30. Nougat and Nice

What travellers are saying.

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• Bunbury Festival 2024, incorporating the Bunbury Show – Day 3 – Free Movie Night April 12, 2024
• David Hobson & Colin Lane “In Tails” @ BREC April 12, 2024

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You’ve Come To The Right Place

Welcome to bunbury geographe the home of adventure in australia’s south west. we have everything to ensure that you have a truly memorable time in our region whether you like to kick back and relax with family and friends, challenge yourself with an adventure activity or explore and indulge in unique wine experiences, we have something for everyone here in bunbury geographe., explore our six regions, bunbury geographe is the gateway to australia’s south west. this diverse region has something for everyone from the vibrant seaside port city of bunbury, the lush farmland and produce of the harvey region, spectacular views and immersive food and wine experiences in dardanup’s ferguson valley, heart pumping tracks and trails in the collie river valley, ancient tuart trees and endless beaches in capel and orchards, wineries and misty hills and valleys in donnybrook balingup., search the 6 regions, for accommodation and tours, what’s on.

• ‘Brook Fest April 12, 2024
• Produce in the Park April 13, 2024
• Dinner at Dusk April 13, 2024
• Adam and Selina – The Magicians – Illusions of the Mind @ BREC April 13, 2024
• 14 Must Dos in Donnybrook-Balingup
• 13 Must Dos in the Collie River Valley
• 14 Must Dos in the Capel Region
• 15 Must Dos in Bunbury
• 15 Must Dos in the Harvey Region
• 10 Must Dos in the Ferguson Valley

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bunbury

Things to do in bunbury.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bunbury Farmers Market

2. Bunbury Wildlife Park

3. Koombana Bay

4. Back Beach

5. Bunbury Lighthouse

6. Marlston Hill Lookout Tower

7. Bunbury Visitor Centre

8. Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

9. Leschenault Inlet

10. King Cottage Museum

11. Mangrove Boardwalk

12. Bunbury Museum Heritage Centre

13. Forrest Park Miniature Railway Bunbury

14. Manea Park

15. Wyalup-Rocky Point

16. St Patrick's Cathedral

17. Hungry Hollow Beach

18. Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum

19. Big Swamp Walk

20. Pelican Point Foreshore Reserve

21. Revolution Public Artwork

22. Mindalong Beach

23. Australind Bunbury Tourist Drive

24. The Rink

25. Wardandi Memorial Park

26. Turkey Point

27. Tuart Walk

28. South West Sports Centre Bunbury

29. Bunbury Turf Club

30. Nougat and Nice

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12 reasons why you shouldn't bypass Bunbury

Travel & Touring  |  WA Things To Do

By: Julie Hosking

Next time you head south, don’t take the Bunbury bypass. Drive into the city instead and be surprised by the new look, new attitude and a host of new attractions.

Anyone who regularly makes their way down south has reaped the benefits of the Bunbury bypass. Completed almost a decade ago, it cut a welcome chunk off the drive to the gourmet attractions of Margaret River .

But what are you missing by bypassing Bunbury? Plenty. Tourism campaign Found in Bunbury was launched last November to remind Perthites of what they loved about the place all those years ago, as well as to introduce newer attractions.

While it has retained the laidback charm many will remember from family holidays gone by, Bunbury has grown up. It’s a regional city with great bars and restaurants and a vibrant arts scene offering cultural experiences galore, as well as bountiful bays and estuaries to explore. And dolphins, lots of dolphins.

The port city, a mere two-hour drive from Perth, is very much a destination in its own right. Here are just a few reasons why you should bypass the bypass and linger in Bunbury.

Dolphin delight

Perhaps Bunbury’s most iconic attraction, the Dolphin Discovery Centre offers many ways to interact with Koombana Bay’s famous residents. Home to about 50 bottlenose dolphins, with another 100 or so visiting throughout the year, the bay is a playground and sanctuary for the wild animals.

Stand knee-deep in water in the Interaction Zone, where volunteers answer questions about the dolphins as you await their arrival. Take a 90-minute eco cruise to see them frolicking (or sleeping) in the bay or, even better, swim with them. An exhilarating three-hour adventure runs from November to April, with tours departing 8am every day except Tuesday. Bookings for all tours are essential.

The centre also boasts aquariums replete with fish and coral, as well as interactive displays and feeding programs to engage the whole family.

