Bunbury is located on the southwest coast of Western Australia, about two hours south of Perth. With a population of around 75,000, it is the second largest city in the state, yet still feels relaxed and manageable. That’s exactly what makes Bunbury so attractive: it has everything you need without the stress of a huge metropolis. The ocean, nature, sports, and the authentic Australian way of life are right on your doorstep.
Bunbury is also the setting for many seafaring legends and the northern gateway to the Australian Southwest—one of the most biodiverse regions on earth.
The suburb of Dalyellup is just a few minutes south of Bunbury and is known as the “City of Parks” with its countless green spaces and lakes. The absolute highlight there is the huge, unspoiled beach, where you can often enjoy miles of peace and quiet and watch the sunset in an almost magical atmosphere.
Between ocean, river, and nature
Bunbury is located on a peninsula directly on the Indian Ocean and Leschenault Inlet, a tranquil lagoon with beaches and parks. It takes just a few minutes to walk from the city center to the ocean. At the same time, a green landscape with forests, lakes, and national parks begins just beyond the city. The famous Margaret River region with its surf spots, caves, and wineries is just around the corner, perfect for weekend trips.
Bunbury is also surrounded by beautiful nature: the Collie River region, waterfalls, lakes, and forests, as well as endless beaches that are often almost deserted.
Plenty of sunshine, few extremes
The climate is Mediterranean: warm, dry summers and mild winters. The sun always seems to shine here, and beach weather is almost guaranteed in summer. Thanks to the sea breeze, it rarely gets uncomfortably hot. Even in winter, you can be active outdoors—often in a T-shirt. This makes Bunbury ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spirit: Relaxed, friendly, uncomplicated
Bunbury feels like a place where everyone knows each other by sight. The people are open, helpful, and athletic. After school, they meet at the beach, the skate park, or the cafés by the water. There is no hustle and bustle—instead, there is plenty of time outdoors, barefoot in the sand, watching the sunset. This relaxed attitude to life is typical of southwestern Australia.
Culture: Small, creative, and accessible
Even though Bunbury is not a metropolis, it has a lot to offer culturally. The Bunbury Regional Art Gallery exhibits modern art and photography, often featuring young artists from the region. Events, markets, and small festivals are regularly held at the harbor. Music plays a major role. Many local bands perform at youth centers or open-air events.
Thanks to projects such as “Re.Discover,” Bunbury is filled with huge, colorful murals by international street artists. Culture here is something to be experienced together.
Dolphins in the middle of the city
The Dolphin Discovery Center is a real highlight. Wild dolphins live just off the coast of Bunbury—and sometimes they even swim into the harbor. With a little luck, you can see them from the shore or take part in guided tours. There is hardly any other place in Australia that offers such direct contact with these animals.
Sports & Surfing: Catch the Wave!
Surfing is part of everyday life in Bunbury. Beaches such as Back Beach, Koombana Bay, and the surf spots in the surrounding area offer perfect conditions for both beginners and advanced surfers. Surf schools, board rentals, and an active surfing community make it easy to get started. At Back Beach, the waves break right on the white sandy beach, and in Koombana Bay, you can encounter wild bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins often come into the shallow water at the beach.
Other popular sports include beach volleyball, swimming, sailing, kayaking, cycling, and skate parks. Many young people are members of sports clubs—whether soccer, rugby, cricket, or swimming.
Conclusion:
Bunbury is the perfect place for anyone who wants to not only see Australia, but feel it too. Sun, sea, dolphins, surfboards, and genuine friendships—here you can experience everyday Australian life at its best. A city that may seem small, but offers huge opportunities.
- Victoria Street – Meet friends in cafés such as the Townhouse
- Mural Hunt – A tour of all 40+ murals in the city center
- Bunbury Regional Art Gallery – discover modern art
- The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) offers concerts, comedy, film festivals, and local theater performances
- Watch dolphins or volunteer at the Dolphin Discovery Centre
- The Farmers Market is a must on weekends! The food and juices there are legendary
- Watch the latest blockbusters at Grand Cinemas on “Cheap Tuesday”
- The Bunbury Skate Park is a popular hangout spot, not just for locals
- Sunset at Bunbury Lighthouse Beach: different every evening
- Sunset BBQ: Use the free electric grills on the beach for a BBQ while the sun sinks into the sea.
- Stand-up paddleboarding in the inlet: Rent a board for balance, fun, and nature.
- Surf lesson at Back Beach: a great introduction to the Australian surfing lifestyle
- Koombana Bay – swimming in calm waters and much more
- Road trip to the surf spots around Margaret River – see or try world-class waves
- Kayak tour in Leschenault Inlet – calm, green, and full of birds
- Trip to the Wellington Dams to swim, kayak, or chill out
- Hike among giant eucalyptus trees in Tuart Forest National Park
- Big Swamp Parkland – birdwatching and meeting place for young people
- Explore Western Australia’s southernmost mangrove system on the Mangrove Boardwalk, a new 5 km wooden walkway
- Walk more than two kilometers out to sea on the Busselton Jetty
- Gnomesville is probably the most bizarre place in the area: a forest full of thousands of garden gnomes
- Gravity Adventure Centre in Dalleylup: trampolines, climbing walls, high ropes courses, and dodgeball courts
