Bunbury, located a little over an hour and a half from Perth, is the ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers. There is a wide variety of things to do on a day off thanks to the stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. We have compiled a comprehensive list of things to do in Bunbury, including options suitable for the whole family as well as more sophisticated interests.
Bunbury is home to Australia's largest inland sea, which you may not know about. Bunbury Scuba Centre is the place to go scuba diving, and the Maritime Museum at Victoria Quays Marina is a great place to learn more about the area. Take advantage of the warm weather by swimming at one of Western Australia's most stunning beaches.
Located on the southwestern coast of Australia, Bunbury is a sleepy little port town. The stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere are its calling cards. Whether you're looking to unwind or have a good time, Bunbury has you covered. What are you waiting for, Market, to start dinner? Get out and see Bunbury!
Wild but amiable bottlenose dolphins can be encountered at the shore or while out in the bay on a dolphin watching and swimming tour in the cosmopolitan city of Bunbury.
It is also the northern gateway to Australia's South West, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where one can enjoy pristine beaches, forests of timber giants, and world-class wine all in the space of a single day.
If you head south from Perth on the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway, you'll be at Koombana Bay in under two hours. You can get to Bunbury in a flash thanks to the frequent charter flights that depart from Perth. Many Australian cruise packages include a stop in Bunbury during the summer, so if that sounds appealing, you can get there by boat if you'd like.
Head straight to the Dolphin Discovery Centre if you want to chat with some of Bunbury's friendliest residents. A designated interpretive centre and interaction zone on the shores of Koombana Bay gives visitors the chance to swim with some of the 100+ bottlenose dolphins that frequent the bay's tranquil waters. You can either wait in the shallows for them to come to you, or you can take a tour and swim with them.
A stroll through the southernmost mangroves in Western Australia can give nature lovers a glimpse of the coast as it appeared some 20,000 years ago at Mangrove Cove in the Leschenault Estuary.
Three of the world's best golf courses are located here, and young families can have even more animal encounters at one of the area's wildlife parks.
A veritable feast of fresh produce, award-winning wines, local crafts, beautiful tuart forests, dazzling spring wildflowers, captivating historic country towns and meandering waterways awaits in the nearby Ferguson Valley.
If you're looking for something to do from morning until night, Bunbury's "cappuccino strip," waterfront eateries, and the bright lights of the Entertainment Centre are all good bets. Bunbury's event calendar showcases opera, drama, comedy, and the work of renowned Australian contemporary artists, earning the city a reputation as a cultural epicentre.
There is just as much variety when it comes to where to lay your head for the night, with options ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cheap city motels and even more affordable options like chalets, caravan parks, and backpacker hostels.
Things to do in Bunbury
Ferguson Farmstay
The first place we went to was the picturesque Ferguson Farmstay, which serves as a reception hall for many weddings and offers luxurious lodging. Atop the hill, this 45-hectare property looks out over the valley and, beyond that, to Bunbury and the coast.
Meeting farm animals is a special treat for kids of all ages, and Kalyra and Savannah got to do just that. Goats, pigs, kangaroos, and chickens were all fed by them. After that, they went for a pony ride. Savannah got on for the first time and immediately asked if she could get a pony.
Accommodations at Peppermint Lane Lodge
Peppermint Lodge, located in a valley surrounded by rainforest, offers quaint cottages for rent. However, the owner, Kim, warmly invited the girls inside for vintage morning tea on the verandah under the shaded trees with a view of the mountain.
Kalyra and Savannah aided Kim in tending to the hens and gathering eggs, which were then stored in a leaf-lined bucket and brought to the kitchen for breakfast the following morning.
Gnomesville
There aren't many outlandish sights or customs to see or experience in Australia. One of them is called Gnomesville.
As the roundabout was being constructed, gnomes began to appear and quietly object. Now that the roundabout is up and running, a small gnome village has been built on the side of the road as a welcome home for the gnomes who live there.
