Bunbury WA
Bunbury WA
Bunbury in WA is a vibrant coastal city which is economically driven by a successful industrial base which has been built around the city’s port. It was once an important port for the shipment of wheat. Today the port concentrates on woodchips and alumina and the city of Bunbury has become the regional commercial centre.
Bunbury’s attractions include the bottlenose dolphins, viewed at the shoreline or in the bay aboard a dolphin watching cruise; the surrounding world class vineyards; the many panoramic lookouts; the interesting street art murals; and the numerous relaxing walks.
The city has a large number of genuinely interesting historic sites including –
- The old lighthouse,
- St Marks Church,
- King Cottage,
- The Regional Art Gallery Arts Complex and
- Historic Leschenault Homestead.
The town boomed in the late 19th century as it acquired a reputation as ‘The Brighton of the Colony’. It became a pleasant seaside resort for miners flush with gold from the eastern goldfields. Guest houses, hotels and new swimming baths were built to meet a blossoming demand for accommodation.
Today, those in search of dawn-to-dusk buzz should head for Bunbury’s ‘cappuccino strip’. Also try the waterside restaurants and the bright lights of the Entertainment Centre. Bunbury is earning its reputation as a cultural hub. An event-filled calendar features opera, drama, comedy and the work of renowned Australian contemporary artists.
Lots to Do and See in Bunbury WA
There is plenty to see and do while you are in Bunbury. Here are some of the options –
Dolphin Discovery Centre
Located off Koombana Drive, this popular tourist attraction has recently had a $12 million upgrade. It is now able to showcase “an expanded range of themed fish and coral aquariums. Also don’t miss the amazing 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium”.
Boulters Heights Lookout
Located between Wittenoom Street and Haig Crescent, Boulters Heights Lookout was named after A.H. Boulter, who established a rotunda on the site in the late 1920s. In 1966, to coincide with a visit from the Queen Mother, the local council built a 26m waterfall. Today the remnants of the waterfall still exist.
The lookout provides panoramic views across Leschenault Inlet.
Chequered Lighthouse
The current Bunbury Lighthouse, is off Marlston Drive and overlooking Casuarina Point. It is the fifth lighthouse to be built to guide ships into Koombana Bay. The original lighthouse, was replaced first by a square wooden lighthouse in 1870. then a temporary tower in 1901.
The current chequered lighthouse was built in 1971. Its height is now 37m above sea level and it’s visible from 20km in clear weather.
Wardandi Boodja sculpture
Located on Koombana Bay foreshore, the Wardandi Boodja sculpture is a 5.5m high steel bust of a Noongar man. Designed to represent all Noongar families, it was commissioned by the City of Bunbury.
Marlston Waterfront Historic Walk
This pleasant walk along the promenade on the Marlston Waterfront has a number of interesting signs. These provide details of Bunbury’s history. They include stories of: the 29 ships wrecked in Koombana Bay (also known as Shipwreck Bay); the convicts who constructed the first jetty using local jarrah; and the breakwater off Casuarina Point. The breakwater was designed by the great C.Y. O’Connor, who built the famous pipeline that transported water to Kalgoorlie. Also along the walk is a bust of Nicolas Baudin, the French explorer who sailed the WA coast in 1800.
Bunbury’s street art and public sculptures
There are two maps – ReDiscover Murals and Outside the Box – that provide detailed information to allow visitors to explore the 31 murals and artworks dotted around the centre of the city.
Bunbury Accommodation
The accommodation options offer a great range of choices, from well-appointed beachfront resorts to city motels and budget-friendly chalets, caravan parks and backpackers.
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Bunbury WA, AUSTRALIA
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