Should you’re searching for a quiet, seaside escape the place you’ll be able to soak in some solar and let life’s each day stresses ebb away, then you definately’re going to fall in love with the Bunbury.
Nestled solely two hours south west of Perth and 40 minutes north of Margaret River, West Coast Australia’s premier wine rising area, Bunbury presents a soothing getaway, however with a shocking variety of issues to do there.
From blissful seashores to wineries to wildlife experiences, there are many issues to do in Bunbury to maintain any traveler entertained!
Should you’re unsure what to do in Bunbury, make sure you add the next to your itinerary…
Issues to Do in Bunbury
1. Calm down at a Ferguson Farmstay
Simply exterior of Bunbury is the Ferguson Valley, a rising wine and meals area. It’s positively lesser recognized than Margaret River, however price exploring for its humbleness and home-grown flavour.
It was fairly dry after we visited, however within the rainier months this space turns right into a inexperienced lushness to rival Eire. Rolling hills with views stretching out to the coast of Bunbury on a transparent day.
An ideal place to benefit from the rolling hills of Ferguson Valley is from the picturesque Ferguson Farmstay, a operate centre for lots of weddings, nevertheless it additionally presents boutique lodging.
Once you keep on the 45-hectare property, you get to benefit from the farm actions, equivalent to feeding the livestock and having fun with a hay journey.
We adults loved sitting on prime of the hill, profiting from the views throughout the valley all the way in which to Bunbury and the coast, whereas Kalyra and Savannah received to hang around with some livestock – at all times a deal with for the children.
They fed the goats and pigs, kangaroos, and chickens, after which had a pony journey. It was Savannah’s first one and she or he jumped off asking if we may purchase her a pony!
2. Marvel at Gnomesville
Australia doesn’t have many zany, quirky sights or traditions, however Gnomesville is one in all them.
The gnomes began showing to silently protest the constructing of the roundabout. They had been kicked off the roundabout and so a small gnome village was created for them simply off the aspect of the street.
It now stretches far again into the forest and is roofed with hundreds of gnomes which have migrated from throughout Australia and world wide.
I’d had sufficient after 20 minutes, however couldn’t drag the women away from traipsing by means of the alleyways of Gnomesville and discovering gnomes like these trapped behind the fence of the detention centre (cracked me up!!), flying planes, enjoying cricket, climbing logs and hiding in bushes.
It’s fairly entertaining. Don’t overlook to take your gnomes with you while you go and go away a little bit of your gnome spirit behind.
Gnomesville is positioned by the roundabout on the junction of Wellington Mill and Ferguson Roads, Wellington Mill, roughly half-hour drive from Bunbury.
3. Take pleasure in Lunch at St Aidan Vineyard
We stopped at Aidan Vineyard for a fast chew to eat – a tasty home-made soup and salad. The identify derives from the district’s historic church that sits on its boundary.
It has a reasonably outlook and there’s a giant open area for the children to show round on.
We didn’t style the wines or keep for lengthy, however we advocate it as a spot to take a look at in your go to to the Ferguson Valley.
The cellar door is open daily besides Wednesday.
4. Go Wine Tasting at Ferguson Falls Vineyard
One of many prime issues to do in Bunbury is to go wine tasting. It’s one of many premier wine rising areas, so that you merely can not go to with out sampling the native varieties.
We visited Ferguson Falls Vineyard, and sat right down to a platter of cheese with proprietor, Peter Giumelli. He advised us a lot of tales of the area, which highlighted a heat and welcoming group targeted on holding that home-grown flavour and sharing it with the skin group to return and luxuriate in on a go to.
The outlook over the farm and vineyards presents a tranquil afternoon expertise. We left with a few bottles of wine – a scrumptious drop that tells tales. My favorite was the Chardonnay Verdelho 2010.
Ferguson Falls Vineyard is open on Fri, Sat, Solar, & lengthy weekends from 11.00am to five.00pm – or name Peter and Margaret to rearrange an acceptable time in your go to.
