Your Ultimate Guide to Bunbury, WA
20th June 2026
Bunbury in a nutshell
Bunbury, the third most populous city in Western Australia, is found 175 kilometres south of Perth on the glimmering coastline. Close enough to Margaret River for exciting day trips, but also close enough to Perth to make it quick and easy for a weekend away, it’s a region where famous wineries, coastline, outback and more are all in reach. Also distinct enough to stand on its own as a destination, it’s located in one of the most wildly beautiful locations in Australia.
The city itself was founded in 1843 and named after Lieutenant Henry Bunbury and it began as a timber and dairy settlement. Later, it grew into the regional hub it is today! The city’s history lives on in its architecture and the chilled out pace of life; one a little slower than Perth’s. Mind you, there’s plenty going on here to give Bunbury its own energy.
What truly makes Bunbury special is its landscape. Koombana Bay is a gorgeous cove with calm waters protected from big swells, while the Leschenault Inlet runs alongside it, creating a network of waterways perfect for kayaking and fishing. It is this coastline that makes the city what it is!
In fact, the coastline here isn’t just scenery; it’s part of daily life for locals and visitors alike. The foreshore stretches for kilometres, linking beaches, parks, and playgrounds, and you can walk from the Dolphin Discovery Centre all the way to Koolambidi Woola youth precinct, entirely on paths.
But don’t forget what lies inland. Just beyond the coast, thick karri and jarrah forests rise, with walking trails cutting through trees that have stood for centuries.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
In this ultimate guide to Bunbury, we cover all things to do in Bunbury and beyond. Plus, at the end, find a recommendation for the best accommodation in Bunbury, plus fantastic bar and restaurant ideas for your stay.
Things to do in Bunbury
From swimming with wild dolphins to sipping local wine in the Geographe region, Bunbury has a whole lot going on for a regional city. Here are some of the best things to do in Bunbury!
Koombana Beach
We start in one of the most iconic Bunbury locations; Koombana Beach. You’ll probably end up here more than once during a visit to Bunbury! The water is very calm and clear, perfect for a dip only moments from the town. Naturally sheltered, it’s ideal for families and since the water stays nice and flat, you’ll probably also see the dolphins who regularly come in close to shore.
Whether it’s for a morning dip or a day long session, head to Koombana Beach, bring a towel and lie back. There’s a children’s playground nearby too as well as cafes, and plenty of opportunity for evening strolls after a day spent on the beach.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Dolphin Discovery Centre
Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre is so much more than a dolphin watching spot, and it’s probably one of Bunbury’s most iconic spots. Right here at one of Australia’s best dolphin watching areas, you’ve got access to a marine discovery centre featuring aquariums, a 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium as well as an interpretation of Koombana Bay and its history.
Next, you’ve also got the option to take a 60 or 90-minute eco-tour. If you choose to do so, you’ll head out into Koombana Bay, exploring the local waterways, where 100-200 Bunbury Bottlenose Dolphins live. The discovery centre is advanced Eco-Tourism certified, so you can count on the welfare and protection of the dolphins, too.
But if that’s not enough (and it’s getting hot), then the Dolphin Discovery Centre also offers swimming with dolphins experiences. The team will provide you with everything you need for your 4 hour adventure. You’ll get snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, a snack and drink, plus the knowledgeable team will teach you a thing or two about the local dolphins and their habitat.
Bunbury Wildlife Park
A day spent at a wildlife park is never a bad idea, and this one’s easy to love. The Bunbury Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of species and although it used to be a bird park, it’s now a refuge for animals that unfortunately can no longer survive in the wild. Today, it’s home to over 60 species of native Australian animals. There’s a strong focus on conservation and rehabilitation here, and that’s evident in the interactive keeper talks you can visit throughout the day.
But as well as simply walking around and interacting with the native animals, you can also attend a Tawny Frogmouth Meet and Greet, a Feed the Birds experience as well as a Chat with the Cockatoos. Plus, a cafe as well as free-to-use portable BBQs are also onsite, so spend as long as you like!
