BUNBURY’S WATERFRONT Buzzes with Activity BRING THE KIDS, OR JUST YOURSELVES BECAUSE BUNBURY'S SPECTACULARLY REVITALISED WATERFRONT IS A HIVE OF ACTIVITY FOR ALL.
W
ith an epic children's playground, generous community facilities, new marine infrastructure, areas for pop-up vendors, markets, concerts and more, Bunbury’s waterfront has become more exciting than ever thanks to its recent and ongoing revitalisation. The Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project is underpinned by $112.5 million of state government funding, which is being rolled out over several years, across three stages of development - so you can expect big things. “This is the biggest project that has been led by South West Development Commission… in partnership with multiple agencies,” says SWDC program director for Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront, Ashley Clements. He added that the transformation had breathed new life into previously underutilised spaces in the area, with new levels of activation taking place. “The project has transformed perceptions of Bunbury, helping further
14
position Bunbury as WA’s second city,” says Ashley.. Starting at Koombana Bay and stretching west along the inlet to the Casuarina Boat Harbour, the waterfront provides a range of activities people of all ages can enjoy. Nautical enthusiasts can download realtime vessel data by scanning a QR code at Koombana Bay lookout, which provides information on the dozens of ships that pass through the harbour each month. The lookout provides a great view of both the ships and the beautiful marine life that frequent the region. Dive into Dolphin Discovery Just behind the lookout sits the Dolphin Discovery Centre, which draws on the popularity of Koombana Bay as a dolphin hotspot. The iconic Discovery Centre, which was refurbished and re-opened in 2019, was part of the first stage of Bunbury’s waterfront redevelopment. The impressive structure, visible as you drive into Bunbury, houses a range of aquariums featuring a vast variety of fish species for visitors to learn more about. The centre features touch pools with starfish, spherical tanks with octopus, a 360-degree digital dolphinarium,
interpretive centre kids and adults can equally enjoy, and a gift shop filled with sea-themed souvenirs. Feeding times are a regular highlight, when onlookers can watch on as volunteers provide tasty morsels to the large variety of fish in the centre. To book a dolphin eco cruise or arrange to swim with dolphins, visit dolphindiscovery.com.au to confirm available times and seasons. A sunset bar on its top floor is a perfect spot for a beverage to finish off the day from Friday to Sunday. Explore the Foreshore Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project started with the revitalisation of the Koombana foreshore, which includes a sprawling children’s playground, amphitheatre, kiosk and public open space. The playground is a huge drawcard for kids and includes water activities, climbing towers and a flying fox. The attractions extend to also include cultural and historical highlights such as the impressive five-metre-high statue of a Noongar man, titled 'Wardandi Boodja'. Designed by regional artists Nicole and Alex Mickle, the statue sits at the foot of the playground and acts as a centrepiece of the foreshore, residing on Wadandi Country. visitbunburygeographe.com.au
