This is truly a diverse location, with something to offer for all tastes and budgets. From the active to the relaxed and from the wild to the tranquil, Bunbury has it all. Situated on a scenic peninsular, the town is surrounded by water and is home to many of natures wonders. For those who want to relax, swim or snorkel, the long stretches of sandy white beach offer a great escape.Koombana Bay is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, so not surprisingly there are heaps of dolphin related activities to be had. Whether you head down in the morning to the Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) and stand in the water as these amazing creatures come in to the shallows for a visit (over 300 visits every year), head out on a dolphin watching eco-cruise or take the ultimate dolphin interaction tour with a ‘Swim in the Wild Side’ trip, you will surely have a day never to be forgotten.
Sticking with nature why not visit the Bunbury Wildlife Park, where the highlight of the visit is the opportunity to hand feed one of the Western Grey Kangaroos who make the park their home. Take a walk through WA’s biggest free flight aviary and then say hello to one of the many talking cockatoos. If that’s not enough then meet the rest of the parks inmates, which include, wallabies, wombats, wallaroos, emus and more.For the more active, why not learn to dive with the South West’s premier dive shop, Coastal Water Dive. Or if you are already qualified take a trip out to the Lena shipwreck, now an artificial reef teeming with fish and marine growth. Located only a short 20 minute boat ride away and sitting in only 17m of water, this wreck is accessible to all dive levels and will no doubt have you yearning to explore the other wrecks throughout the South West.
If you are a lover of the water, there are plenty of other aqua-based activities to participate in. Bunbury’s surrounding oceans, inland dams and rivers are great for sea kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Learn to surf in some excellent beginners waves before you head off to tackle the huge surf further down south. If that’s too tiring then just kick back and sunbathe on the pristine beaches and let all your troubles disappear. For a more relaxing water experience hop on board one of Three Water Cruises river tours.How about joining the crew at Dekked Out Adventures to go and explore the local rivers, estuaries and mangroves in your own kayak. This is also another great way to see the dolphins up close and personal. These guys can also arrange rafting, mountain biking and abseiling trips as well as equipment hire if you want to do it yourself.
For the daredevils out there, take to the skies and have a 30 minute trial flight, where you take the controls, take-off and then fly a 2 seater aircraft. All this for only $66! Not thrilling enough? Then hop on board a microlight and feel like you’re floating on air as you soar over Bunbury. Weekends are for the skydivers, here you can take a one-off tandem sky dive or learn to do it all yourself.
Bunbury also has a wide range of inland nature-based experiences. In Mangrove Cove, you can meander along the boardwalk and view 25 000 year old Leschenault mangroves. Flora and fauna enthusiasts can escape in one of the few remaining natural tuart forests – the Tuart Forest and Maidens Reserve – where Kangaroo Paws, Tuart Spider Orchids, Ringtail Possums, Bats, Echidnas, Wallabies, Bandicoots and Western Grey kangaroos reside. Only 100m from the hostel is Rocky Point, home to the Basalt Rocks. Here you can watch a stunning sunset as the sea spray shoots off the rocks as the waves crash in. Best off all, it’s free!
A stop in Bunbury wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Victoria Street ‘cappuccino strip’. Be sure to try the gourmet delights and a quality coffee, before meandering through the local boutiques, art galleries and shopping outlets. Make sure you check out Taffy’s candy store on the waterfront and take advantage of some excellent discounts for our guests.Whether it’s a Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, French, Vegetarian or an Aussie Fish ‘n’ Chip meal you want, Bunbury offers an array of international dining experiences. Enjoy a casual meal on the shoreline, or a fine dining experience in an award-winning restaurant.
At night the city comes alive with alfresco dining, entertainment, pubs and clubs. The numerous bars offer a variety of venues to try out and most have live bands on over the weekend. Visit our good friends at the recently refurbished Burlington Hotel where you will be well looked after and can take advantage of our special nightly beer promotion. Party late in to night at one of the 3 nightclubs, which are all within a short walk (or crawl) of the hostel.
Bunbury is an ideal base to get out and see the southwest with Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River only a short drive away making day trips a very good option. Or head in land to the Ferguson Valley, our very own quality wine region. Sample some of the local wines whilst driving through some beautiful scenery. While there visit the Wellington Dam, the curious “Gnomesville” or try your hand at the newest craze, Disc Golf.