There are thousands of gnomes living there now, having migrated from all over Australia and the world.
Gnomes can be seen playing cricket, flying planes, climbing logs, hiding in bushes, and being detained behind a fence as you continue to explore the back streets of Gnomesville.
Actually, it's a lot of fun to watch. Always remember to leave a little bit of your gnome soul behind and to pack your gnomes before you leave.
If you're driving from Bunbury, you can find Gnomesville in Wellington Mill about 30 minutes away, at the roundabout at the intersection of Wellington Mill and Ferguson Roads.
It’s Time for Lunch at the St. Aidan Winery
You can stop by Aidan Winery for a quick lunch and enjoy some delicious homemade soup and salad. The name was chosen to honour the historic church located on the outskirts of the area.
The grassy area is large enough for the kids to run around in and there is a beautiful view to enjoy.
If you happen to be in the Ferguson Valley, you can also stop by and try some of the local wines. The entrance to the cellar is available every day but Wednesday.
Ferguson Falls Winery
You can have some cheese with the owner, Peter Giumelli. He'll tell you stories about the region that demonstrate how friendly the locals are and how they work hard to preserve the area's authentic flavour so that tourists like you can enjoy it, too.
The vineyards and farmland beyond make for a peaceful afternoon. You can take some wine home with you, a tasty beverage with a rich history. Chardonnay Verdelho 2010 is very popular with visitors.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday weekends (or by appointment), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call Peter and Margaret to set up a different time. Also, a brand-new cafe is open for business, so you can grab some lunch there.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre
Probably the most well-known location in all of Australia for such an adventure. The only catch is that getting there involves a very long detour. Even at low times, you might find it overwhelming.
Visit the Discovery Centre in Bunbury more often to interact with wild dolphins. This is because fewer people were there, it is a short drive from Perth, and dolphin sightings are more common. (but that's just a matter of chance; the dolphins are wild, so don't let that influence your decision).
The Discovery Centre provides more than just a chance to interact with wild dolphins. The centre hosts numerous educational talks and interactive exhibits. Here, with the ranger, you can find out more information about octopi.
Just down the road from the Mantra is a peaceful and beautiful beach. An attractive beach, a relaxing cafe, and exciting water sports await you. It's safe to go swimming here.
Bunbury Accommodation
It was nice to get out of the camper trailer and stay at the Mantra in Bunbury for a few nights.
The tennis court and the apartments' water views made for a perfect family outing.
From the Mantra, you can see the local Moo brewery and stroll to town or the beach.
Don’t Miss Out!
Raise Your Exposure To Art And Culture
Bunbury is home to regional Australia's largest collection of street and public art, so take your time exploring. Whimsical characters and inspirational urban art painted by leading WA artists on 20 electrical boxes scattered throughout the CBD can be found with the help of the ReDiscover and Outside the Box Street Art Map by Six Two Three Zero.
The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre(BREC) is regarded as the best performing entertainment venue in Australia. Bunbury is also home to the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries(BRAG), the largest Western Australian regional art gallery, Australia's largest music festival, and South West Opera Company.
Your cultural Charaka will thank you for attending legendary festivals, groundbreaking exhibitions, and killer warehouse concerts.
Visit Victoria Street
Take a stroll along a popular street in Bunbury. In addition to its charming boutiques, cafes, and eateries, Victoria Street is also renowned for its lively nightlife and excellent people-watching.
Market Eating House has been named one of the best casual dining restaurants in Western Australia by the Good Food Guide. Marlston Hill Waterfront and East Bunbury, close to the Parade Hotel, are also great places to eat.
Taking a Dip With Some Truly Magnificent Wild Dolphins
Koombana Bay is a popular spot for bottlenose dolphins to hang out and have young. Between one hundred and one hundred fifty dolphins have been seen frequently in the bay and its surrounding waters.
