Did you know that Bunbury is one of only three places in Western Australia where you can experience the unique phenomenon of dolphins swimming right alongside humans in their natural habitat? This coastal gem, often called the “City of Three Waters,” offers an incredible blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and natural beauty just two hours south of Perth.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Bunbury is located approximately 175 km south of Perth, making it an easy weekend getaway or a perfect first stop on a South West road trip. The closest major airport is Perth Airport, with the drive to Bunbury taking about 2 hours along Forrest Highway.
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If you prefer public transport, TransWA operates coach and rail services between Perth and Bunbury several times daily. The train journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers scenic views of the countryside.
For international visitors, consider flying into Perth International Airport and then making your way south. Many travelers combine Bunbury with visits to nearby Margaret River (just 40 minutes further south) for a comprehensive South West experience.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Bunbury enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) when temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), and tourist crowds are thinner.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Rainfall | Recommendation |
| Spring | Sep-Nov | 15-25°C (59-77°F) | Moderate | Highly Recommended |
| Summer | Dec-Feb | 20-35°C (68-95°F) | Low | Good for beach activities |
| Autumn | Mar-May | 15-25°C (59-77°F) | Moderate | Highly Recommended |
| Winter | Jun-Aug | 8-18°C (46-64°F) | High | Avoid (unless you enjoy cooler weather) |
For dolphin enthusiasts, the best time to visit is between November and April when the Dolphin Discovery Centre offers swim tours with wild dolphins. Winter (June-August) brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall, making it less ideal for outdoor activities, though accommodation prices are often lower during this period.
Getting Around Locally
Bunbury is a relatively compact city that’s easy to navigate. Here are your best options for getting around:
Car
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding regions like Ferguson Valley or take day trips to nearby towns. Parking is generally plentiful and often free in the city center.
Bicycle
Bunbury is bicycle-friendly with dedicated cycling paths along the coastline and through the city. Melo Velo in the city center offers bike rentals and is a great starting point for your cycling adventure, with the added bonus of a café for pre-ride coffee.
Public Transport
TransBunbury operates bus services throughout the city and to surrounding suburbs. Services are limited on weekends, so plan accordingly. The Bunbury Visitor Centre can provide up-to-date timetables and route information.
Walking
Many of Bunbury’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, particularly around the CBD, Victoria Street, and the waterfront areas. The Leschenault Inlet loop (6km) and the Koombana Bay to Back Beach coastal walk are particularly scenic routes.
Where to Stay
Bunbury offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From waterfront hotels to cozy B&Bs, you’ll find something that fits your needs.
Luxury
The Mantra Bunbury Hotel offers apartment-style accommodation in the historic Silos building right on the waterfront. With stunning views over Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city.
Mid-Range
Bunbury Apartment Motel and Bunbury Seaview Apartments provide comfortable, self-contained accommodation options with good amenities at reasonable prices. Both are well-located for accessing the city’s attractions.
Budget
Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore offers powered sites and cabins in a prime location overlooking Leschenault Inlet. It’s a great base for families with excellent facilities including a camp kitchen and easy access to walking trails.
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Dining & Local Cuisine
Bunbury’s food scene has evolved significantly in recent years, with a focus on fresh local produce, seafood, and wines from the nearby Ferguson Valley and Margaret River regions.
Top Dining Spots
- Market Eating House – A local favorite on Victoria Street serving Middle Eastern-inspired dishes from their woodfired oven. Their share plates and meze options are perfect for group dining.
- Nicola’s Ristorante – Bunbury’s original Italian restaurant offering authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas from their impressive Marana Forni pizza oven.
- Mojo’s Restaurant – Known for refined dining and an award-winning wine and beer list. Their sommelier has won “Australia’s Best Beer List” two years running.
- Froth Craft Brewery – A vibrant microbrewery with 40 craft beers brewed in-house and an Asian fusion menu that goes beyond typical pub fare.
