Bunbury is not only a gem in its own right, it’s also a perfect base for exploring the stunning surroundings of the South West of Western Australia. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure-seeker, history buff, or simply looking to unwind, there are plenty of exciting day trips from Bunbury that offer something for everyone.
Here are our top picks for some unforgettable day trips from Bunbury.
Just a 40-minute drive from Bunbury, Busselton is home to the famous Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a leisurely stroll or hop on the solar-powered electric Jetty Train for a scenic ride to the Underwater Observatory.
Here at the jetty’s end, you can delve beneath the surface and peer at the incredible artificial reef through thick viewing glass – all while staying dry. Adventure-seekers can hop in for a snorkel or a SCUBA dive to explore the vibrant marine life and underwater sculpture trail.
Afterwards, head into Shelter Brewing Co. (that big building on the foreshore!) for some freshly brewed craft beer - tasting paddles are a must! - and a satisfying feed of in-season delights with a German twist, or heart-warming Italian-inspired woodfired pizza. Small kiddos will love the onsite playground, while the bigger kids will enjoy the larger Foreshore Playground across the oval.
Busselton Jetty and Foreshore. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Head inland to the picturesque Ferguson Valley, only 15-30 minutes from Bunbury Apartment Motel. This area, beginning around Dardanup, boasts charming wineries, delicious local produce, and the quirky Gnomesville, a whimsical must-see spot where thousands of garden gnomes reside.
Enjoy wine tasting at some of the boutique cellar-doors such as Green Door Wines (the sensory black wine glass tasting is a must for self-proclaimed wine connoisseurs), Willow Bridge Estate, and Saint Aidan Wines, where you’ll also find a restaurant crafted with seasonal produce.
Soak in the stunning valley views as you cruise by rolling hills, vineyards and streams. Pop into the craft breweries Bush Shack or Wild Bull for a taste of their best brews with a side of hot chips, or devour freshly made woodfire pizzas with wines at Ferguson Falls Wines Café.
Green Door Wines, Ferguson Valley. Image credit: Tourism Australia
For those who love outdoor adventures, Collie is a fantastic choice for a day trip from Bunbury.
Just under an hour's drive from Bunbury Apartment Motel, Collie offers thrilling activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. Here you can explore the Wellington National Park and marvel at the world’s largest outdoor mural painted on a dam wall, or jump into the Collie River for a dip at Honeymoon Pool. Adventure-seekers will enjoy the mountain bike trails here, especially the Collie Mountain Bike Park, suited for riders of all abilities.
Wellington Dam Mural, near Collie. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Stop by Harris River Estate for a wine, beer, or gin tasting and a spot of lunch (we recommend the charcuterie board), or check out some of the region’s best picnic spots. Some of our favs are Stockton Lake - known for its striking blue water, Wellington Dam, or the new-ish Lake Kepwari, complete with barbecues and picnic tables.
If you fancy a kayak or a SUP on any of the beautiful waterways in Collie, get in touch with local operator Traaverse that offer them for hire – drop off and pick up included!
Collie Mountain Bike Park. Image credit: Frances Andrijich, Australia's South West
A short 30-minute drive from Bunbury will bring you to Donnybrook, the heart of apple country. Visit during harvest season (March to May) to pick your own apples or explore the local orchards and farms, many offering farm roadside stalls all year-round. For the region’s best produce, pop into Fruit Barn and load up a tray with goodies to bring back to your Bunbury apartment.
The Donnybrook Apple Fun Park, Australia’s biggest free entry playground, is a hit with families and a great spot to let the kids run wild. Nearby, the Park Donnybrook café inside the historical Goods Shed building brews up fresh coffee as well as tasty, sweet treats and a full menu of brekky and lunch delights. Enjoy your order inside, out on the decking area, or grab it to takeaway and soak up the history of Donnybrook in the museum displays while you wait.
For those that love a wine tasting, head out to the nearby Coughlan Estate vineyard, café and cellar door. This family vineyard offers boutique hand-picked wines, as well as a restaurant with a locally sourced menu, and a cellar door shop filled with artwork and trinkets from the region’s local crafters and creators. Further afield, the Oakway Estate cellar door and café will delight with its multi award-winning boutique wines, and gourmet pizzas.
Located about a 40-minutes north of Bunbury, Harvey offers a unique blend of Australian and Italian heritage and a produce-rich adventure.
Visit the Harvey Cheese Factory for some delicious local cheeses – a view of the cheese-making process and taste testers included! Next, stop by the family-owned Harvey River Estate winery nestled on the banks of the Harvey River. The cellar door and shop offers wine tastings and a generous gift shop and is situated on an orange plantation. Work off some calories by climbing the Big Orange – yes, it’s literally a big orange, where you’ll have a panoramic view of the orchards from ten metres up.
History-buffs will enjoy the Harvey Heritage Drive Trail and soaking up the stories of days gone by. If you prefer to stretch your legs, a 6.5km Harvey Heritage Walk Trail traverses from the Harvey Visitor Centre and passes the original cottage of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie creator, May Gibbs, as well as heritage buildings, war memorials, and a deep dive into Aboriginal culture.
Next, relax in one of the region’s beer gardens, from the olive grove haven of Old Coast Road Brewery (with a great playground for the kids and a miniature golf course), to the rustic interior of the Wokalup Tavern where Brugan Brewery whips up beer from the freshest ingredients and local hops. Both offer delicious feeds that with satiate your hunger. After a feed, spend the afternoon on a coastal adventure – from beach-hopping between the 4WD beaches of Binninup and Myalup, to the waterways and jetty walks of the Leschenault Estuary, just minutes from Bunbury.
An hour’s drive south of Bunbury, Nannup is nestled in the heart of the Blackwood River Valley. Known for its lush forests and charming countryside, Nannup offers fantastic country hospitality, lush gardens, bushwalking, hiking and cycling trails. Mountain bikers will be exhilarated by the Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park, with 35kms of raw and rocky trail winding its way through the forest. On event days and public gravity days, Linga Longa Bike Park is where it’s at – shuttle buses included.
A day trip from Bunbury to Nannup wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the forest, namely the swimming pools at Barrabup Pool and Workman’s Pool, where you can soak in nature and enjoy a picnic or cold dip. For a stunning display of wildflowers, head to Kondil Wildflower Park and follow the short bush trails that wind through the natural landscape.
In Nannup’s main street, souvenir shoppers will love the galleries and giftware stores. For a taste of the country hospitality we mentioned before, head into the Nannup Brewing Company – a microbrewery with idyllic surrounds, or relish in the gardens of the quaint Blackwood Café, perfect for a coffee and handmade dishes for breakfast, lunch and occasionally, dinners.
Each year sometime in August, the town springs to life with the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival. During the festival, locals open their gardens for visitors to explore, and the flower boxes that adorn the town’s streets bloom with tulips, making it a beautiful time to visit.
Entrance to Bunbury Apartment Motel
Exploring these fantastic day trips from Bunbury will enhance your stay and give you a true taste of the region's diverse attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these nearby destinations are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
For more information and to book your stay at Bunbury Apartment Motel, visit our website or contact our friendly team today. We look forward to making your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible!
