Once an industrial port city, the coastal community of Bunbury in WA’s south-west is now a massively attractive destination for grey nomads and other tourists.
Known as the City of Three Waters because it is surrounded on three sides by water (the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay, and the Leschenault Inlet), Bunbury is located about 175 kilometres south of Perth and boasts a growing population of around 40,000.
As well as its stunning natural attractions, the city is famed for its dolphins, history, art, sunsets, and walks. First sighted by French explorer, Captain Louis de Freycinet, in 1803. Bunbury was established about three decades later when a port was established and other industries quickly developed.
Aerial view of swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. PIC: Tourism WA
Mining and mineral processing remain important to the local economy, and plans are currently in place to further expand the port.
Back in the day, miners from eastern goldfields used to enjoy some ‘down time’ in Bunbury, and its reputation as a pleasant seaside resort grew … and is still growing today.
The calm waters of Koombana Bay are frequented by more than 100 wild bottlenose dolphins and area major drawcard for visitors. The Dolphin Discovery Centre boasts an excellent Interpretive Centre which includes 14 aquaria and the world’s only 360-degree digital dolphinarium; and outside is a wild dolphin Interaction Zone.
The Leschenault Inlet is home to ancient white mangroves and a large array of migratory waterbirds, and many grey nomads enjoy taking the 5.3-kilometre Mangrove Walk which circles the entire waterway.
Bunbury’s Back Beach is a great place for a swim, to throw a line in, and to enjoy some truly stunning sunsets.
Tourists enjoying the aquatic life at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. PIC: Tourism WA
It’s a regional city with a wide range of shops and services, and some great places to eat. Its vibrant streets are enhanced by dozens of large and colourful murals. The Bunbury Markets are generally held the first and third Saturdays of the month, and the highly-regarded Bunbury Farmers Market opens every day.
There are a number of good caravan parks in town, and the council offers two free sites where fully self-contained recreational vehicle (RV) travellers can stop for up to 48 hours, although a permit must be obtained first.
The best way to get an overview of all that the city has got to offer is to visit the three lookouts, which all offer amazing views over the area. These are the Marlston Hill Rotary Lookout Tower; Boulters Height Lookout; and Koombana Park Lookout.
The city’s rich history is very much reflected in its streetscape, and the numerous heritage buildings. Historic highlights include the Old Railway Station, the Rose Hotel, the Burlington Hotel, the Lyric Theatre, the WA Bank, Cronshaw’s Store, the Bunbury Post Office, St mark’s Anglican Church, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and King Cottage Museum.
A stroll along the Marlston Waterfront is also recommended. There are some superb old buildings there, and a collection of signs tell the story of the dozens of vessels that came to grief in Shipwreck Bay in the 19th century.
The best place to get more in-depth information about the city’s history, and the people that made it, is the excellent Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre; and the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum and its collection of vintage vehicles is also well worth a visit.
Other points of interest include the Chequered Lighthouse overlooking Point Casuarina, the Bunbury Wildlife Park, and the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, which is housed in the Sisters of Mercy Convent School which was built in 1897.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
