15 Best Things To Do In Bunbury, Australia

1. Bunbury Wildlife Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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This is one of the most famous Bunbury attractions. Choose from a variety of animal experiences to get up close and personal with the animals of Bunbury Wildlife Park. Chat with the cockatoos, who have been taught several phrases (and when they are feeling extra playful, they will blow raspberries). Hand feed wallaroos, red kangaroos, and western grey kangaroos. Stroke the soft feathers of an emu. The Bunbury Wildlife Park also houses several other animals. Their marsupial collection includes quokkas, potoroos, wombats, and brush tail possums. Their native birds collection includes emus, owls, and parrots. Their reptile collection includes pythons and bearded dragons. You can also walk along the Big Swamp Parkland 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) pathway, which takes you through a wetland reserve home to over 70 species of animals.

Bunbury Wildlife Park

Address: Prince Phillip Drive, Bunbury, Western Australia 6230, Australia (Formerly Big Swamp Wildlife Park)

Price: from 9.80 USD

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Open seven days a week. Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday.

Duration: as much time as you would like

Contact: +61 897218380

Website: Bunbury Wildlife Park

2. Bunbury Farmers Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Over 150 growers bring their goods to the Bunbury Farmers Market. 90% of the food comes directly from local growers, never being stored or frozen in distribution centers or traveling in distribution trucks. The food is fresh and ready for you to enjoy. The only food that is not locally grown is produce that is not available at certain times of the year. Many of the local farmers who sell their goods at the market are farmers whose families have worked for generations. While shopping, you can enjoy the three departments, the gourmet butcher, fruits and vegetables, and fresh cut flowers. Stop by to sample or purchase delicious food to snack on while you explore Bunbury. If you are ready for a home cooked dinner, you can purchase quality meat from the gourmet butcher and cook it up at your residence.

Bunbury Farmers Market

Address: 2 Vittoria Rd, Bunbury, Western Australia 6230, Australia

Opening Hours: On weekdays, open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. On Saturdays open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. On Sundays open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Duration: as long as you would like

Contact: +61 897242999

Website: Bunbury Farmers Market

3. Back Beach

Back Beach is another popular Bunbury tourist attraction. This beach is a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. You can even try your hand at beach fishing as there is a large fish population. There are several bike paths stretching along the coastline, which you can enjoy by bicycle or by walking. The beach includes picnic facilities and barbecues for you to cook a meal if you wish. The skyline offers a stunning view of sunsets, so you will want to be sure to come towards the evening (or make it an all day adventure). Spend your time sitting on the beach reading a book or tackling the surf.

Back Beach

Address: Ocean Drive, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia

Price: free

Opening Hours: Open all day

Duration: as long as you like

Website: Back Beach

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral was originally a parish church, but was established as a cathedral by Pope Pius XII in 1954. Construction for the cathedral began in 1919, and it was completed two years later. The community was involved with the construction, with young children even carrying bricks and limestone rocks from the beach to the construction site. A devastating tornado damaged the cathedral in 2005, resulting in the cathedral being shaken from its foundation and requiring demolition. The next five years were spent reconstructing the cathedral into its current glory. There are 14 stunning windows that are works of art. Each window depicts a crucial story from the Bible, from the creation of the world to the apostles being filled with the holy spirit. They are beautiful during the day and at night (when they are illuminated). The building is a significant site of religious importance to the community, and the larger Australia area.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Address: 11 Money St, Bunbury, Western Australia 6230, Australia

Price: free

Opening Hours: depends on the time of year

Duration: as long as you like

Contact: +61 97212141

Website: St. Patrick’s Cathedral

5. Mangrove Boardwalk

Adding a distinct charm to Bunbury tourism is Mangrove Boardwalk. Enjoy a charming walk along a boardwalk next to an estuary at the Mangrove Boardwalk wildlife area. There are several mangroves that various species of birds nest in. The boardwalk is close to the ocean, and along your walk you can gaze out on the horizon. The pleasant stroll weaves up and over babbling creeks, and if you listen close you may hear different bird calls echo throughout the air. A visit to the Mangrove Boardwalk can be a great relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing.

Mangrove Boardwalk

Address: Koombana Dr, Bunbury, Western Australia 6230, Australia

Price: free

Opening Hours: Open all day

Duration: as long as you like

Website: Mangrove Boardwalk

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Laarni

6. Dolphin Discovery Centre

If you’re wondering what to do in Bunbury, then visit Dolphin Discovery Centre. Before you voice out your opposition to this activity, you must know that there are no captive dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Centre. Instead, you’ll be exploring the life of wild dolphins in their natural habitat, which is Koombana Bay. This way, you’ll have a more accurate observation of how these marvelous creatures behave. Also, since these bottlenose dolphins are wild, coming and going at will, do note that their presence is not always guaranteed. With this in mind, it is advised that you schedule your visit in warmer months. If you plan to spend many hours here, you don’t have to worry about the kids going hungry as there is an on-site restaurant ready to serve you.

Dolphin Discovery Centre

Address: Anchorage Cove, off Koombana Dr, Bunbury WA

Website: Dolphin Discovery Centre

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 8am - 3pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 7.18 USD onwards

7. Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

A visit to Bunbury Regional Art Gallery is a surefire way to get to know the city. The place is maintained thanks to the support of the State Government’s Department of Culture and the Arts. The gallery is housed in a beautiful pink building, which was formerly a convent. In terms of accessibility, you’ll be glad to know that BRAG’s four main galleries are designed to be completely accessible. There is even a manual wheelchair that you can borrow if needed. Furthermore, if you’re visiting with a car, there are two parking areas nearby.

