Did you know you can interact with wild dolphins right here in Bunbury? That’s right, you don’t have to go all the way to Monkey Mia to meet the dolphins, you can see them right here in Bunbury when staying with us. Nestled along the shores of Koombana Bay, the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury offers visitors the unique opportunity to meet with wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
The story of the Dolphin Discovery Centre began in the mid-1960s when local resident Mrs. Evelyn Smith started feeding dolphins from a small jetty near her home on the Leschenault Inlet. Evelyn continued her friendship with the dolphins until 1989, when the Bunbury Dolphin Trust was established and hired a dolphin specialist to study and care for the local dolphins of Koombana Bay. In 1990, the Dolphin Interaction Zone was created, allowing the public to engage with the dolphins in a controlled environment. The official Dolphin Discovery Centre opened in 1994, expanding its role in marine education and conservation.
Meeting the dolphins at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre. Image: Australia's South West
The Dolphin Discovery Centre relies on the interactions they have with the local bottlenose dolphins to learn more about these playful animals. Visitors to the centre can expect to learn more about the bottlenose dolphins and the environment they live in.
The Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre conducts 90-minute boat tours that gives you the chance for close-up views of dolphins in their natural environment. While on board, the experienced guide will introduce you to the dolphins as they frolick and play in the waters of Koombana Bay. They even guarantee dolphin sightings, or you go again for free on the next available tour.
Swimming with the Dolphins
Jump in the water for a swim with the local bottlenose dolphins in Bunbury! Accompanied by experienced guides, the Dolphin Discovery Centre will provide everything you need for the tour, including snorkelling gear, wetsuits, and even snacks!
Children aged 8+ and up are allowed on the tour, but must be strong and confident swimmers.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, the interaction zone right in front of the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre is the perfect place to meet the dolphins. Designated as a special dolphin protection area, dolphins will swim up right to the shore (particularly in the warmer months) where you can see them swimming right in front of you. Volunteers will ring the bell when a dolphin comes into the zone, so if you hear the bell tolling, make your way on to the beach!
Marine Discovery and Interpretive Centre at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre
The Centre's Marine Discovery & Interpretive Centre offers an engaging indoor experience, featuring:
This facility is designed to educate visitors of all ages about the marine environment and the importance of conservation.
Bunbury Apartment Motel is right in the centre of town, making it easy for guests to explore the seaside attractions of Bunbury. The Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre is a short 8 minute drive to Koombana Bay.
As a not-for-profit organization, the Dolphin Discovery Centre is deeply invested in marine research and conservation efforts. Collaborations with universities, government departments, and other organizations ensure the well-being of the wild dolphin population and the broader marine environment. The Centre also offers educational programs and events to raise awareness about marine conservation.
If you’re interested in learning more about their conservation efforts, click here.