Experience a private swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat with the Dolphin Discovery Centre team. Take a 1.5-hour Dolphin Eco Cruise around Koombana Bay or check out their brand-new $12 million interpretative centre if you don't want to get wet.
Find A Treddly
Bunbury is a great place to explore on two wheels, but the city is easily navigable on foot. There are many walking and biking paths in the city because barbarians enjoy being outside. Melo Velo offers amazing rides on their Fat Bike Beach tours.
The ride begins at 5 p.m. from their bike shop/café and heads into the picturesque Maidens, where riders will complete an awesome loop before returning to the CBD via the beach. Melo Velo and the Bunbury Visitor Centre both offer bicycle rental services.
Discover The New Face Of Public Art
Overlooking Koombana Bay in Bunbury, Western Australia, is a new monumental sculpture. Learn more about the Wardandi Boodja, a Noongar face depicted in steel that stands at 5.5 metres tall and was created by Safehaven Studios' Alex Mickle and Nicole Mickle and design engineer Mike Kimble. The bust commissioned by the City of Bunbury was completed after more than a year of work and unveiled in February 2019.
Take Advantage of Your Credit Card's Flexibility
The shopping opportunities in the capital of BunGeo should not be missed. So, go forth and discover the quaint shops tucked away in abandoned factories, off-the-beaten-path alleys, and other unexpected places. Of course, as the regional shopping mecca, there is a wide variety of high street stores, department stores, and more to be found here as well.
Chase the Views
The Marlston Hill Lookout is worth the short but strenuous climb. It offers a complete panorama of the Three-Waters Metropolis. Located on the former site of Bunbury's first lighthouse, it can be accessed from Victoria Street via a wooden stairway.
Boulters Heights, between Haig Crescent and Wittenoom Street, is a steep hill with breathtaking panoramas of the city. Views of the Mangrove BoardWalk, Leschenault Inlet, and Koombana Bay can now be enjoyed from the lookout at the brand-new Bunbury attraction, Koombana Park Lookout.
Selfie Snaps
Take the best selfie of the day at Big Swamp Wetlands' Paperbark trees or in front of our beloved chequered lighthouse atop volcanic lava formed over millions of years at Wyalup-Rocky Point. Bunbury Wildlife Park's kangaroos aren't shy around the lens either
Go to the Beach
Koombana Bay, a tranquil beach and one of only a handful in Australia that faces north, has recently undergone a foreshore redevelopment, which has led to a surge in visitors, especially families. Local dolphins are also big fans. If you want to go bodyboarding, you can do so on Bunbury’s Back Beach , which is on the other side of the CDB, or you can head south to Mindalong, which is clothing optional.
Travel Through Time
Bunbury's downtown is a historic and mysterious place. In Western Australia, you can visit the alma mater of former Premier Sir Newton Moore, the home of Western Australia's most famous pioneer family, imposing buildings built by the son of a convict, 1980s-inspired architecture by Alan Bond, and sacred sites of our original Noongar settlers, among many other historical and cultural landmarks. Also worth checking out is the Heritage Centre and Bunbury Museum.
Explore Maritime History and Mangroves
The Mangrove Walk in Bunbury is an amazing place to go for a stroll. These bizarre mangroves can be found in the far southern part of Western Australia. Next, proceed around the tranquil Leschenault Inlet, where a dual-use walkway winds through the mangroves and towards a shoreline lined with restaurants.
The 13 ships that sank in Kopmbana Bay are commemorated on the Koombana Footbridge. Visit the Marlston Waterfront Precinct on your way back to the hotel to learn about the city's maritime past and see a bust of French explorer Nicolas Baudin.
Take a Trip
Scenic flights are sure to put you in a good mood. The Bunbury Aero Club offers scenic flights that are sure to be a conversation starter. It's the most convenient way to see the BunGeo, and it lasts either 30 minutes or an hour.