5. Go to The Dolphin Discovery Centre
Many small cities alongside the West Coast have dolphin feeding experiences as a major attraction. We did this expertise over in Monkey Mia, which is among the most well-known locations to do it.
Nonetheless, the issue with Monkey Mia is it’s an enormous detour from anyplace to get there, and is crowded with vacationers, and we had been there in quiet season.
We loved the wild dolphin expertise on the Discovery Centre in Bunbury extra. There have been fewer folks, it’s not far to drive from Perth, and we noticed extra bottlenose dolphins (however that’s purely a luck factor, so don’t base your determination on that, because the dolphins are wild).
The Discovery Centre additionally has extra issues to do than simply feed a wild dolphins within the interplay zone.
Inside there’s an aquarium and interpretive centre, providing all kinds of interactive exhibitions and talks.
The ladies liked studying extra about octopus right here with the ranger. They giggled their heads off when the octopus poked his head out of his aquarium dwelling and spurted water over everybody. What an unbelievable actual life expertise for them!
Close by there’s a quiet and wonderful seaside simply down the street from the Mantra. There are watersports to take pleasure in, a restaurant and a pleasant seaside to take a seat on. The water is calm and glorious for swimming in.
If you wish to swim with dolphins, you may as well do a dolphin-eco-cruise from April till November. Cruises take you out to see the dolphins of their pure habitat and depart from Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury. The cruise is simply 90-minutes.
6. Examine Out Large Swamp Parkland (Bunbury Wildlife Park)
Positioned in South Bunbury is the Large Swamp Parkland, a protected nature reserve recognized for its peaceable environment and unspoiled pure magnificence.
The park is dwelling to 60 chook species, together with Australasian grebes, white-faced herons, dusky moorhens and purple swamphens.
Take the straightforward, 2.5km stroll across the Large Swamp, and cease off in a chook disguise or lookout to see the birds of their pure habitat.
Afterwards, head over to Bunbury Wildlife Park to see native Australian animals, together with some tame kangaroos.
7. Swim in Honeymoon Pool, Wellington Nationwide Park
Only a 30-minute drive out of Bunbury and also you’ll attain a tranquil oasis often called Wellington Nationwide Park, a 25,000 hectare forest recognized for its indigineous and historic tree species, together with historic jarrah, marri and blackbutt timber.
Operating by means of the park is the Collie River Valley, which has many swimming holes and locations to calm down in. Our favourite spot is Honeymoon Pool, which could be accessed from Honeymoon Pool Campground.
As you would possibly count on from the identify, it’s an idyllic spot with a tranquil environment. There’s a small platform you’ll be able to calm down on, or take the steps down into the pool and luxuriate in a refreshing swim below the canopies of the timber.
Have a go attempting to climb the large rock there, it’s a stunning view on the prime.
One other spot to take a look at whereas in Wellington NP is the Wellington Dam, which has the most important dam mural portray on this planet on it, painted by artist Guido Van Helten.
Afterwards, it’s only a 10 minute drive from the Nationwide Park to the little city of Collie the place you’ll be able to pop in for a chew of one thing to eat.
8. Sip Craft Beers at Froth Craft Brewery
There are over 100 breweries in Western Australia, and despite the fact that the Metropolis of Bunbury isn’t precisely big, it’s not wanting breweries both.
Likelihood is that on a Friday evening or a cool summers night, you’ll discover many locals sitting in beer gardens at Froth Craft Brewery and having fun with a craft beer and a few reside music.
It is a nice brewery for lunch, providing family-friendly vibes and hearty meals made with native produce.
It’s a “vibe focus” microbrewery with 40 craft beers that they brew in-house, who’re at all times participating in group occasions. There’s at all times one thing taking place at Froth Craft Brewery, and you’ll simply why you see so many locals right here – it appears like getting into your buddy’s home.