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Koombana Foreshore, Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet
Bunbury is surrounded by incredible coastline (as we’ve already mentioned)! So whilst you’re here, explore the town’s stunning Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet. Start at the Koombana Bay Foreshore playground, featuring a flying fox, water play, and slides, perfect for burning off energy while parents relax at 62Thirty Café. The calm bay waters invite safe swimming and sandcastle battles.
Next, cross to Leschenault Inlet’s Mangrove Cove playground with its 360° lookout tower and accessible mangrove walks. Nearby, the Splash Park offers even more fun for the kids, while Sykes Playground provides BBQs and sheltered seating.
Continue along Koombana Drive to Koolambidi Woola, WA’s Best Park! You are bound to be blown away by the facilities you find here. Explore the youth precinct with multi-sports courts, parkour, mini-golf, and skate areas, plus an area for swimming right next door. With barbecue facilities, toilets, and scenic paths throughout, there’s literally no better foreshore in WA.
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery
When you’re in Bunbury, you might end up spending a lot of time outside. So why not take a break from the sun and take a moment for some downtime? Step inside the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, housed in a distinctive pink former convent, for a change of pace and some air conditioning if you need it. There are four separate exhibition spaces inside, with a diverse program of regional, state and national exhibitions. These rotate throughout the year, so you’ll typically find something that you’ll enjoy whenever you visit.
Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre
If you’re less of an art person and more into local history, another way to break up a day of outside adventure is at Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre. Pop in for a wander and you’ll leave with a much better sense of the place; always a great idea when visiting a new place.
Dive into shipwreck stories, learn about local history and the small details that make Bunbury what it is today. The museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 1880s, so you’ll feel the history as soon as you walk in.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Head to Busselton
Bunbury isn’t the only town in this beautiful region south of Perth worth visiting (in fact, there are lots of spots worth a day trip!). Head down to Busselton for the day and you’ll find one of Western Australia’s oldest towns, dating back to 1834.
This spot started as a timber and dairy hub, but nowadays it’s known for its amazing coastal vibe and Busselton Jetty, stretching 1.84 kilometres out into Geographe Bay. It’s actually the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere! Walk the entire length, catch the Jetty Train for a scenic ride, or visit the Underwater Observatory to check out the coral and fish without even getting your feet wet.
Visit Local Wineries in The Geographe Wine Region
Now onto something a little different, but very WA: wine.
The Geographe Wine Region is a hidden gem that offers a more relaxed and boutique wine experience compared to its famous southern neighbour, Margaret River. This area just to the east and south of Bunbury, benefits from a unique microclimate where the cooling influence of the Indian Ocean meets the sheltered valleys, creating ideal conditions for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and crisp Chardonnays.
Keen to check out some of the nearby wineries and cellar doors? Find a list of the best right here!
Bunbury Farmers Market
Come hungry to Bunbury Farmers Market or you’ll absolutely regret it! Although you’ll arrive with a simple list in mind, the aroma of fresh bread, the colours of seasonal produce, and the warmth of friendly vendors will have you picking up new things to try; a jar of local honey, a bundle of herbs, a loaf still warm from the oven.
Open every day of the year except Christmas Day, the market has become woven into the fabric of local life. Neighbours meet here and the community gathers to celebrate what grows right in the region.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Explore Wellington Dam
Heading away from Bunbury but inland, just a short drive inland from Bunbury lies Wellington Dam, a massive engineering feat that has shaped the local landscape since it was completed in 1994. Standing 82 metres tall and holding back the Collie River, it creates the expansive Wellington Lake, which is actually the largest inland body of water in the southwest of Australia.
While the dam itself is an impressive structure, the real draw is the recreation which surrounds it. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters, or hit the trails that wind through the surrounding bushland for hiking and mountain biking. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, especially for trout and bass, and the picnic areas along the shore make it perfect for a relaxed family day out. Spend the day here for a trip away from the coast and to mix things up a little.
Bunbury Botanic Gardens
Another way to cool down, but without getting into the water, is at Bunbury Botanic Gardens. Escape the city center and step into a green space for a moment of quiet. Established in 1902, these 10 hectares of manicured lawns and native plantings offer a peaceful retreat for everyone. Take a short wander through the Rose Garden, explore the diverse Australian native section, or simply find a quiet bench under the shade of towering trees. You could also just enjoy a morning coffee here, take a leisurely picnic, or just stroll and spot local birds. Changing with the seasons, this is a great spot for a moment of mindfulness.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Visit Honeymoons Pool
In the lush forest of the Darling Scarp lies Honeymoon Pool. A visit here will give you’re the impression you’re a million miles from the coast. Despite its romantic name, it’s simply a public swimming hole created in the 1930s.