Plan your own flight, or take advantage of the premium Trail Introductory Flight to get some flight training in at the same time. If you're looking for a rush, book a seat on the Warbird Experience and let a certified flight instructor introduce you to the world of radials and aerobatics.
Indulge in a Fun Water Activity!
Get out on the water for the day with Ocean West Charters , who offer everything from short bay cruises with the dolphins of Koombana Bay to extended weekend getaways. Drop anchor and have a picnic, go for a swim, or just lounge around in the sun.
You could also go on a twilight sail with the crew at Koombana Bay Sailing Club every Wednesday. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, continue your journey on the Elandra, operated by Three Water Cruises, through Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Estuary. Then, dive on the Lena Ship Wreck with Octopus Garden Dive Charters for a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure.
At long last, you can try out the most popular new water sport. WATSUP Hire Bunbury is a paddleboard rental company located on Koombana Bay's shores. After getting the hang of standing up on a paddle board, try your hand at SUP Yoga for a new challenge.
Experience the Noongar Way of Life
On a cultural tour of Ngalang Wongi, you can try black apples fresh from the tree and wash your hands in foaming wattle leaves. Tour guide Troy Bennell, a native Noongar speaker, has made it his business to ensure tours are informative and respectful of his culture.
Don't Miss Out on Bunbury's Farmers Markets for Delicious, Fresh Food
The fame of the Bunbury Farmers Markets has drawn customers from as far away as Perth's "golden triangle," a distance of two hours.
Since much of it comes from local farms, most of it is organic and bursting with flavour. Get freshly squeezed juices, artisanal pies, fine French cheeses, and more on the go. Or, you could get your appetite going by visiting The Bunbury Markets Queens Gardens, a fantastic bi-weekly homage to all things fresh and artisanal.
FAQS About Tourist Attractions in Bunbury
Bunbury is a coastal city located about 175 km south of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia.
Bunbury is known for its beautiful beaches, the Dolphin Discovery Centre, the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, the Bunbury Farmers Market, and the Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet.
You can get to Bunbury from Perth by car, bus, or train. The journey takes approximately two hours by car, three hours by bus, and two and a half hours by train.
Popular attractions in Bunbury include the Dolphin Discovery Centre, the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, the Bunbury Farmers Market, the Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet, and the Back Beach. You can also visit the Marlston Hill Lookout Tower, the Bunbury Wildlife Park, and the Ferguson Valley wineries.
Conclusion
Bunbury, located a little over an hour and a half from Perth, is an ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers due to its stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. It is home to Australia's largest inland sea, the Maritime Museum at Victoria Quays Marina, and the Dolphin Discovery Centre, where visitors can swim with 100+ bottlenose dolphins. It is also the northern gateway to Australia's South West, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where one can enjoy pristine beaches, forests of timber giants, and world-class wine.
Bunbury is a coastal city in Western Australia with three of the world's best golf courses, a wildlife park, a veritable feast of fresh produce, award-winning wines, local crafts, beautiful tuart forests, dazzling spring wildflowers, captivating historic country towns and meandering waterways, and an event calendar that showcases opera, drama, comedy, and the work of renowned Australian contemporary artists. There is also a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cheap city motels and even more affordable options like chalets, caravan parks, and backpacker hostels. The Ferguson Farmstay is a reception hall for weddings and offers luxurious lodging, while Peppermint Lane Lodge offers quaint cottages for rent. Kalyra and Savannah got to meet farm animals and go for a pony ride. Gnomesville is a small gnome village on the side of the road in Wellington Mill, Australia.
It is home to thousands of gnomes, who can be seen playing cricket, flying planes, climbing logs, hiding in bushes, and being detained behind a fence. If you're driving from Bunbury, you can find Gnomesville in Wellington Mill about 30 minutes away, at the roundabout at the intersection of Wellington Mill and Ferguson Roads. It's also time for lunch at the St. Aidan Winery, Ferguson Falls Winery, and Dolphin Discovery Centre. The Dolphin Discovery Centre is the most well-known location in Australia for such an adventure, but it involves a long detour. Bunbury is a short drive from Perth and is home to the Discovery Centre, which provides educational talks and interactive exhibits.
