Bunbury Western Australia
Superbly located on a peninsular, surrounded by Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, the great array of water features gives the town a great maritime theme which has been reflected in all community parklands and city streets.
At a Glance
With safe swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, yachting, crabbing, any water activity you can imagine, with plenty of local dolphins to keep you company.
Where is Bunbury?
Bunbury is 180 kilometres south of Perth.
Bunbury is situated on the west coast of Australia's South West tourist region. Bunbury faces the Indian Ocean and is on the shores of Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet. Bunbury is the largest regional city in Western Australia and acts as the major commercial centre in the local area. One of the best ways to get to Bunbury is to hire a car from Perth Airport.
Things to see in Bunbury
Cappuccino Strip
Discover Victoria Street, where a cosmopolitan cappucino strip has evolved. Experience city dining, with a country flavour, following the aroma of the roasted coffee and sweet confections. The strip is decorated with flags and the 'Brother and Sister' fountain.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Mangroves Boardwalk
Over seventy species of birds inhabit these wetlands located remarkably close to the Bunbury city centre, which is a favourite breeding ground of the Black Swan. Walk along the wetlands boardwalk or utilize the bird hides to observe the natural Australian wildlife up close and first hand.
Koombana Bay Dolphins
An exciting feature of Bunbury is the local dolphins which frequent Koombana Bay. Visitors are encouraged to swim with these wild creatures in front of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Visual/audio shows teach visitors about these mammals before discovering them first hand.
Image © Catherine Derieux
Marlston Hill Lookout
This former lighthouse has been superbly converted into a multi-level viewing tower which gives panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Only a short walk from the city centre, marvellous views of the Bunbury Harbour, Koombana Bay and hinterland can be seen.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre
Formerly the 1886 Bunbury Boys School, this much-loved local building has been transformed into a state of the art museum with a huge range of audio visual presentations and objects pertaining to the history of Bunbury, from that of the Noongar people living here for aeons to the development of the city to its present state. Free to visit, this will be an awesome opportunity to learn about the stories of Bunbury.
Image © Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre
What's the weather like?
Bunbury has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot Summers and cool Winters. Rainfall is received in the form of cold-fronts during Winter but the weather is rather pleasant for the rest of the year. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 28°C with an average minimum temperature of 14°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 19°C with an average minimum temperature of 9°C.
Get to know Bunbury's history
The Dutch first sailed the waters off Bunbury in the 1600s and was further explored by the French in 1803. After favourable reports by Lieutenant Henry William St Pierre Bunbury, the first settlers arrived in 1838 and by 1841 there were almost 400 settlers. The region prospered initially as a result of whalers who anchored their vessels in Geographe and Koombana Bays and grew steadily throughout the 19th century.
Bunbury became a municipality in 1871, and railway lines in 1891 and 1893 increased the port's importance as a major exporter of Karri and Jarrah timber to England. In 1903 the breakwater for the modern port was constructed and for most of the 20th century to the present date has retained its importance as a regional port. Bunbury became a city on October 8 1979, and is now the second largest city in Western Australia.
Looking for visitor and tourist information, maps and brochures, booking assistance and local expert tips in Bunbury? Check out the Bunbury Visitor Centre!