The South West of WA is so much bigger than just Margaret River. Bunbury is perfectly positioned as the gateway to Western Australia’s South West, making it the ideal base for day trips. Explore the world-class beaches, boutique wineries, and vibrant small towns filled with character and charm, all within the Bunbury Geographe region.
Sip on wines in Ferguson Valley.
Drive: 30 minutes from Bunbury
Head to Ferguson Valley for the cellar door and wine tasting experience you would have had in Margaret River 10 years ago. Think rolling green hills, boutique wineries, and hidden local gems with interesting wine varietals that make Ferguson Valley a must-visit.
Cellar Doors and Wine Tasting: Visit iconic cellar doors like Saint Aidan Wines, Green Door Wines and Hackersley Estate for the taste of the South West. Enjoy the local varietals while sampling some gourmet produce from these cellar doors.
Gnomesville: Visit this quirky, one-of-a-kind attraction, home to thousands of gnomes tucked into the bushland. How did there get there? Nobody knows…
Hiking & Scenic Lookouts: The Wellington National Park trails offer breathtaking views in its lush forest surrounds. A mecca for outdoor lovers, plan to spend a couple days exploring the national park and the interesting trails within it.
Busselton Foreshore is a must-visit for families. Image: Australia's South West.
Drive: 50 minutes from Bunbury
Home to the famous Busselton Jetty, this vibrant coastal town is perfect for a laid-back seaside escape.
Busselton Jetty: Walk or take the train along the 1.8km jetty — the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Head down under the water to the Underwater Observatory and explore life beneath the waves and see colourful marine species up close.
Swimming: Paddle in the calm waters of Geographe Bay and spend the afternoon watching the kids jump in and out of the ocean. Looking for a little thrill? Jump off the Busselton Jetty into the water and swim back to shore!
Foreshore Fun: The Busselton Foreshore is a fantastic place for families to gather. The epic playgrounds where kids can engage in pretend pay on the pirate ship, get cool at the water playground or simply run on the huge landscaped grassy area. Relaxed parents can watch from the myriad of restaurants and breweries while enjoying a good feed.
Drive: 40 minutes from Bunbury
Drive to Harvey for their famous citrus orchards and stay for the fresh local produce. Harvey offers a relaxing countryside escape with, did you know May Gibbs’ childhood home is in Harvey?
Harvey Dam: Ideal for picnics, fishing, and scenic walks, you can spend the whole day here!
Harvey Cheese: Taste award-winning cheeses, yoghurts, and ice creams straight from the dairy.
Local Wineries & Orchards: Enjoy a long lunch surrounded by fresh produce and rolling farmland.
The trails in Collie are full of surprises. Image: Australia's South West.
Drive: 50 minutes from Bunbury
Known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Collie is a hidden gem in WA’s South West. Whether you’re looking for cycling trails, hiking trails or simply to relax by a lake, Collie’s natural attractions will have you exploring for days.
Black Diamond Lake: Famous for its vibrant blue water, perfect for kayaking, swimming, and stunning photos.
Wellington Dam Mural: See the incredible 8,000m² mural — one of the largest in the world.
Collie River Valley Trails: Great for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic picnics, Collie is part of the Munda Biddi Trail, the Bibbulmun Track and boasts a huge variety of smaller tracks that wind through the forests.
Drive: 30 minutes from Bunbury
Have you heard of the apple capital of WA? Donnybrook, the home of the Granny Smith Apples is charming, picturesque, and most importantly, family-friendly.
Highlights of Donnybrook:
Apple Fun Park: One of Australia’s largest free playgrounds, we’re talking flying foxes, 2m high tower slides, BBQs, dedicated baby zones, and all fully-fenced off!
Local Orchards: Depending on the season, pick your own apples or enjoy fresh local produce.
Visit the Arboretum: Drive the 20 minutes to Balingup and visit the Golden Valley Tree Park, WA’s largest Arboretum.
With so many incredible destinations within an hour’s drive, Bunbury is the perfect base for exploring WA’s South West. After a full day of sightseeing, return to Bunbury Apartment Motel and unwind in comfort.
