Have you ever dreamed of meeting wild dolphins, exploring colourful street art, immersing in ancient culture, and tasting award-winning wines in one place? If so, Bunbury is the perfect destination for you. Bunbury is a seaside city in Western Australia, located about 175 km south of Perth. It is the third-largest city in the state, with a population of over 75,000 people. It is also the northern gateway to Australia’s South West, a region known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and culinary delights.
Bunbury has a rich history, dating back to the Noongar people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. It was first visited by European explorers in the early 1800s, and later became a bustling port and a centre of commerce and industry. Today, Bunbury is a cosmopolitan city with a creative spirit and a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
In this article, we will show you why Bunbury is a must-visit destination in Western Australia, and how you can make the most of your trip. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a cultural immersion, Bunbury has something for everyone. Read on to find out more about this amazing city and how you can plan your trip.
How to Get to Bunbury:
Bunbury is easy to reach from Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. You have three options to travel to Bunbury: by road, by air, or by sea.
By road:
The most popular and convenient way to get to Bunbury is by driving. You can take the Kwinana Freeway and the Forrest Highway, which will take you about two hours. Alternatively, you can take the scenic route along the coast, which will take you about three hours. You can also take a bus or a train from Perth, which will take you about three to four hours. You can find more information on the Transwa website.
By air:
If you prefer to fly, you can take a flight from Perth to Bunbury Airport, which will take you about 45 minutes. You can book your flight with Rex Regional Express, which operates daily flights between the two cities. You can find more information on the Rex website.
By sea:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also take a cruise from Perth to Bunbury, which will take you about six hours. You can enjoy the views of the Indian Ocean, the Swan River, and the Peel Inlet along the way. You can book your cruise with Mandurah Cruises, which operates weekly cruises between the two cities. You can find more information on the Mandurah Cruises website.
Meet the Dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre
One of the main attractions and highlights of Bunbury is the Dolphin Discovery Centre, a non-profit organization that aims to conserve and protect the local population of wild bottlenose dolphins. The centre offers a unique opportunity to encounter and interact with these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
You have four options to meet the dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre: dolphin watching, swimming, feeding, or volunteering.
Dolphin watching: The easiest and cheapest way to meet the dolphins is to watch them from the shore. The centre has a designated interaction zone, where the dolphins often come to visit and play. You can observe them from the beach, the jetty, or the observation deck. You can also join a guided tour, where a trained staff member will tell you more about the dolphins and their behaviour. Dolphin watching is free of charge, and available all year round, subject to weather and dolphin presence.
Swimming: The most thrilling and memorable way to meet the dolphins is to swim with them in the water. You can join a boat tour, where you will be taken to the dolphin hotspot, and given a wetsuit, a snorkel, and a mask. You will then enter the water in small groups, and wait for the dolphins to approach you. You will be able to see them up close, and hear their sounds and clicks. Swimming with the dolphins costs $165 per person, and is available from November to April, subject to weather and dolphin presence. You can book your tour online or at the centre.
Feeding: The most educational and interactive way to meet the dolphins is to feed them at the centre. You can join a feeding session, where you will be given a bucket of fish, and instructed on how to feed the dolphins safely and responsibly. You will also learn more about the dolphins and their individual personalities, names, and histories. Feeding the dolphins costs $10 per person, and is available from December to April, subject to weather and dolphin presence. You can book your session online or at the centre.
Volunteering: The most rewarding and meaningful way to meet the dolphins is to volunteer at the centre. You can join the volunteer program, where you will be trained and assigned to various tasks, such as dolphin monitoring, visitor education, research assistance, or maintenance. You will also get to know the dolphins and their stories, and contribute to their conservation and welfare. Volunteering at the centre is free of charge, and available all year round, subject to availability and suitability. You can apply for the volunteer program online or at the centre.
Explore the Street Art and Public Art Collection of Bunbury
Another attraction and highlight of Bunbury is the street art and public art collection, which is one of the most impressive and diverse in Australia. The city has a vibrant and dynamic art scene, with over 100 murals, sculptures, and installations that adorn the walls, buildings, and spaces of the city.