- Vat 2 – Located at the southern end of Jetty Baths beach, this café-restaurant is perfect for a coffee with your toes in the sand or a relaxed lunch overlooking the water.
Local Specialties
Don’t miss the chance to visit the legendary Bunbury Farmers Market, open daily and stocked with fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked goods, and gourmet products. It’s the perfect place to stock up for a picnic or to take home some South West delicacies.
For wine enthusiasts, the nearby Ferguson Valley is an emerging wine region worth exploring, with cellar doors like Ferguson Falls Winery and St Aidan Winery offering tastings in a more intimate setting than their famous Margaret River counterparts.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Dolphin Discovery Centre
One of Bunbury’s premier attractions, the Dolphin Discovery Centre offers a range of experiences with the wild bottlenose dolphins that frequent Koombana Bay. Stand in the shallow waters of the Interaction Zone for a chance to see dolphins up close, or join a dolphin eco-cruise for guaranteed sightings. For the ultimate experience, book a dolphin swim tour (available November to April) to swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Koombana Bay
This sheltered bay offers calm waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The recently developed foreshore includes a large playground, free BBQs, and plenty of shade, making it ideal for families. Don’t miss the impressive Wardandi Boodja sculpture – a 5.5-meter steel bust representing a Noongar face that watches over the bay.
Bunbury Wildlife Park
Located within the Big Swamp Parkland, this wildlife park is home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and various bird species. Many of the kangaroos are tame and can be hand-fed (with food purchased at the entrance), providing a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Marlston Hill Lookout
Climb the spiral staircase of this lookout tower for spectacular 360-degree views over Bunbury and its three waters – Koombana Bay, Leschenault Inlet, and the Indian Ocean. Built on the site of Bunbury’s original lighthouse, it’s one of the best spots to appreciate the city’s unique geography.
Bunbury’s Beaches
Beyond Koombana Bay, Bunbury boasts several beautiful beaches. Back Beach is popular with swimmers and bodyboarders, while Wyalup-Rocky Point features fascinating basalt rock formations created by ancient lava flows – particularly stunning at sunset. For a more secluded experience, head to Hungry Hollow or the clothing-optional Mindalong Beach.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Street Art
Bunbury boasts the largest collection of street art in regional Australia, with over 40 large-scale murals throughout the CBD. Pick up a map from the Visitor Centre and take a self-guided tour to discover works by leading WA artists. Don’t miss the Outside The Box collection – 20 electrical boxes transformed into whimsical characters.
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG)
Housed in a distinctive pink former convent building, BRAG is the largest regional art gallery in Western Australia. It hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists, with a strong focus on Aboriginal art. The gallery also offers workshops and events throughout the year.
Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre
Located in the historic former Bunbury Boys School (built in 1886), this museum tells the story of Bunbury from its Indigenous origins through European settlement to the present day. Interactive displays, photographs, and artifacts bring the city’s rich history to life.
Festivals and Events
- Bunbury Fringe – Held in late January, this festival brings cutting-edge performances including comedy, music, and theatre to various venues around the city.
- CinefestOZ – Australia’s premier destination film festival takes place across Bunbury, Busselton, and Margaret River in August, featuring Australian and international films, workshops, and red carpet events.
- Lost & Found Festival – This annual event unites Bunbury’s hospitality, arts, and wellness industries with over 20 events ranging from art workshops to food experiences.
For a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous heritage, join a Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tour with local Noongar guide Troy Bennell. These two-hour walking tours share Dreamtime stories, bush tucker knowledge, and insights into the traditional owners of the Bunbury area.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Water Activities
Surrounded by water on three sides, Bunbury offers plenty of aquatic adventures. Try stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of Leschenault Inlet, surf at Back Beach, or join a sailing experience with Koombana Bay Sailing Club. For something unique, book a dive trip with Octopus Garden Dive Charters to explore the FV Lena shipwreck, now an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Walking and Cycling Trails
- Mangrove Boardwalk – This 200-meter wooden boardwalk takes you through Australia’s southernmost mangroves – a unique ecosystem that’s home to various bird species.
