Bunbury is close to home, but far from expected and only gets better in winter.
You can experience world-class cuisine in the warmth of award-winning restaurants or grab your umbrella and spend the entire day exploring.
You have the time and space to breathe, but also plenty to do and explore, which is why Bunbury truly is the brighter place to visit.
Located in the picturesque Bunbury Geographe region less than two hours south of Perth, Bunbury has quickly become renowned for its wondrous waterways, striking street art and trendy small bars and restaurants.
Bunbury truly is a charming hub of creativity and culture and is the perfect destination to wander out yonder – either solo, in a couple or as a family.
Park up for a night or two
Bunbury is spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation, whether it’s a hotel room in the heart of the City or one where you can get panoramic views of winter waves crashing on the ocean or in the bay.
Caravan parks are also in abundance, including Discovery Parks at Koombana Bay which underwent a recent expansion of impressive chalet offerings.
Bunbury also has two free overnight rest areas for those travelling with a self-contained recreation vehicle (RV) for a stay of up to 48 hours.
The popular rest areas are located along the winding, coastal Ocean Drive overlooking Bunbury’s iconic Back Beach.
Whether waking to winter views of the pristine Indian Ocean or watching the sun set on a beautiful Bunbury horizon, visitors can follow it up with a short stroll into the CBD for a coffee, bite to eat, shop or evening drink.
The only challenge wanderers will have, is choosing between the abundance of alluring cafes, eateries, boutique shops and small bars.
Start the day right
Bunbury’s café scene is bustling with popular coffee spots scattered throughout the City, ready to help warm you up first thing in the morning.
From beachside brews at Backbeach Café or the new 62 Thirty Café at Koombana Bay, to the renowned CBD coffee strip featuring regulars The Townhouse, Benesse and Melo Velo.
Stay warm and watch over the Casuarina Harbour at Vat 2 or spot a dolphin in the Leschenault Inlet at the Happy Wife in the East Bunbury precinct – just to name a few.
All offer delicious breakfasts for visitors to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
Also keep an eye out for a number of trendy mobile coffee vans which regularly pop up on the periphery of the City.
Rich arts and culture
Visitors can immerse themselves in the largest street and public art collection in regional Australia with colourful and inspirational urban art scattered throughout Bunbury’s streets – and none are packed away for the winter!
The star attraction of the City’s thriving art scene is the striking Wardandi Boodja at Koombana Bay.
The 5.5m steel bust celebrates and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land on which it sits, and has been a popular addition to the City’s public art.
Head back indoors at the iconic Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, home to the largest collection of public art in regional WA. Entry is free with the gallery open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Opening in June is the always popular Noongar Country exhibition, celebrating the rich history, diverse culture and achievements of all First Nation people.
The annual exhibition showcases work from established and emerging indigenous artists living and working on Noongar country.
If local history is what you are after, the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre – located within one of the City’s best-loved buildings, the 1886 Bunbury Boys School – is jam-packed with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Browse the unique stories and characters who helped make Bunbury what it is today, from the Wardandi Noongar Aboriginal community to early migrants, shipwrecks and wartime. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and entry is always free.
Eat big and bar small
Bunbury’s restaurant and small bar scene is flourishing and there’s nowhere better to stay dry and warm with a hearty meal or a drink to warm the insides.
Foodies should check out Market Eating House, Yours or Mine or Mojo’s Kitchen & Bar in the CBD not to mention perennial favourite Nicola’s Ristorante or Indian favourite Jo’s Curry House.
Enjoy heart-warming favourites at the Rose Hotel, grab a slice at Last Slice Pizza or try some authentic Italian at relatively new kid on the block – Tramp Trattoria.
If a winter evening tipple is more your flavour, the options are endless – along with a host of established pubs such as the Prince of Wales and Parade Hotel, the trendy and intimate Lost Bills bar and aforementioned Yours or Mine, Mojo’s and Rose Hotel should be on your list.
Most of Bunbury’s eateries celebrate fresh local produce, and this spills into the community with the popular bi-weekly Bunbury Markets at Queens Gardens offering delicious produce and artisanal delights. Please note the markets take a break during August.
For adventure
The Dolphin Discovery Centre is a palpable must on any visit to Bunbury and the multi-million-dollar Interpretive Centre will get the kids (big and little) excited.
You can waste hours away immersed among beautifully coloured fish and coral aquariums in the Interpretive Centre with activity centres, interactive displays, feeding programs and even an amazing 360-degree digital dolphinarium.
Worth pulling out the gumboots and warm jackets for, check out the Bunbury Wildlife Park for fun for the entire family with visitors able to get up close and personal with the native Australian animals.
The dingoes, wombat and kangaroos are park favourites, and keeper talks are held daily throughout the school holidays.
Year-round there is a plethora of walking and bike trails to explore in Bunbury including the renowned 5km loop around the Leschenault Inlet, which also takes in the stunning Mangrove Walk (the southernmost mangroves in Australia).
The coastal cycle or walk along Ocean Drive will take you all the way from Bunbury’s iconic lighthouse in the north, past the picturesque basalt rocks at Wyalup-Rocky Point, to the natural wonders of Maidens Reserves trails in the south.
The Big Swamp Wetlands’ winding walkways and intriguing paperbarks are also not to be missed.
Watch the clouds rolling over the eastern hills or the waves crashing along the coastline from one of Bunbury’s iconic lookouts – Marlston Hill Rotary Tower, Mangrove Cove and Boulters Heights lookouts.
To find out more pop into the Bunbury Visitor Centre and speak to the friendly staff. The centre is located at two locations – the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and the Dolphin Discovery Centre.