Ideal for escaping the summer heat, it’s where locals take a dip in crystal clear water when they fancy a change from the beach. Surrounded by towering karri and jarrah trees, you feel totally immersed here. Swim across the main pool, jump from the low rock ledges (if you’re feeling brave), or just float on your back while listening to the river rush. You’ll also like to know there are grassy banks for picnics and walking trails that wind through the bushland.
Cafes in Bunbury
62Thirty Café
Right on the Koombana Bay Foreshore, 62Thirty is the ultimate spot to sip a latte while watching the waves roll in. It’s perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch with a view, offering hearty meals that pair beautifully with the seaside breeze and the sound of kids playing nearby.
Little Spencer Coffee Co. Bakehouse
A Bunbury staple, Little Spencer combines expertly roasted coffee with fresh, on-site baking. The aroma of warm sourdough and sweet pastries fills the air, making it the ideal cozy retreat for a quick takeaway or a slow, comforting brunch in a friendly, community-focused space.
Hello Duck
Bright, bold, and a little bit quirky, Hello Duck brings a modern energy to the CBD. Known for its vibrant decor and creative menu; from gourmet burgers to unique specialty coffees, it’s a lively spot that appeals to families and foodies looking for something fun and Instagram-ready.
Restaurants in Murray Bridge
Last Slice Bunbury
Last Slice Bunbury is the city’s go-to spot for authentic New York-style pizza. Think massive, foldable slices with a perfectly charred crust and gooey, generous toppings. Both grabbing a quick slice on the fly or sinking into a whole pizza with friends are perfectly acceptable here! Their garlic knots and loaded fries are must-haves.
At the well-known Basalt by the Sea, fine dining meets the ocean breeze. Found right on the Bunbury foreshore, this restaurant offers stunning views of Koombana Bay alongside a sophisticated menu that highlights fresh, local seafood. We’re talking about pan-seared scallops, grilled kingfish, and perfectly cooked steaks, all paired with an extensive selection of local wines.
Froth Brewery
Boasting a vibrant brewery atmosphere, Froth Brewery is filled with house-brewed ales and a menu built for sharing. Wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and sticky ribs take center stage, creating the perfect pairing for a cold pint. An industrial-chic setting in the heart of Bunbury makes this the ideal spot to kick back with friends and enjoy hearty pub classics.
Market Eating House
Welcome to Market Eating House, where fresh, seasonal ingredients drive the menu, alongside high-quality, locally sourced produce. Diners can expect dishes like wood-fired flatbreads, seared local fish, and hearty grain bowls that change with the harvest. The open kitchen and communal tables create a lively, market-style energy perfect for groups.
Unwind Atrium and Bar
One of Bunbury’s best spots for a sit down meal, the Unwind Atrium and Bar serves everything from steaks and seafood to snacks and desserts. Whether you are popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a full evening, the menu has something for everyone and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Zebu Bar and Kitchen
If you are after a livelier evening, Zebu Bar and Kitchen is the place to be. With a choice of high chair seating and lounge areas, you can enjoy casual drinking, dining and some great music to dance the night away. The kitchen focuses on locally sourced produce paired with a great selection of wines, beers and cocktails, making it a brilliant spot for a night out with friends or a fun date night in Bunbury.
Where to stay in Bunbury
The Lord Forrest Hotel is Bunbury’s iconic landmark stay, sitting right in the heart of the city at 20 Symmons Street. With a wide range of rooms to suit every kind of trip, from standard rooms and deluxe queens through to ocean view suites, spa apartments and spacious corner family suites, there is something for everyone.
On site you will find Zebu Bar and Kitchen as well as the Unwind Atrium and Bar, so you are well looked after without even needing to leave the building. It is a great base for exploring the South West, and the kind of place that feels like a proper treat without being over the top.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Bunbury? Take a look at The Lord Forrest Hotel.