Fondly known as BRAG, the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery has a lot to brag about. A former convent, the striking 1883 building hosts an ever-changing roster of world-class exhibitions across its galleries.

Shaun Tan’s Rules of Summer, featuring rarely seen original pieces from the Oscar-winning artist, and the Noongar Country Exhibition, showcasing talented Indigenous artists, are worth the journey alone.

Bunbury is also home to the largest collection of street and public art in regional Australia. Pick up a street map at the Bunbury Visitor Centre, inside the Old Railway Station, and take a stroll in search of the 40-plus large murals by national and international artists — allow a good two hours to see them all. You will also spot electrical boxes that have been transformed into colourful characters in a novel collaboration between artists and local students.

The annual Tree Street Art Safari, a free self-guided walking trail of this creative hub, is also a must-do if you visit in March. The resident artists offer workshops year-round, too.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simon (@s1mon)

Beach beauties

Bunbury became popular as a seaside resort in the late 1800s when miners sought respite from the Goldfields heat. While the city bears little resemblance to the Gold Rush settlement, its coast still holds the same allure.

Koombana Bay is a great family beach with a playground, barbeques and plenty of shade, but locals also like to hang out at Jetty Baths, not far from the city centre. A flat shallow beach with shaded grassy areas and a playground, it’s the perfect place to build sandcastles while keeping watch for dolphins and other marine life.

Back Beach stretches along Geographe Bay and draws snorkellers and surfers as well as swimmers to its shores. Fishing is also popular along the beach, while joggers, dog walkers and cyclists work up an appetite on the path hugging the coastline.

RELATED: 10 of WA's best beach fishing spots » RELATED: Lesser-known beaches south of Perth »

Cool cuisine

The city is no slouch in the culinary stakes. Nicola’s Ristorante is a Bunbury institution with a real family feel specialising in local, seasonal produce. Mojo’s is a popular haunt for fine dining (think Geographe Bay octopus, confit duck breast) and a superb wine list.

Waters Edge Café and Restaurant offers stunning waterfront views over Leschenault Inlet and a good selection of gluten-free dishes.

The Bayview Bar and Grill also boasts a beautiful outlook, this one over Koombana Bay, and a steak sandwich to match.

At Market Eating House, the star attraction is the charcoal and woodfired oven that turns out flavoursome food made for sharing. The team also produce platter boxes if you fancy a family picnic on the foreshore.

If all that sea air creates a craving for fish and chips, look no further than AJ’s, while Natural Temptation Café is a hit with those seeking a healthier option.

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Outdoor adventures

Bunbury is an ideal base to explore the region’s natural beauty. It’s best to stop by the visitor centre to find a trail right for your level of fitness, but the Marlston Hill walk to Bunbury’s checkered lighthouse and the lookout is well worth the climb, providing superb views of the city and bay. Leschenault Peninsula, 18km north of Bunbury, offers three walking trails that are also great for birdwatching.

There’s no shortage of bike trails for amateur or avid cyclists, either (if you don’t have a bike, you can hire one at Melo Velo).

Prefer water activities? You can bodyboard, surf, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, water-ski or sail. Ask for details at the visitor centre. You can even dive for ‘sunken treasure’ with Octopus Garden Dive Charters . The FV Lena, just off Bunbury, is now an artificial reef rich in marine life.

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Noongar knowhow

Noongar people called this area Goomburrup long before the town was founded in 1836 and named for Lieutenant Henry St Pierre Bunbury.

Proud Noongar artist and performer Troy Bennell gives visitors a different perspective via Ngalang Wongi Cultural Tours . On the Dreaming Town Tour, you’ll learn how the Noongar lived and hunted, and visit sites of cultural significance. The Estuary Walkabout Tour takes visitors by the mangroves and up along Koombana Bay, where you’ll forage for bush tucker and learn a bit of bush medicine. Both tours take about two hours, with the latter including entry to the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

If you prefer to wander by yourself, be sure to visit Wardandi Memorial Park, a Noongar meeting place and traditional burial site, and Wardandi Boodja, a 5.5-metre sculpture looking out over Koombana Bay. Designed to reflect the resilience and spirit of a Noongar man, the imposing metal face has been an Insta-hit since it was unveiled in 2019.

