Surrounded by the waters of Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, Bunbury is a major port in the South West region. Aside from being a commercial hub for the rural surrounds, the city boasts beautiful beaches and bird-filled wetlands to explore.

Things to do

Bunbury is famed for its Dolphin Discovery Centre where visitors can interact with wild dolphins that regularly visit the area. Learn about these intelligent creatures in the interpretive centre and 3D movie theatre, then stand in the shallow waters of Koombana Bay as they play around you.

The Leschenault Inlet connects to Koombana Bay and is home to 25,000-year old white mangroves which support more than 60 waterbird species. Wander along the boardwalks where interpretive signs explain this unique ecosystem or slowly paddle along the tranquil waters during a kayaking tour.

Big Swamp Reserve lies just to the south, home to the Bunbury Wildlife Park where you can get up close to native Australian wildlife and bird species. Perfect for a day out with the family, here you can feed the parrots in their free-flight aviary or enjoy a barbecue lunch beside the wetlands.

Along the western coast of Bunbury is the ever-popular Back Beach, with its stretch of white sand providing a magnificent setting for watching the sunset. You can head to its northern end to find distinctive basalt rock formations of Wyalup-Rocky Point, which make for an equally photogenic setting.

Getting around

Bunbury is around two hours’drive south of Perth and connected by regular bus services and daily trains. A few public buses operate routes around the town and the surrounding suburbs, although it’s best to have your own vehicle for exploring further afield.