9. Take the Youngsters to Gumnut Park Playground, Donnybrook
Whereas we wouldn’t usually say “take your children to a playground” as a factor to do, however the Gumnut Park playground will not be your unusual playground.
Only a brief drive out to the small city of Donnybrook and also you’ve landed your self within the largest FREE journey park within the area.
The park was impressed by Might Gibbs’ Gumnut infants, which when you’re not from Australian is a neighborhood story story about two infants, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, who lived within the bush.
The park has a whole lot of emphasis on combining nature and play. Youngsters will love exploring the three gigantic towers made to seem like flower pods, earlier than sliding down the twisting slides.
There are two flying fox ziplines, trampolines set into the bottom, and climbing frames.
The park has a picnic space, restrooms, and an journey playhouse for toddlers.
There’s a restaurant within the park that sells espresso and lightweight bits, or there are many little cafes alongside the Foremost Road of Donnybrook too. You may get delicious stone fruit in season within the Donnybrook Orchards – higher than any you get within the retailers.
10. Play at Koombana Seaside
Maybe the most effective seaside in Bunbury is Koombana Seaside, which is a wonderful seaside that’s recognized for being the place the place the Dolphin Uncover Middle is positioned (as talked about earlier).
Nonetheless, you shouldn’t simply come to Koombana Bay for the wild dolphins, the seaside additionally has loads to supply. It has calm waters, excellent for swimming and paddling, and it has inflatables on the water and kayaks and SUPs for rent – excellent for a time out on the seaside.
Take your children to the Koombana Playground and Sykes Foreshore Splash Park the place they will run round and play on the grass if the seaside will get too crowded.
11. Stroll the Mangrove Boardwalk
One other great spot to go to in Bunbury, only a brief stroll from Koombana Seaside, is Koombana Park.
Take a brief stroll over Koombana Bridge to the Mangrove Stroll, which is a wonderful simple stroll by means of the historic, 20,000 yr previous mangroves over a wood boardwalk. It’s wonderful, and will definitely calm your senses and restore your power.
The path is simply 200 meters lengthy and doesn’t take lengthy to go to, so head over to Koombana Park lookout for some good views of the park on the way in which out.
12. Be taught at Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre
As with most coastal cities in Australia, Bunbury has it’s justifiable share of maritime and colonial historical past.
Positioned inside a heritage listed former college, in-built 1886, the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Middle is the place to go to be taught concerning the cities fascinating previous.
The constructing itself was constructed on the previous grounds that housed a Convict Depot, however has solely served as a museum since 2016.
The primary room of the museum accommodates an exhibition on conventional homeowners of the world, explorers and whalers from Bunbury, and different maritime historical past.
Some highlights of the museum are the unique beaver fur prime hat worn by the previous college principal, and a drive-in projector from the 1958 Mayfair Drive-in Film Theatre.
13. Marvel at Bunbury Regional Artwork Gallery (BRAG)
You wouldn’t count on it from the brilliant pink exterior, however the Bunbury Regional Artwork Gallery is positioned in a former convent and is among the most historic buildings within the metropolis.
The artwork gallery, which is simply visitable by appointment solely, accommodates a number of the greatest public artwork work within the South West.
In addition they supply artwork packages, lessons and workshops, in addition to different occasions devoted to showcasing native artists and their abilities, from efficiency artists to networking occasions for artists.
Try the occasions calendar to see what’s on while you go to.
14. Store for Native Produce at Bunbury Farmers Markets
We love a very good farmers market, it’s the right place to choose up contemporary produce for a picnic or to arrange a homecooked meal.
What’s particular about Bunbury Farmers Markets is they’re open each day, versus simply the weekend like most farmers markets.
For the reason that starting in June 2003, the farmers market has grown exponentially. It’s growth is because of recognition, however its mission stays the identical – to supply prime quality, farm contemporary, natural meals and native produce.
90% of the fruit and greens on the market was within the floor simply 2 days prior, and 70-90% of that produce got here from a farm simply down the street. You’ll be able to’t get brisker than that!