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Market magic

The Bunbury Farmers Market’s location on the bypass is genius, as everyone going down south can stock up for the time away or their homecoming. If you’re staying in Bunbury, though, you can visit any time you please.

This massive indoor marketplace is loaded with fresh fruit and vegies; specialty cheeses and cured meats; freshly baked breads and cakes; and a host of sauces, spices and chutneys that you don’t need but will definitely want.

Chances are you’ll leave with an overladen trolley even if you are only there for a few days. Just avoid peak hours — parking can be hard to find.

Locals also swear by the Bunbury Markets. Held every first and third Saturday of the month in Queens Garden, the markets are not only a great source of local produce, crafts and more, they are a wonderful place to get to know the people who make Bunbury so special.

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Night moves

Like all good port cities, Bunbury has plenty of good watering holes. Call in for a drink at the refurbished Rose Hotel, which has been serving customers since 1865.

A much more recent addition to town, Lost Bills, describes itself as a place where the cocktails are craft, the beers are chilly and the wine list is local. It also hosts a different local artist each month, enabling them to display and sell their work.

Another new addition is Brooklyn32, a contemporary venue offering two distinct but equally cool spots to enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat. It’s Bunbury’s first rooftop bar, with commanding views of the city and Leschenault Inlet, and a Brooklyn-inspired downstairs lounge with comfy couches and trendy booths. Book a spot in the early evening to soak up the views and settle in for the night.

If you want to get your dancing shoes on, the heritage-listed Burlington Hotel lets rip from 9pm to 1am Fridays and Saturdays with bands in the Indi Bar, while pool players can kick back with live music in the Chillax Bar. The hotel’s newish restaurant, Bar 51, also doubles as a cocktail bar connecting the two live venues.

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Festival fever

Now in its fifth year, Bunbury Fringe offers a range of cutting-edge performances, including stand-up, music, improv, poetry and storytelling. Held in the last week of January, expect the unexpected, hang out in the Fringe Garden and eat or drink at one of the pop-up venues before or after a show.

Film buffs should put CinefestOz on their calendar. Held in Bunbury, Busselton  and Margaret River in August, the state’s leading film festival always has an exciting program, including workshops and world premieres, as well as a few stars walking the red carpet.

The Bunbury Biennale, the second oldest biennale in Australia, brings artworks from around the state together every two years, capitalising on BRAG’s reputation for world-class exhibitions. The 2021 theme He|She|They, which runs until June 6, explores gender identity, inclusion and diversity through the eyes of 37 Western Australian artists.

Check the Bunbury Geographe calendar for upcoming festivals and events.

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Shopping central

You won’t have to wander far to find cool shops, with many clustered in and around Victoria Street. Lose yourself in Afez of the Heart, an Aladdin’s cave of treasures from Turkey, Morocco and India, including rugs, cushions, ceramics and jewellery. For fashionistas, there’s Sabotage and Life & Soul Boutique, while Gallery 22 Bunbury offers a plethora of gift ideas.

Just across the road from the historic Rose Hotel lies Green Depot, a botanical wonderland with unique gifts, and a short stroll from there is Emporium of Eshe, an eclectic boutique offering everything from beautiful babywear to its own jewellery label.

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Historical hits

Housed in the old Bunbury Boys School, built in 1886, the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre only opened five years ago. It takes a contemporary approach to the past, sharing the lives of Wardandi Noongar people, the struggles of early migrants and convicts, wartime history and beyond through a series of temporary and permanent exhibitions.

From there, history buffs will find themselves spoiled for places to visit, including the Stirling Street Historic Precinct, where buildings retain much of their 19th century character; Marlston Waterfront walk, revealing the dozens of vessels that came to grief on ’shipwreck bay‘ in the 1800s; and Centenary Gardens, created in 1936 to mark the city’s 100th birthday.

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Brekky bonanza

For a hearty brekky, locals swear by The Happy Wife, with its all-day menu boasting the likes of homemade crumpets (sweet and savoury) and cheesy Boston beans. Open Monday to Saturday, they don’t take bookings.

The cosy Benesse Bunbury, open seven days, has long been a favourite, too, with its toasted breads and wraps going down a treat.

Coffee aficionados can also get their fix at Corners on the Bay or Corners on King, where there is a tempting array of cakes.

In a hurry to get to the beach? You don’t even have to leave your car at Full of Beans Drive Thru.

