So you’ve decided to take a getaway to Bunbury, the coastal town that also happens to be the second biggest city in Western Australia. You’re in for a treat as this charming town is so much more than the gateway to the South West, it’s also one of those special places you have to visit to understand.
We’ve gathered 6 of the best places to experience the natural and scenic beauty of Bunbury. Whether it’s looking out over the aqua blue waters off the beaches in Bunbury or climbing your way up to a lookout with views over the City of Three Waters as far as the eye can see, read on to see the best of Bunbury!
The Marlston Hill Lookout was built in 1988 as part of Western Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1988. You could easily miss this iconic lookout if you didn’t know about it! Tucked away on Marlston Hill, this lookout is one of the best places to get a 360-degree view of Bunbury. Enjoy the sweeping views of the City of Three Waters from the ocean to Koombana Bay to Leschenault Estuary. While the best view is to be found up the top of the lookout, the view if still pretty spectacular from the ground, so those who don’t fancy a climb won’t have to miss out.
Back Beach in Bunbury is also dog-friendly! Image: Janice Platt
A trip to Bunbury won’t be complete without visiting Back Beach, one of it’s most popular beaches. A local favourite, Back Beach’s pristine coastline and sparkling aqua water is the perfect backdrop for the ultimate summer’s day. A great spot for swimming and snorkelling, the stretch of coast is also a great spot for fishing and the odd surf in the right conditions!
Take a walk along the bike path and admire the view of the ocean before heading down to enjoy the beach. Top tip: If you walk along the beach at sunset, chances are you would catch one of our famous spectacular sunsets!
When you catch a glimpse of that black and white chequered lighthouse, you know you’re in Bunbury. One of Bunbury’s icons, the Bunbury lighthouse stands 25 metres tall and it’s light can be seen from 27 kilometres out at sea. While you can’t climb this lighthouse, you can view it from the dramatic black rocks of Wyalup Rocky Point. A definite must-visit for that Instagram pic!
Meet the dolphins of Koombana Bay! Image: Australia's South West
Koombana Bay is one of the jewels of Bunbury. With it’s gentle tide and lapping waves, the beaches on the bay are wonderful for little kids, making it a family favourite.
Did we mention the pod of wild dolphins that call Koombana Bay home? Walking along the bay will likely turn up a dolphin or two with their fins shining out of the water, and if you head to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, you can stand knee deep in the waters of Koombana Bay and meet some of the local dolphins!
Don’t forget the Koombana Foreshore that boasts one of the biggest kid’s adventure playgrounds in the South West, as well as a beachside café where you can while the day away with a great meal. Visit the ‘Wardandi Boodja’, an imposing sculpture of a Noongar man that stands over 5 metres tall!
Did you know that Bunbury had mangroves? Head out on the Mangrove Walk and Boardwalk to check out the mangroves that grow along the coast and keep an eye out for the fantastic wildlife that live around it. As the mangroves curve around you, make sure you take a look around to see if you can spot a peahen or two. Located on the Leschenault Estuary, this unique nature attraction is just five minutes from the middle of Bunbury!
Manea Park is a magical bush reserve in Bunbury that boasts some of the best wildflower hunting to be found in the region! As it’s a protected reserve, this is also a great place to spot the elusive red-tailed black cockatoo in the wild, you might even spot a kangaroo or two while on your bush walk. The loop through Manea Park is a fairly easy walk, and if you’re indeed hunting for wildflowers, plan your visit for late winter or early spring where the wildflowers start springing out of the ground.
Bunbury Apartment Motel sits right in the centre of town and boasts 51 newly-renovated apartments, all offering guests the comfort of home away from home. Whether you’re staying for a night, a weekend, or for a longer stay, we can’t wait to welcome you to Bunbury!
