Bunbury attractions things to do & see on holiday.
Nestled within the popular South West, a holiday in Bunbury offers access to pristine beaches and bushland with award winning wineries scattered throughout the nearby dairy country and a sense and taste of the history of this corner of Western Australia .
Nature lovers on vacation in Bunbury are charmed by the dolphins that frolic at Koombana Bay near the Dolphin Discovery Centre. With around 100 dolphins in the bay, first time holidaymakers are likely to have their own special experience; visitors to Bunbury can swim with the dolphins, led by a marine biologist with first hand knowledge of the small pod of bottlenose dolphins. Learn more about these fascinating creatures at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, which contributes greatly to conservation and research efforts.
Spend warm days floating in the calm waters of Bunbury's beaches, protected from harsh winds by Cape Naturaliste. With the Surf Life Saving Club located just south of Rocky Point, a day down on the sand is ideal for the whole family.
Back Beach to discover a more secluded swimming spot. Work up a sweat cruising the cycle path before running across the white sand. Known for its excellent fishing, barbeque facilities are available to cook the mornings catch. Crabbing is bountiful off the Bunbury Jetty and at the point where the Leschenault Estuary meets the sea, while the Bunbury Angling Club organises regular beach fishing events which are a great family day out.
Surfers can head to Hungry Hollow or Whippy Point during summer holidays in Bunbury. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular, especially in nearby Australind. The South West Sports Centre is ideal for folk on holiday in Bunbury with pools, saunas, a spa and squash courts.
Divers on vacation in Bunbury can venture out to explore the Lena Dive Wreck, a modern day pirate ship sunk to create an artificial reef with 17 metres of open water diving with entry and exit points through the wreck.
Families will love to climb the Rotary lookout tower, located on the site of the original lighthouse; a vantage point for whale watching in season with views over a 360 degree panorama, taking in the city centre and the Darling Scarp and bird lovers can go bushwalking to see colourful wildflowers in season. The Mangrove Cove boardwalks wend through ancient white mangrove swamps that support an ecosystem of 60 different species of swamp birds; or visit the Big Swamp Wildlife Park to hand feed parrots and meet 60 species of Australian natives and marsupials. Take a picnic or prepare a barbeque in the grounds amongst the free range kangaroos, and visit the interpretative centre.
The landmark Bunbury Regional Art Gallery showcases Indigenous, community based, and national touring exhibitions within the historic Sisters of Mercy Convent; established in 1897 and now a splash of bright pink paint, four formal gallery spaces are designated for exhibitions along with a programme of workshops and classes covering photography, painting and drawing; an ideal talent to take home from a holiday in Bunbury.
Delve into history at the Kings Cottage Museum, a home recreating the lives and style of its former owners with items dating back to the 1800s. Outdoors, the gardens feature vintage vehicles, farming machinery and the butter making equipment of a bygone era.
Local Jarrah, Marri and She Oak timbers have been turned into works of art by local craftspeople and put on display in the Featured wood gallery. Find furniture, objects created by wood turning, and a small museum with displays on the original Indigenous owners of country as well as the historic Bunbury Jetty.
The golf tragic can tee of with 18 holes set amongst sand and water hazards at Sanctuary on the outskirts of Bunbury or toast her success in the bar at the Bunbury Golf Club .
No trip to the south west of Western Australia is complete without a day following a local winery trail or sample boutique beers at cellar doors; a Bunbury based holiday offers many options, overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Mash Brewery matches handcrafted beers and ciders with select plates from the a la carte menu. Vineyard 28 incorporates Italian wines into their range, complemented by sublime olive oils and dukkah served from their cellar door.
The Rose Hotel was established in 1865, and lavish furnishings were added during the prosperous years of the Gold rush; beneath the two storeys wrought iron verandah the Lounge, the Victoria St bars, and restaurant give a feel of historic continuity to end any holiday in Bunbury.