The street art and public art collection of Bunbury showcases the talents, visions, and messages of local, national, and international artists, who have transformed the city into a colourful and creative canvas. The collection features different types, styles, themes, and locations of art, ranging from realistic portraits to abstract patterns, from social commentary to cultural celebration, from the city centre to the suburbs.
You have three options to explore the street art and public art collection of Bunbury: guided tours, self-guided tours, or maps and apps.
Guided tours: The best and most informative way to explore the street art and public art collection is to join a guided tour, where a knowledgeable and passionate guide will take you to the most iconic and interesting artworks, and tell you more about the artists, the stories, and the meanings behind them. You can choose from different types of tours, such as walking, cycling, or bus tours, and different themes, such as history, culture, or nature. Guided tours cost from $15 to $50 per person, and are available from September to May, subject to availability and booking. You can book your tour online or at the visitor centre.
Self-guided tours: The most flexible and independent way to explore the street art and public art collection is to do a self-guided tour, where you can go at your own pace and preference, and discover the artworks that catch your eye and curiosity. You can follow one of the suggested routes, or create your own itinerary, and use the information panels, plaques, or brochures to learn more about the artworks and their creators. Self-guided tours are free of charge, and available all year round, subject to weather and accessibility.
Maps and apps: The most convenient and fun way to explore the street art and public art collection is to use a map or an app, where you can locate, view, and interact with the artworks and their details. You can use a printed map, which you can get from the visitor centre or download from the website, or a digital app, which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. Maps and apps are free of charge, and available all year round, subject to internet and battery.
Immerse in the Noongar Culture and Heritage of Bunbury
Another attraction and highlight of Bunbury is the Noongar culture and heritage, which is one of the oldest and richest in the world. The Noongar people are the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters of Bunbury and the South West region, and have lived in harmony with the environment for over 40,000 years. They have a diverse and resilient culture, with a strong connection to their language, art, music, dance, stories, ceremonies, and traditions.
The Noongar culture and heritage of Bunbury offers a unique opportunity to learn, experience, and respect the history, diversity, and wisdom of the first Australians, and to appreciate their contributions and influences to the present and future of the city and the country.
You have four options to immerse in the Noongar culture and heritage of Bunbury: cultural centres, museums, galleries, or events and workshops.
Cultural centres: The most authentic and immersive way to immerse in the Noongar culture and heritage of Bunbury is to visit one of the cultural centres, where you can meet and interact with the local Noongar people, and learn more about their history, language, art, music, dance, stories, ceremonies, and traditions. You can choose from two cultural centres in Bunbury: the Wardandi Cultural Centre, which is run by the Wardandi Aboriginal Corporation, and the Koombana Bay Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which is run by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. Both centres offer guided tours, exhibitions, displays, performances, workshops, and activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Cultural centres are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and charge a small entry fee. You can book your visit online or at the centres.
Museums: The most informative and educational way to immerse in the Noongar culture and heritage of Bunbury is to visit one of the museums, where you can see and explore the artefacts, documents, photographs, and videos that showcase the history, diversity, and resilience of the Noongar people and their culture. You can choose from two museums in Bunbury: the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, which is located in a historic building in the city centre, and the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, which is located in a former convent in the city outskirts. Both museums offer permanent and temporary exhibitions, collections, archives, research, and events for visitors of all ages and interests. Museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, and offer free admission. You can find more information on the museums’ websites or at the museums.
Galleries: The most creative and expressive way to immerse in the Noongar culture and heritage of Bunbury is to visit one of the galleries, where you can admire and appreciate the art, craft, and design of the Noongar people and their culture. You can choose from two galleries in Bunbury: the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, which is also a museum, and the Featured Wood Gallery and Museum, which is located in a historic building in the city centre. Both galleries offer a variety of artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and furniture, made by Noongar artists and artisans, as well as non-Indigenous artists who are inspired by the Noongar culture. Galleries are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, and offer free admission. You can find more information on the galleries’ websites or at the galleries.