15. Admire Views from Bunbury Lighthouse
One other historic landmark to take a look at is the Bunbury Lighthouse, which has been defending ships from changing into shipwrecks since 1870.
The black and white striped constructing is 25 meters excessive and could be seen from 27 kilometers away.
The lighthouse was initially constructed on Marlston Hill, however moved to its current website in 1971.
16. Examine Out Sundown from Wyalup-Rocky Level
Head over to Wyalup-Rocky Level, an historic rock formation brought on by lava many millenia in the past, and you’ll witness wonderful sunsets.
It’s sandy seaside and tranquil environment present the right setting to take pleasure in a golden hour.
17. Examine Out Road Artwork
The Metropolis of Bunbury will not be wanting artwork on show, and truly accommodates the most important assortment of road artwork in regional Australia.
In 2014, an artist known as Andrew Fraser began a road artwork mural assortment often called ReDiscover, which featured 40 murals within the CBD district alone.
This assortment was expanded to incorporate the Outdoors The Field assortment (2014-2016), which options 30+ giant scale murals on a sequence of 20 electrical bins in Bunbury’s CBD.
Many of those items have been misplaced, broken or changed over time however most of the originals are nonetheless in tact. You’ll be able to stroll across the CBD and see what you could find. Here’s a digital map that features all of the murals and electrical field areas.
One other cool piece of artwork to find is Wardandi Boodja, a 5-meter metal sculpture representing the Wardandi Noongar folks, positioned at Anchorage Cove.
18. Admire Views from Boulters Heights or Marlston Hill Lookout Tower
If you need wonderful views of the town, head as much as Boulters Heights, a glance out level on. a former dune with wonderful views of the town and shoreline.
You’ll be able to see so far as Leschenault inlet and Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park on a transparent day.
One other viewpoint to take a look at, when you don’t need to hike too far, is Marlston Hill Lookout Tower, which was constructed to supply 360 diploma views of Bunbury and the coastal panorama.
You do must hike up 4 flights of stairs, however the views are price it, and it’s free!
The place to Keep in Bunbury
Mantra Bunbury
We love staying in condo leases, and Bunbury will not be wanting them. We stayed at Mantra in Bunbury, a rental advanced that made for a snug escape from our camper trailer for a couple of nights!
The flats had lovely views out over the water and we had a really pleasurable afternoon enjoying tennis collectively as a household.
For the primary time in my life (after many makes an attempt) I truly beat Craig in a sport!! Kalyra was most happy with how I carved him up!
Mantra is inside simple strolling distance to city and the seaside, AND we may see the native Moo Brewery from our balcony. We didn’t take a look at it as we had simply come off a joyous festive season and wanted a break!
Cottages at Ferguson Farmstay – Peppermint Lane Lodge
Should you want to be away from the coast and keep within the Ferguson Valley, then head down into the rainforested valley to the gorgeous cottages at Peppermint Lodge, which is a quiet retreat appropriate for adults solely.
Kim, the proprietor, lovingly welcomed the women in although for a classic morning tea served in classic on the shady verandah overlooking the mountain.
Kalyra and Savannah helped Kim feed the rooster and acquire the eggs, which had been put right into a small bucket (full of leaves) to be taken to the kitchen for the subsequent day’s breakfast.
Last Ideas
Bunbury could also be a small vacation spot however as you’ll be able to see, there’s a whole lot of nice issues to do right here. Whether or not you’re searching for nature spots, meals and wine experiences, or just a couple of enjoyable sights to permit your children to blow off steam, there’s one thing for everybody right here.
Earlier than you go, I like to recommend you pop into the Bunbury Customer Centre to be taught concerning the historical past of the area in its small museum. You can too choose up a map and speak to the workers about extra sights within the space.
They might have a couple of hidden gems to find, too!
Excursions of Bunbury
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What are you most excited to do in Bunbury? Share your ideas within the feedback! Or go away a query and we’ll be pleased to reply it.