Why Bunbury?

Bunbury is beaut and although it’s classed as a city it’s still reasonably peaceful. So if you want to see a bottlenose dolphin, sample some fine Australian cuisine, and find a great place to rest your weary head on your trip around Australia – without the frenetic activity of a resort heaving with tourists – then don’t forget to stop off at Bunbury.

Where, What, Why?

It’s only two hours from Perth along the Kwinana Freeway, it’s not as far as Busselton and there are heaps of interesting things to do. Modern day Australian explorers, in four wheel drive vehicles or saloon cars (plus those with campervans or caravans) who are in search of dreamy south west beaches, Australian wildlife, forests, wineries and a laid-back holiday atmosphere will find it all and more in  Bunbury and its surrounding areas.

Forests, wine and Australian cuisine

Australia is a wonderful country, varied and surprising, but the south west seems like a country all of it’s own with it’s Tuart forests, and beaches that go on for as far as the eye can see, not to mention the wonderful Margaret River and Ferguson Valley wine estates and restaurants featuring new generation Australian cuisine.

What to do in Bunbury?

Why not visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre, Koombana Drive, Bunbury. www.dolphindiscovery.com.au and encounter wild dolphins – as opposed to ones that do tricks? Tel: 08 9791 3088. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to get up close and personal with a dolphin (or dolphins, if you’re lucky) on the sandy beach at Koombana Bay. 220 bottlenose dolphins have been identified in the area and frequently visit the shallow interaction zone at the Discovery Centre, where you can also have a cup of coffee while you wait, or visit the impressive 3D dolphinarium. Book an eco cruise and swim with a dolphin or two, if they’re feeling playful.

A bottlenose dolphin is a mammal not a fish. It has lungs and needs to come to the surface to breathe air, so if they are in the vicinity you are likely to see them.

Join a bottlenose dolphin kayak tour or boat cruise.

Walking, swimming, wildlife

Walk the easy trail along the Mangrove Boardwalk with it’s information boards and ancient white Mangroves.

Koombana Bay – it’s calm and great for kids and swimming – you might even find yourself swimming with a bottlenose dolphin.

Inlet Heritage walk – drop into Bunbury Visitor Centre and get the map for this gentle and informative walk.

Walk along the boardwalks through the wetlands of the Big Swamp Reserve, and spot black swans and purple marsh hens.

Visit the Big Swamp Nature Reserve and feed a kangaroo as well as enjoy a variety of birds and colourful parrots in the walk through aviaries.

Back Beach – go for the surf and indulge in some Australian cuisine at Extensions Restaurant right on the beach – and on a calm day you may spot a bottlenose dolphin or more playing in the surf.

Coffee and shopping in Bunbury

Bunbury cbd has a great range of coffee shops (many alfresco) as well as boutiques and independent retail shops. You’ll find quirky original and designer gear along with funky shoes and great gift ideas in and around Victoria Street, but if you prefer the shopping mall experience then head to Centre Point or The Forum.

Where to eat and drink in Bunbury

Have a drink at the bar in the impressive atrium foyer of the Hotel Lord Forrest.

Enjoy a plate of tapas at Casellas right on the beach at Marlston Waterfront.

Capel Vale Winery is nearby – on the Busselton Highway heading south – it has popular wines and a fabulous restaurant serving Australian cuisine. And there are many more wineries and breweries in the nearby Ferguson Valley which is becoming a hot spot along the epicurean trail, just 20 minutes drive from Bunbury cbd.

Where can I find out more information about Bunbury?

South West Australia is still relatively calm and unpopulated, so when you’re in West Oz and want more information about the south west , Geographe Bay or perhaps facts about Australian cuisine and a bottlenose dolphin for instance, don’t forget to visit the Bunbury Visitor Centre and the Dolphin Discovery Centre, and then get out and enjoy Australia’s second largest city to the full.