Things to Do in Bunbury WA – Dolphins, Beaches & Visitor Guide

Bunbury is Western Australia's largest regional city and one of the state's most popular coastal destinations. Located approximately two hours south of Perth, Bunbury is known for dolphins, beaches, coastal walks, lookouts, wildlife attractions and its position as the gateway to the south-west region.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Bunbury WA, including Koombana Bay, Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury Wildlife Park, beaches, coastal attractions, family activities and nearby day trips.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Bunbury include visiting Koombana Bay, seeing dolphins, exploring Bunbury Wildlife Park, visiting Marlston Hill Lookout, enjoying Back Beach and discovering the city's coastal attractions.

Top Attractions in Bunbury

Dolphin Discovery Centre

The Dolphin Discovery Centre is Bunbury's most famous attraction and one of Western Australia's best-known dolphin experiences. Visitors can learn about local bottlenose dolphins and the marine environment of Koombana Bay.

Koombana Bay

Koombana Bay is Bunbury's premier waterfront area and is known for calm swimming waters, dolphin sightings, walking paths, playgrounds and family-friendly facilities.

Bunbury Wildlife Park

Bunbury Wildlife Park is one of the region's leading family attractions, featuring native Australian animals, interactive experiences and landscaped grounds.

Marlston Hill Lookout

Marlston Hill Lookout provides panoramic views over Bunbury, Koombana Bay, the Indian Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Bunbury Regional Art Galleries

Located in the historic Old Railway Station precinct, Bunbury Regional Art Galleries showcase local, regional and national artworks throughout the year.

Best Beaches in Bunbury

  • Koombana Bay Beach — calm family-friendly beach.
  • Back Beach — popular surf and swimming beach.
  • Hungry Hollow Beach — coastal recreation area.
  • Turkey Point Beach — calm waterfront area.
  • Belvidere Beach direction — coastal beaches south of Bunbury.
  • Leschenault Estuary shoreline — recreation and nature areas.

Nature and Outdoor Attractions

  • Koombana Bay
  • Leschenault Estuary
  • Big Swamp Wildlife Park
  • Marlston Hill Lookout
  • Mangrove Boardwalk
  • Bunbury Foreshore
  • Indian Ocean coastline

Family-Friendly Things to Do

  • Visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
  • Explore Bunbury Wildlife Park.
  • Spend time at Koombana Bay.
  • Walk along the Bunbury Foreshore.
  • Visit Big Swamp Wildlife Park.
  • Explore local playgrounds and recreation areas.
  • Watch sunset from the coastline.

Best Areas to Explore

  • Koombana Bay
  • Bunbury Foreshore
  • CBD and Victoria Street precinct
  • Marlston Hill
  • Back Beach area
  • Leschenault Estuary
  • Big Swamp Wildlife Park

Day Trips from Bunbury

Busselton

Busselton is known for Busselton Jetty, beaches and family attractions and is one of the most popular day trips from Bunbury.

Dunsborough

Dunsborough offers beaches, Cape Naturaliste, wineries and coastal scenery within easy reach of Bunbury.

Collie

Collie is known for lakes, dams, waterfalls and outdoor recreation opportunities inland from Bunbury.

Margaret River

Margaret River offers wineries, forests, caves, restaurants and coastal attractions.

Suggested Two-Day Bunbury Itinerary

On day one, visit Koombana Bay, the Dolphin Discovery Centre, Marlston Hill Lookout and the Bunbury Foreshore.

On day two, explore Bunbury Wildlife Park, Big Swamp Wildlife Park, Back Beach and the city centre before visiting nearby south-west attractions.

Related Bunbury Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Bunbury best known for?
    Bunbury is known for dolphins, Koombana Bay, beaches, wildlife attractions and being the gateway to the south-west.
  • Can you see dolphins in Bunbury?
    Yes. Bunbury is one of Western Australia's best-known locations for dolphin experiences.
  • Is Bunbury worth visiting?
    Yes. Bunbury offers beaches, wildlife, family attractions and access to the wider south-west region.
  • How many days should I spend in Bunbury?
    Two to three days allows enough time to explore the city's major attractions and nearby destinations.
  • Is Bunbury family friendly?
    Yes. Dolphin experiences, wildlife parks, beaches and playgrounds make it popular with families.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, weather, wildlife sightings, beach conditions, opening hours and visitor information may change. Verify current details before travelling.