From vibrant waterfront views to stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural landmarks, Bunbury is a photographer's paradise. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, this city is an absolute treasure trove of locations to capture its natural beauty, wildlife, and urban charm. Here’s a guide to some of the best photography locations in Bunbury.
Koombana Bay is one of Bunbury’s most iconic locations, offering a combination of scenic views, vibrant waters, and unique wildlife. The bay’s calm waters reflect the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for capturing sunrise or sunset shots. It’s also home to the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, where you can snap photographs of the playful local dolphins that often swim close to the shore.
Don’t miss a shot of the striking Wardandi Boodja sculpture, a five and a half metre Corten steel bust located on the foreshore. The sculpture represents a Noongar face and seeks to merge traditional sculpture and advanced fabrication technology to create a striking contemporary artwork that pays deep respect to the Noongar people.
You can’t ask for a more iconic shot than Bunbury’s historic lighthouse, an excellent subject for architectural and landscape photography. The lighthouse is especially stunning at sunset, when the golden light casts dramatic shadows and highlights its pristine white façade against the backdrop of the blue sea. The nearby beach and coastline also offer a picturesque setting for capturing the lighthouse with the sweeping view of the ocean.
Best time to shoot: Sunset for dramatic light, or early morning for soft, muted tones.
Just a short drive from Bunbury, the Eaton Foreshore is a tranquil spot that provides beautiful landscape shots of the Collie River. The calm waters are ideal for reflections of the surrounding trees and buildings. The foreshore area is perfect for capturing wide-angle shots of the river, or detailed close-ups of the local flora and fauna. During the golden hour, the warm light enhances the beauty of this peaceful area.
Best time to shoot: Golden hour, late afternoon for soft lighting and reflections.
Leschenault Inlet is another prime location for nature photographers looking to capture serene landscapes. The inlet is home to a variety of birdlife, including pelicans and black swans, making it an excellent spot for bird photography. The reflective waters of the inlet also offer the opportunity for stunning mirror-like shots of the surrounding bushland. The nearby walking trails provide different vantage points to get a variety of shots of the inlet, trees, and wildlife.
Best time to shoot: Early morning for bird activity and calm waters.
For those interested in wildlife photography, the Big Swamp Parkland is a must-visit destination. Here you’ll find a conservation wetland rife with over 60 species of native birdlife including the Australasian Grebe, white-faced heron, dusky moorhen and purple swamphen. These wetlands are a popular place for bird enthusiasts and makes photographing wildlife an absolute pleasure.
Our top tip is to find the paperbark forest that spell ambiance and enchantments any photographer would love to get on film.
Best time to shoot: Early morning when animals are most active and the light is soft.
If you're looking for something different, Bunbury's urban art scene provides a wealth of opportunities. The city is filled with vibrant murals, street art, and colourful sculptures, all of which make for fantastic urban photography subjects. Set out on Bunbury Mural Trail and discover over 35 different murals painted throughout the city.
The black Basalt rocks of Wyalup Point creates a spectacular landscape for any budding photographer. Get yourself down there at sunset and watch the waves crash up against the striking rocks for that dramatic shot.
Bunbury’s mix of coastal beauty, urban charm, and natural landscapes makes it a prime destination for photographers looking to capture a diverse range of subjects. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant coastline, rich wildlife, or the urban art scene, stay with us at Bunbury Apartment Motel as you discover this South West gem that offers something for everyone.
So, pack your camera and get ready to explore these incredible photography spots in Bunbury!