It is also home to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC), the largest Western Australian regional art gallery, Australia's largest music festival, and South West Opera Company. To raise your exposure to art and culture, take a stroll along Victoria Street, which is renowned for its lively nightlife and excellent people-watching. Koombana Bay is a popular spot for bottlenose dolphins to hang out and take a dip. Bunbury is a great place to explore on two wheels, but also on foot. There are many walking and biking paths, and Melo Velo and the Bunbury Visitor Centre both offer bicycle rental services.
The Wardandi Boodja, a Noongar face depicted in steel, is a new monumental sculpture commissioned by the City of Bunbury and unveiled in February 2019. The Marlston Hill Lookout offers a panorama of the Three-Waters Metropolis, and the Koombana Park Lookout offers views of the Mangrove BoardWalk, Leschenault Inlet, and Koombana Bay. Koombana Bay, a tranquil beach and one of only a handful in Australia that faces north, has recently undergone a foreshore redevelopment, leading to a surge in visitors. Bunbury's downtown is a historic and mysterious place, with the alma mater of former Premier Sir Newton Moore, imposing buildings built by the son of a convict, 1980s-inspired architecture by Alan Bond, and sacred sites of our original Noongar settlers. The Mangrove Walk in Bunbury is an amazing place to go for a stroll, and the 13 ships that sank in Kopmbana Bay are commemorated on the Koombana Footbridge.
Scenic flights are sure to put you in a good mood, and Ocean West Charters offer everything from short bay cruises with the dolphins of Koombana Bay to fun water activities. Koombana Bay Sailing Club, Three Water Cruises, Octopus Garden Dive Charters, WATSUP Hire Bunbury, SUP Yoga, and Bunbury Farmers Markets are all great options for exploring Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Estuary. Experience the Noongar Way of Life on a cultural tour of Ngalang Wongi, get freshly squeezed juices, artisanal pies, fine French cheeses, and more on the go, and visit The Bunbury Markets Queens Gardens.
Content Summary
- Bunbury, located a little over an hour and a half from Perth, is the ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers.
- There is a wide variety of things to do on a day off thanks to the stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches.
- We have compiled a comprehensive list of things to do in Bunbury, including options suitable for the whole family as well as more sophisticated interests.
- Bunbury is home to Australia's largest inland sea, which you may not know about.
- Take advantage of the warm weather by swimming at one of Western Australia's most stunning beaches.
- Located on the southwestern coast of Australia, Bunbury is a sleepy little port town.
- Wild but amiable bottlenose dolphins can be encountered at the shore or while out in the bay on a dolphin watching and swimming tour in the cosmopolitan city of Bunbury.
- It is also the northern gateway to Australia's South West, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where one can enjoy pristine beaches, forests of timber giants, and world-class wine all in the space of a single day.
- A stroll through the southernmost mangroves in Western Australia can give nature lovers a glimpse of the coast as it appeared some 20,000 years ago at Mangrove Cove in the Leschenault Estuary.
- Three of the world's best golf courses are located here, and young families can have even more animal encounters at one of the area's wildlife parks.
- A veritable feast of fresh produce, award-winning wines, local crafts, beautiful tuart forests, dazzling spring wildflowers, captivating historic country towns and meandering waterways awaits in the nearby Ferguson Valley.
- If you're looking for something to do from morning until night, Bunbury's "cappuccino strip," waterfront eateries, and the bright lights of the Entertainment Centre are all good bets.
- Bunbury's event calendar showcases opera, drama, comedy, and the work of renowned Australian contemporary artists, earning the city a reputation as a cultural epicentre.
- There is just as much variety when it comes to where to lay your head for the night, with options ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cheap city motels and even more affordable options like chalets, caravan parks, and backpacker hostels.
