Bunbury is the perfect place to getaway to if you’re looking for a break from the big city. Just a short 2 hour drive from Perth, Bunbury Geographe has everything from epic beaches, excellent cafes and quaint local shops, all ready for you to head out and explore.
Here’s a mini weekend itinerary full of activities for you to experience Bunbury town and all it has to offer.
Head to the Bunbury Farmer’s Market as you’re driving into town. Stroll through the cornucopia of produce from local farmers, and stock up to your heart’s desire with the delicious market made platters, pastries, salads, gourmet cheeses, and oh so much more.
Bunbury Apartment Motel
Check in to your centrally located accommodation at Bunbury Motel Apartments where our friendly staff will be on hand to assist with anything you might need.
Grab a lazy breakfast at one of the many cafes in town. Sample the truly magnificent croissants at Little Spencer, people watch with your coffee at Benesse, or get in with the locals at Townhouse. Depending on the week, the Bunbury Markets is also a great place to stroll through the works of local artisans and producers while picking from various food truck offerings.
Dolphins in Koombana Bay
Koombana Bay is home to a large population of about 100 – 150 bottlenose dolphins. Join the team at the Dolphin Discovery Centre for an intimate swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment or jump on a Dolphin Eco Cruise within Koombana Bay with them.
It’s often possible to spot these dolphins as you’re strolling past Koombana Bay by yourself, so keep your eyes peeled on your morning walk!
Bunbury Wildlife Park
Set on 7 tranquil acres, take a walk through the Bunbury Wildlife Park and interact with the animals like birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, marsupials and other farm animals.
Have the birds feed from the palm of your hands, or chat with the talkative cockatoos. Pop into the kangaroo enclosure for a feed and a pat, meet the Keeper team and learn about the animals from the people who know them best. Did we mention you also get to meet the dingoes?
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery
Head to the iconic pink art gallery in the heart of the city and experience the various curated exhibitions on show. Housed in a former convent, Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) offers a diverse and stimulating program of exhibitions from regional, state and national sources. Popular exhibitions include the annual Iluka Visions, Noongar Country, Bunbury Biennale and South West Art Now.
Visit one of Bunbury’s best-loved heritage buildings, the 1886 Bunbury State School. The Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre houses a permanent exhibition that tells the unique stories of the South West, and the local legends that made the city. Learn how Bunbury came to be and about the struggles of the early settlers.
If you’re looking for something with a little more nature and adventure, then head to the trails! Lace up those shoelaces and be prepared for some epic views.
Swamp Hens at Big Swamp reserve
Walk through the sand dunes of the Maidens Reserve, admire the tuart trees along the way and stand before the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The trail has recently been upgraded with new walkways and lookouts, making it accessible for wheelchairs to get through. If you’re coming through during wildflower season (September to November), keep a look out for native wildflowers and orchids!
An easy paved walk, this 2.5km trail meanders around the Big Swamp wetlands, a conservation wetland that is home to over 60 species of birdlife. Don’t miss the stunning paperbark boardwalk and keep an eye out for the long-necked tortoises who use the area as a breeding ground.
A trip to Bunbury would not be complete without enjoying the sunset on the beach. Pick up some fish and chips and grab the picnic blanket, sunsets in the South West are famously incredible, so be prepared for a stunning show as the sun does down.
Our suggestions for an evening on the beach are to check out Back Beach! Another top tip would be to head up the Marlston Hill lookout for an amazing 360 degree view of the city.
Before you head back to Perth, wander down Victoria Street and take yourself for some last-minute shopping. One of the city’s most-loved streets, you will find hip cafes and an eclectic collection of local boutique shops. Sabotage is a local haunt well-known for profiling new designers that fit the West Australian lifestyle. Pop into Afez of the Heart, self-described as ‘Aladdin’s cave’, where you can find gorgeous items hand-picked from India, Turkey and Morocco.