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Address: 64 Wittenoom St, Bunbury WA

Website: Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

8. Marlston Hill Lookout

The old adage of ‘the best things in life are free’ still holds true when you check out Marlston Hill Lookout. This spot is one of the most highly recommended in the city when it comes to enjoying stunning views. And the best part is that it won’t cost you a dime to go up the lookout tower. From here, you’ll be able to see the coastline and observe the goings-on at Bunbury Harbour. You might even catch a glimpse of some bottlenose dolphins playing in Koombana Bay. With a marvelous 360-degree view of the city, Marlston Hill Lookout offers plenty of amazing photo opportunities too.

Marlston Hill Lookout

Address: 10A Whale View, Bunbury WA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

9. Bunbury Lighthouse

Standing 25 meters (82 feet) tall, Bunbury Lighthouse is one of the most Instagrammable spots in town. It was built in 1970 as a replacement and upgrade to the old Marlston Hill lighthouse. You can easily recognize this structure from its checkered design, which can be seen from many areas around Bunbury and even when you’re 27 kilometers (16.78 miles) away at sea. Indeed it has come a long way from its original form as a simple beacon mounted on a keg. Note though that you can’t enter the lighthouse itself. However, you can still marvel at its beauty from nearby spots.

Bunbury Lighthouse

Address: 6230/3 Marlston Dr, Bunbury WA

Website: Bunbury Lighthouse

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre offers you a glimpse into the past of the area. View the valuable collections, objects and artifacts on display and enjoy learning about the heritage of Bunbury’s people. It is advised though that you bring some cash as you might find something interesting in the museum shop, such as rare history books. Also, there are a number of cafes nearby just in case you get hungry while on tour.

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Address: 1 Arthur St, Bunbury WA

Website: Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

11. Jetty Baths

If you’ve had your fill of indoor activities and visiting museums and galleries, why not make plans to explore Jetty Baths? You can whip up a feast and lay down a cozy rug for a family picnic. There is a kiosk serving light snacks as well as a waterfront restaurant that offers full meals. Aside from the fun playground facilities, Jetty Baths is known for its shallow and calm waters that are safe for children. And if you look farther out into the bay, you might even see some dolphins!

Jetty Baths

Address: Bunbury WA 6230, Australia

Website: Jetty Baths

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

12. Boulters Heights

Boulters Heights is another spot that offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the city. To get to the lookout, you’ll have to climb up wooden steps that form a fantastic background for a selfie. Just make sure to hold on to the rails while taking pictures of yourself to ensure safety. Once you reach the top, prepare to be mesmerized by the sweeping views of Bunbury. If you are patient enough, you might even spot some bottlenose dolphins playing in Koombana Bay. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along with you to make the most of your sightseeing adventure.

Boulters Heights

Address: 2 Withers Cres, Bunbury WA 6230, Australia

Website: Boulters Heights

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9:30am - 4:30pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm

Price: free

13. Wyalup-Rocky Point

Wyalup-Rocky Point used to be a Noongar burial ground. In fact, the name Wyalup translates to ‘place of mourning.’ Nowadays though, this spot has become a source of joy for local and foreign visitors alike. The waves crashing on the magnificent rock formations create a relaxing scene. If you time your escapade during sunset, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. The fading light results in a dramatic ambiance that will stay in your memories for a long time. There are barbecue and picnic facilities on-site if you’re planning to spend a few hours here. You can even bring along an RV and camp nearby for 48 hours free of charge.

Wyalup-Rocky Point

Address: Lot 352 Ocean Dr, Bunbury WA 6230, Australia

Website: Wyalup-Rocky Point

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

14. LAVA Art Glass Gallery & Studio

If you’re into glass art, then this spot should definitely make it to your itinerary. LAVA Art Glass Gallery & Studio specializes in ‘art that flows’ - glass masterpieces by talented West Australian artists. You can expect to see a wide variety of artworks that use different techniques. This urban-themed space caters to both hotshot art-glass collectors and those who are simply curious about the craft. In fact, you can join workshops that LAVA Studio holds from time to time. The place also sells materials should you decide to pursue this hobby. If you are an art-glass artist yourself, the studio hosts residency programs as well.

LAVA Art Glass Gallery & Studio

Address: 3/15 Bonnefoi Blvd, Marlston Waterfront WA 6230, Australia

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

15. Market Eating House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A post shared by Market Eating House (@marketeatinghouse)

If you’re feeling homesick while in Bunbury, head over to Market Eating House for some comfort food. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or a regular meat-eater, there is always something for you here. The restaurant’s wood-fired sourdough and baguettes are especially popular among diners, and you can order them with jams and pickles for dine-in or takeout. After your meal, don’t forget to order a scrumptious dessert, then wash everything down with a glass of delicious wine. If you can’t get enough of Market Eating House’s food, how about joining one of their cooking classes? Not a bad idea, right?

Market Eating House

Address: 9 Victoria St, Bunbury WA 6230, Australia

Website: Market Eating House

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5:30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Encounter Australia's native wildlife in Bunbury

Hand feeding a kangaroo or wallaby is just the start of the fun to be had during a visit to Bunbury. You can get up close with several native Australian animals at the Wildlife Park or see them in their natural habitat along the beach and Mangrove Boardwalk. Step into a gorgeous religious building during a visit to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral or sample delicious food at the Bunbury Farmers Market. There is something for everyone!