- The first place we went to was the picturesque Ferguson Farmstay, which serves as a reception hall for many weddings and offers luxurious lodging.
- Meeting farm animals is a special treat for kids of all ages, and Kalyra and Savannah got to do just that.
- Now that the roundabout is up and running, a small gnome village has been built on the side of the road as a welcome home for the gnomes who live there.
- Always remember to leave a little bit of your gnome soul behind and to pack your gnomes before you leave.
- If you're driving from Bunbury, you can find Gnomesville in Wellington Mill about 30 minutes away, at the roundabout at the intersection of Wellington Mill and Ferguson Roads.
- You can stop by Aidan Winery for a quick lunch and enjoy some delicious homemade soup and salad.
- If you happen to be in the Ferguson Valley, you can also stop by and try some of the local wines.
- Ferguson Falls Winery You can have some cheese with the owner, Peter Giumelli.
- The Dolphin Discovery Centre Probably the most well-known location in all of Australia for such an adventure.
- This is because fewer people were there, it is a short drive from Perth, and dolphin sightings are more common. (
- The Discovery Centre provides more than just a chance to interact with wild dolphins.
- Here, with the ranger, you can find out more information about octopi.
- Just down the road from the Mantra is a peaceful and beautiful beach.
- It was nice to get out of the camper trailer and stay at the Mantra in Bunbury for a few nights.
- From the Mantra, you can see the local Moo brewery and stroll to town or the beach.
- Bunbury is home to regional Australia's largest collection of street and public art, so take your time exploring.
- Visit Victoria Street Take a stroll along a popular street in Bunbury.
- Take a 1.5-hour Dolphin Eco Cruise around Koombana Bay or check out their brand-new $12 million interpretative centre if you don't want to get wet.
- Bunbury is a great place to explore on two wheels, but the city is easily navigable on foot.
- There are many walking and biking paths in the city because barbarians enjoy being outside.
- Melo Velo offers amazing rides on their Fat Bike Beach tours.
- Overlooking Koombana Bay in Bunbury, Western Australia, is a new monumental sculpture.
- Of course, as the regional shopping mecca, there is a wide variety of high street stores, department stores, and more to be found here as well.
- Chase the Views The Marlston Hill Lookout is worth the short but strenuous climb.
- If you want to go bodyboarding, you can do so on Bunbury's Back Beach , which is on the other side of the CDB, or you can head south to Mindalong, which is clothing optional.
- Bunbury's downtown is a historic and mysterious place.
- The Mangrove Walk in Bunbury is an amazing place to go for a stroll.
- These bizarre mangroves can be found in the far southern part of Western Australia.
- The 13 ships that sank in Kopmbana Bay are commemorated on the Koombana Footbridge.
- Precinct on your way back to the hotel to learn about the city's maritime past and see a bust of French explorer Nicolas Baudin.
- Take a Trip Scenic flights are sure to put you in a good mood.
- The Bunbury Aero Club offers scenic flights that are sure to be a conversation starter.
- Plan your own flight, or take advantage of the premium Trail Introductory Flight to get some flight training in at the same time.
- You could also go on a twilight sail with the crew at Koombana Bay Sailing Club every Wednesday.
- Then, dive on the Lena Ship Wreck with Octopus Garden Dive Charters for a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure.
- At long last, you can try out the most popular new water sport.
- After getting the hang of standing up on a paddle board, try your hand at SUP Yoga for a new challenge.
- On a cultural tour of Ngalang Wongi, you can try black apples fresh from the tree and wash your hands in foaming wattle leaves.
- Don't Miss Out on Bunbury's Farmers Markets for Delicious, Fresh Food The fame of the Bunbury Farmers Markets has drawn customers from as far away as Perth's "golden triangle," a distance of two hours.
- Or, you could get your appetite going by visiting The Bunbury Markets Queens Gardens, a fantastic bi-weekly homage to all things fresh and artisanal.