Bunbury

Australind

Gelorup

Stratham Boyanup

Busselton

Bunbury

Capel Donnybrook

Head to Bunbury for a mid-year break where you can taste some of the best local produce the state has to offer and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture scene.

BUNBURY, THE CITY of 3 Waters is a vibrant port city, surrounded by beautiful waterways, stunning beaches and extra-friendly dolphins. It’s known for its laidback lifestyle and ever-growing collection of independent boutiques, small bars and eateries providing seasonal and local produce.

Must-dos

1 Art-astic - Pick up a map at the Bunbury Visitor Centre, take a stroll through town and try to find all 32 urban art murals scattered throughout the CBD as well as the quirky characters that can be found painted on 20 electrical boxes. Pay a visit to Wardandi Boodja at Koombana Bay, Bunbury’s most iconic piece of public art. The 5.5m steel bust reflects the resilience and spirit of a proud Noongar man and stands as a reminder to visitors and locals alike that Noongar culture is vibrant and strong. Did you know Bunbury is home to the biggest collection of public art in regional Australia? Don’t forget to visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) housed in a former convent. It is the big pink building and hosts an array of local, state and national exhibitions year round.

2 Fin fun - Find fins of the natural variety at Australia’s premier dolphin centre, the Dolphin Discovery Centre. It’s the perfect place to learn more about these incredible creatures. Or, get up close and personal on a Dolphin Eco Cruise within the bay. If you don’t mind getting your feet wet - dolphins visit the Koombana Bay most mornings. Be sure to phone ahead as swim tours are weather dependent.

3 Work up an appetite - Bunbury is the epicentre of the restaurant scene in BunGeo, and for a good reason. You’ll find brilliant burgers and award-winning dining. Visit Victoria Street for a feed and a shopping spree. One of Bunbury’s mostloved streets, it’s known for unique, independent shops, restaurants and small bars and is the perfect place to take refuge from the weather for a cosy feed. Check out the Small Regional Bar of the Year 2019, Yours or Mine. Foodies should head to the Market Eating House, Mojo’s Kitchen, Bar and Bottleshop or Gold Plate finalist, Nicolas Ristorante. Side Door Restaurant offers a menu of Modern Australian cuisine and if you love a good warming curry - Jo’s Curry House is a must. Enjoy heartwarming favourites at the Rose Hotel or chow down on a gourmet burger at Right On Burgers. We also suggest you venture to the Marlston Hill Waterfront or Austral Parade

FIND A LOCAL

BUNBURY VISITOR CENTRE Freecall 1800BUNBURY A Old Railway Station, Haley Street, Bunbury, WA 6230 T +61 8 9792 7205 E welcome@bunbury.wa.gov.au

dining precinct near the iconic Parade Hotel.

4 Time travel - Soak up Bunbury’s past on a Heritage Building Trail. The streets of Bunbury’s CBD are filled with history and mystery, with plenty of stories to discover. (Pick up a Heritage trail map from the Bunbury Visitor Centre). Make sure you stop at the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and learn about French explorer Nicolas Baudin in a carefully put together exhibition paying homage to the man. Finish up at the Marlston Waterfront precinct – where you can see the bust of Baudin and read about the city’s rich maritime history.

5 Find spring in your step The city has a plethora of bike and walk trails. Get fit and find Bunbury’s unique natural attractions, including the Mangrove Boardwalk, on the Leschenault Inlet Walk (5kms). If you’re in the mood to explore on foot, enjoy a bushwalking adventure in Manea Park and Maidens Reserve. For an epic ride, take a Fat Bike Beach Tour with Melo Velo and make your way around Bunbury.

6 Short and sharp - Head up the steep path to the Marlston Hill Lookout. It gives you a 360-degree view of the City of 3 Waters. Connected to Victoria Street by a timber stairway, it sits on the site of Bunbury’s first lighthouse. For a rigorous climb, Boulters Heights between Wittenoom Street and Haig Crescent also offers fabulous city views. Head over to Mangrove Cove and climb the illuminated lookout (affectionately known as the egg), for a spectacular view of the City, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet. 7 Event fever - Bunbury’s events calendar is heating up! Cinema buffs can immerse themselves in the Cinefest Oz Film Festival which offers the highest value film prize in the world. The new Lost and Found foodie festival is arriving in Bunbury this year, and if you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, keep an eye on visitbunburygeographe.com. au for the most up-to-date event listings.

8 Selfie snaps - Take a pic in front of the much loved chequered lighthouse at Wyalup-Rocky Point and near basalt rocks (they’re awesome at sunset) or within the mysterious paperbarks at the Big Swamp Wetlands. Head over to the nearby Bunbury Wildlife Park for a selfie with a kangaroo or feeding the birds. You may get to meet their dingoes and quokkas too.

9 Sip and savour outdoors- It’s time to brunch al fresco at one of Bunbury’s gorgeous outdoor eateries. Check out the white and green planter boxes at Benesse’s outdoor seating area, or take in the Leschenault Inlet vista at Corners on King and Waters Edge. For great views of the ocean there's The Back Beach Café, Vat 2, Hungry Hollow or Corners by the Bay.

10 Pantry fillers - Stock up on fresh produce at Bunbury Farmers Market. This place is legendary and has been rated the number one thing to do in Bunbury on TripAdvisor. Grab gourmet pies, locally sourced fruit and vegetables, the most amazing local and French cheeses, hand pressed juices to go, and so much more. If you’re around at breakfast time - pop in and visit the pancake bar where you can choose from cooked-on-thespot pancakes, waffles or crepes. Alternatively, whet your appetite at a wonderful weekly celebration of all things fresh and artisanal at The Bunbury Markets and Produce in the Park Markets in Queens Gardens.