- Leschenault Inlet Loop – A scenic 6km path circling the inlet, perfect for walking or cycling with beautiful water views throughout.
- Big Swamp Parkland – Home to 60 bird species, this nature reserve offers a 2.5km walking trail with bird hides and lookouts.
Day Trips from Bunbury
Just 30 minutes from Bunbury is the Ferguson Valley, a picturesque region of rolling hills, boutique wineries, and the quirky Gnomesville – a community of thousands of garden gnomes that’s become an unexpected tourist attraction. For a refreshing swim in natural surroundings, head to Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park, a tranquil swimming hole surrounded by ancient jarrah, marri, and blackbutt trees.
For a unique aerial perspective, book a scenic flight with Bunbury Aero Club. Their 30-minute or 1-hour flights offer breathtaking views of Bunbury’s coastline and the surrounding countryside.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Bunbury is generally a safe destination, but here are some tips to ensure a smooth visit:
Beach Safety
Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Back Beach can have strong rips, so exercise caution. The calmer waters of Koombana Bay are better for less confident swimmers. Apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days – the Australian sun is extremely strong.
Wildlife Interactions
When visiting the Dolphin Discovery Centre, follow all guidelines from staff regarding dolphin interactions. Remember that these are wild animals and their welfare comes first. At Bunbury Wildlife Park, only feed animals with approved food purchased on-site.
Cultural Respect
Bunbury is located on Wardandi Noongar land. Show respect for the traditional owners by learning about their culture and heritage. When visiting culturally significant sites, follow any posted guidelines and avoid disturbing or removing anything from these areas.
Practical Tips
Tipping is not expected in Australia but is appreciated for exceptional service. The drinking water in Bunbury is safe to consume. The emergency number is 000 for police, fire, or ambulance services.
Visitor Comments About Bunbury
“We almost bypassed Bunbury on our way to Margaret River but decided to stay for two nights – and I’m so glad we did! Swimming with wild dolphins was a bucket-list experience, and the street art throughout the city was an unexpected highlight. Don’t make the mistake of just driving through!”
“As an international visitor, I found Bunbury to be the perfect introduction to Western Australia. The Dolphin Discovery Centre was world-class, and the locals were incredibly friendly and helpful. The beaches are pristine, and there’s a surprising amount to do for a city of its size.”
“We visited Bunbury with our two children (ages 8 and 10) and had a fantastic family holiday. The kids loved feeding kangaroos at the wildlife park and watching dolphins from the beach. Koombana Bay was perfect for swimming, and the playground there kept them entertained for hours. Highly recommend for families!”
Practical Travel Tips
Money Matters
ATMs are readily available throughout Bunbury, and most businesses accept credit cards. Some smaller cafés or market stalls may be cash-only, so it’s good to carry some Australian dollars. The Bunbury Farmers Market is a must-visit but can get extremely busy on weekends – try to visit on weekdays if possible.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Bunbury Visitor Centre, most accommodations, and many cafés. Mobile coverage is generally good throughout the city and surrounding areas. The Visitor Centre on Carmody Place is an excellent resource for maps, brochures, and local advice.
Planning Ahead
Book dolphin swim experiences well in advance, especially during peak season (December-February). If visiting during summer, make accommodation reservations early as Bunbury is a popular weekend destination for Perth residents. Consider visiting midweek for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
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Your Bunbury Adventure Awaits
Bunbury may not have the international fame of some Australian destinations, but that’s precisely what makes it special. This coastal gem offers authentic experiences without the crowds – from close encounters with wild dolphins to vibrant street art, pristine beaches, and emerging food and wine scenes. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Perth or including it as part of a larger South West road trip, Bunbury rewards those who take the time to explore its many treasures. Don’t make the mistake of simply passing through – stop, stay awhile, and discover why locals are so proud to call this city home.
The above is subject to change.
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