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At time of writing, Bunbury's waterfront is being developed and may be under construction. For more information about the project, see the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project.

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Last updated: June 2021 Image credit: Bunbury Geographe Tourism Partnership, Photographer: Bianca Turri Model: Elle Ryan. Banner: Australia's South West and Frances Andrijich.

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Free camping on the nose at Preston Beach while embraced down the road at Bunbury

On their caravan journey around Australia, free camping is one of the first things the Bornikhof family looks for when passing through country towns.

The Queensland couple said it allowed them to spend more at local shops and businesses than if they were staying in a hotel or caravan park.

"You stay at the town, go shopping there, and go buy fishing gear that will put more money back into the community by staying at a free camp," Dion Bornikhof said.

"Basically what he means is the money we don't spend on campgrounds he can spend on fishing gear," Jess Bornikhof added.

But the provision of free sites for caravans and RVs has divided residents, proving a thorny issue for local councils since they began rolling out in WA a decade ago.

In WA's South West, one of the state's largest drawcards for interstate travellers, some councils are pleased by the economic benefits additional visitors bring.

But others are looking to scrap free camping because of littering, not using self-contained vehicles, or overstaying their welcome.

The Shire of Waroona is considering scrapping free camping at Preston Beach, one-and-a-half hours south of Perth, and has already stopped allowing campers at Drakesbrook Weir.

"We're finding toilet paper and all sorts of items — nappies and bits and pieces — in the sand dunes. They shouldn't be there," said shire president Mike Walmsley.

"We've had rangers move [campers] on and they move away and then later on they re-appear.

"Sadly, unless that [littering] improves, and people actually use [camping] for what it's there for, then we will be scrapping it I think."

A success in Bunbury

Mr Walmsley said he currently did not think the economic benefit to the community was enough to justify keeping its camp sites open.

And the Shire of Waroona is not the only council to turn its back on the initiative.

The Shire of Manjimup scrapped a trial offering free camping at a site in Walpole in 2021 after concerns about travellers "abusing" the privilege.

The City of Albany rejected a plan the same year to become a designated RV Friendly Town.

But in Bunbury, WA's largest regional city, the response has been more positive.

The city's trial of free camping for RVs in two of its beachside car parks has been largely hailed a success and found to have generated more than $250,000 in economic activity over its first year.

Mayor Jaysen Miguel said while there had been issues, the initiative was bringing people to town and bolstering the local economy.

"There have been conversations with the rangers who monitor that and we have to continue to make sure people are doing the right thing," he said.

"But we know people that come and utilise that service do spend in the region, they do spend in town.

"It is about making sure we have people coming in to Bunbury who might not otherwise be coming in."

'Keep these free camps in place'

Travellers Jess and Dion Bornikhof admitted they would not have come to Bunbury if it was not for the free camping option.

"It will be really sad if the minority of people ruin it for the majority of people that are doing the right thing," she said.

"You can have 100 people doing the right thing and one person doing the wrong thing, and the most noise will be made about the people doing the wrong thing.

"There's more and more people that are full-time on the road that are looking for low cost options, especially with the price of fuel and groceries, which obviously everyone's feeling.

"And if the free camps get taken away the people will stop coming because they will just drive on to the next free camp."

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Top Things to Do in Bunbury, Australia

Things to do in bunbury.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
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• Good for a Rainy Day
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bunbury Farmers Market

2. Bunbury Wildlife Park

3. Koombana Bay

4. Back Beach

5. Bunbury Lighthouse

6. Marlston Hill Lookout Tower

7. Bunbury Visitor Centre

8. Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

9. Leschenault Inlet

10. King Cottage Museum

11. Mangrove Boardwalk

12. Bunbury Museum Heritage Centre

13. Forrest Park Miniature Railway Bunbury

14. Manea Park

15. Wyalup-Rocky Point

16. St Patrick's Cathedral

17. Hungry Hollow Beach

18. Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum

19. Big Swamp Walk

20. Pelican Point Foreshore Reserve

21. Revolution Public Artwork

22. Mindalong Beach

23. Australind Bunbury Tourist Drive

24. The Rink

25. Wardandi Memorial Park

26. Turkey Point

27. Tuart Walk

28. South West Sports Centre Bunbury

29. Bunbury Turf Club

30. Nougat and Nice

What travellers are saying.