Bunbury is close to home, but far from expected and it only gets better in winter. Experience world-class cuisine in the warmth of award-winning restaurants or grab the umbrella and spend the entire day exploring. Find out all the incredible experiences for an ultimate winter holiday in Bunbury and all the things that make Bunbury Brighter.
City of Bunbury
In Bunbury, you have the time and space to just breathe, but also plenty to do and explore, which is why it truly is the brighter place to visit.
Located in the picturesque Bunbury Geographe region less than two hours south of Perth, Bunbury has quickly become renowned for its wondrous waterways, striking street art and trendy small bars and restaurants.
Bunbury truly is a charming hub of creativity and culture, surrounded by waterways to be envied, and is the perfect destination to wander out yonder – either solo, in a couple or as a family.
Park up for a night or two
Bunbury is spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation, whether it’s a hotel room in the heart of the City or one where you can get panoramic views of winter waves crashing on the ocean or in the bay.
Caravan parks are also in abundance, including Discovery Parks at Koombana Bay which is close to finishing its expansion of impressive chalet offerings.
Bunbury also has two free overnight rest areas for those travelling with a self-contained recreation vehicle (RV) for a stay of up to 48 hours.
The popular rest areas are located along the winding, coastal Ocean Drive overlooking Bunbury’s iconic Back Beach.
Whether waking to winter views of the pristine Indian Ocean or watching the sun set on a beautiful Bunbury horizon, visitors can follow it up with a short stroll into the CBD for a coffee, bite to eat, shop or evening drink.
The only challenge wanderers will have, is choosing between the abundance of alluring cafes, eateries, boutique shops and small bars.
Start the day right
Bunbury’s café scene is bustling with popular coffee spots scattered throughout the City, ready to help warm you up first thing in the morning.
From beachside brews at Backbeach Café, to the renowned CBD coffee strip featuring regulars The Townhouse, Benesse and Melo Velo.
Or if those winter water views are what you crave alongside your morning coffee, stay warm and watch over the Casuarina Harbour at Vat 2, watch the boats sailing out of Koombana Bay at Corners by the Bay, or spot a dolphin in the Leschenault Inlet at the Happy Wife in the East Bunbury precinct – just to name a few.
All offer delicious breakfasts for visitors to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
Also keep an eye out for a number of trendy mobile coffee vans which regularly pop up around the City.
Rich arts and culture
Visitors can immerse themselves in the largest street and public art collection in regional Australia with colourful and inspirational urban art scattered throughout Bunbury’s streets – and none are packed away for the winter! The City’s thriving art scene is headlined by the striking Wardandi Boodja at Koombana Bay.
The 5.5m steel bust celebrates and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land on which it sits, and has been a popular addition to the City’s public art.
Head back indoors at the iconic Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, home to the largest collection of public art in regional WA and entry is free, seven days a week.
Coming soon is the always popular Noongar Country Exhibition, celebrating the rich history, diverse culture and achievements of all First Nation people.
The annual exhibition showcases work from established and emerging indigenous artists living and working on Noongar country.
Or taste black apples straight from the tree and wash your hands with foaming wattle leaves on a winter Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tour with local Noongar tour guide Troy Bennell.
If local history is what you are after, the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre – located within one of the City’s best-loved buildings, the 1886 Bunbury Boys School – is jam-packed with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Browse the unique stories and characters who helped make Bunbury what it is today, from the Wardandi Noongar Aboriginal community to early migrants, shipwrecks and wartime.
Eat big and bar small
Bunbury’s restaurant and small bar scene is flourishing and there’s nowhere better to stay dry and warm with a hearty meal or a drink to warm the insides.
Foodies should check out Market Eating House, Yours or Mine or Mojo’s Kitchen & Bar in the CBD just to name a few.
Enjoy heart-warming favourites at the Rose Hotel, chow down on a gourmet burger at Right on Burgers or grab a slice at Last Slice Pizza.
If a winter evening tipple is more your flavour, the options are endless – along with a host of established pubs such as the Prince of Wales and Parade Hotel, the trendy and intimate Lost Bills bar and aforementioned Yours or Mine, Mojo’s and Rose Hotel should be on your list.
Most of Bunbury’s eateries celebrate fresh local produce, and this spills into the community with the popular bi-weekly Bunbury Markets at Queens Gardens offering delicious produce and artisanal delights.
For adventure
The Dolphin Discovery Centre is a palpable must on any visit to Bunbury and the new-look, multi-million-dollar Interpretive Centre will get the kids (big and little) excited.
You can waste hours away immersed among beautifully coloured fish and coral aquariums in the warmth and dryness of the Interpretive Centre with activity centres, interactive displays, feeding programs and even an amazing 360-degree digital dolphinarium.
Worth pulling out the gumboots and warm jackets for, check out the Bunbury Wildlife Park for fun for the entire family with visitors able to get up close and personal with the native Australian animals.
The dingoes, wombat and kangaroos are park favourites, and keeper talks are held daily.
Year-round there is a plethora of walking and bike trails to explore in Bunbury including the renowned 5km loop around the Leschenault Inlet, which also takes in the stunning Mangrove Walk (the southernmost mangroves in Australia).
Watch the clouds rolling over the eastern hills or the waves crashing along the coastline from one of Bunbury’s iconic lookouts – the Marlston Hill Apex, Koombana Park and Boulters Heights lookouts are not to be missed.
The coastal cycle or walk along Ocean Drive will take you all the way from Bunbury’s iconic lighthouse in the north, past the picturesque basalt rocks at Wyalup-Rocky Point, to the natural wonders of Maidens Reserves trails in the south.
The Big Swamp Wetlands’ winding walkways and intriguing paperbarks are also not to be missed.
Call in to the Bunbury Visitor Centre located at the City of Bunbury Administration Building, Stephen Street, to find out more details on the plethora of activities available, and to pick up an overnight rest area permit.