Events and workshops: The most fun and interactive way to immerse in the Noongar culture and heritage of Bunbury is to attend one of the events or workshops, where you can participate and enjoy the music, dance, stories, ceremonies, and traditions of the Noongar people and their culture. You can choose from a range of events and workshops in Bunbury, such as the Bunbury NAIDOC Week, which is a celebration of the Noongar culture and achievements, the Bunbury Fringe Festival, which is a showcase of the Noongar and other Indigenous arts and talents, the Bunbury Bush Tucker Trail, which is a guided walk and tasting of the Noongar food and medicine, and the Bunbury Noongar Language Classes, which are lessons on the Noongar language and culture. Events and workshops are held throughout the year, at various locations and times, and charge different fees. You can find more information on the events and workshops’ websites or at the visitor centre.
Discover the Ferguson Valley and its Attractions
If you are looking for a scenic and diverse region to explore near Bunbury, you should not miss the Ferguson Valley, which is located about 30 km south of the city. The Ferguson Valley is a hidden gem, with its rolling hills, lush forests, charming towns, and award-winning wineries.
The Ferguson Valley offers a variety of things to see, do, and enjoy, whether you are a nature lover, a foodie, a history buff, or a culture vulture. Here are some of the attractions and activities that you can experience in the Ferguson Valley:
Wine tasting:
The Ferguson Valley is home to over 20 wineries, producing some of the finest wines in Western Australia, such as chardonnay, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. You can visit the cellar doors, sample the wines, and learn more about the winemaking process from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. You can also enjoy the views of the vineyards, the gardens, and the countryside, and have a picnic or a meal at the onsite restaurants or cafes. Some of the most popular wineries in the Ferguson Valley are Willow Bridge Estate, St Aidan Wines, Ferguson Falls Wines, and Green Door Wines.
Food sampling:
The Ferguson Valley is not only known for its wines, but also for its fresh produce, artisan products, and delicious cuisine. You can sample the local delicacies, such as cheese, honey, chocolate, olive oil, bread, and jams, and buy some souvenirs or gifts at the various shops and markets. You can also indulge in the mouth-watering dishes, such as pizza, pasta, seafood, steak, and desserts, at the various restaurants and cafes, ranging from casual to fine dining. Some of the most popular places to eat in the Ferguson Valley are Moody Cow Brewery, Hackersley Estate Restaurant, Ferguson Farmstay, and The Crooked Carrot Cafe.
Craft shopping:
The Ferguson Valley is also a haven for craft lovers, with its abundance of local artists, artisans, and crafters, who create and sell unique and beautiful items, such as pottery, jewellery, paintings, sculptures, woodwork, and textiles. You can visit the studios, galleries, and shops, and admire and purchase the artworks, and meet and chat with the creators. You can also join a workshop, and learn a new skill or hobby, such as pottery, painting, weaving, or knitting. Some of the most popular places to shop and learn in the Ferguson Valley are Lyndendale Gallery, Dardanup Art Spectacular, Ferguson Valley Events, and Bunbury Art Connect.
Wildflower viewing:
The Ferguson Valley is also a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts, with its stunning display of native and exotic flowers, that bloom from August to November. You can see the vibrant colours, shapes, and scents of the flowers, such as orchids, banksias, wattle, kangaroo paw, and everlastings, and learn more about their names, types, and features. You can also spot some of the wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, bees, and kangaroos, that are attracted by the flowers. You can join a guided tour, or follow one of the self-drive or walking trails, and enjoy the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna. Some of the best places to see the wildflowers in the Ferguson Valley are Crooked Brook Forest, Wellington National Park, Gnomesville, and King Tree Park.
Forest walking:
The Ferguson Valley is also a great place for forest walking, with its ancient and majestic tuart forests, that cover over 2000 hectares of land. The tuart trees are endemic to Western Australia, and can grow up to 40 metres tall and 10 metres wide, and live for over 500 years. You can walk among the towering and impressive trees, and feel the peace and tranquility of the forest. You can also see some of the other plants and animals that live in the forest, such as jarrah, marri, peppermint, possums, bandicoots, and echidnas. You can join a guided tour, or follow one of the self-drive or walking trails, and discover the secrets and wonders of the forest.
Whether you are looking for a short break or a long stay, Bunbury has something for everyone. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Western Australia. Plan your trip, book your stay, or contact us for more information today. You won’t regret it.