Bunbury main street

Bunbury WA 6230 (Pop 55 000)

Bunbury is a thriving port and commercial centre in WA’s South Western corner 180 km south of Perth. Situated on attractive Koombana Bay, the settlement began in 1838 and was named after Lt Henry Bunbury. Early whaling and the railway (1891) all contributed to the area’s growth with the port exporting large amounts of karri and jarrah timber. Bunbury was also popular as an early seaside resort town and officially became a city in 1979. Today the port exports mainly woodchip and alumina. The Waters Festival (Feb/Mar).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Bunbury (28 sites) including the Burlington Hotel (1895), Bunbury Hotel (1896), Grand Central Hotel (1900). King Cottage Museum, Forrest Ave built of hand-made bricks (c 1880) recreating various periods of local history. Open (2pm-4pm) daily. Regional Art Galley & Arts Complex, Wittenoom St this former Sisters of Mercy Convent & Chapel (1887) is today the region’s largest art gallery. Lookouts located at Boulters’ Heights, Haig Cres (city views) and Malston Hill, Apex Dr (harbour and breakwater views). Rocky Point, Clifton St Black rocks formed by 150 million year old volcanic lava flows and resembling the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Bunbury Lighthouse, Ocean Dr (1959) noted for its distinctly checkered appearance and standing at 25 m above the ground, it can be seen 27 km out to sea. Mangrove Boardwalk, Koombana Dr elevated to 200m and leading through an ancient (20 000 years old) mangrove colony.

Nearby:
St Marks Anglican Church (5 km s-e) WA’s second oldest church with historic graveyard. Australind-Bunbury Tourist Drive picturesque 13 km drive of coastal scenery, excellent crabbing and picnic areas.

Accommodation:
Bunbury has 7 motels, 7 hotels, a resort, 2 B&Bs, a farmstay, holiday apartments/cottages and half a dozen caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Old Railway Station, Carmody Pl. Tel (08) 9721 7922 or 1800 286 287.

Airports:
Busselton Regional Airport (BQB), Vasse Hwy, Yalyalup. Tel (08) 9781 0444. (53 km south); Perth Airport (PER), 2 George Wienke Drive, Perth Airport. Tel (08) 9478 8888. (229 km north).

Hospital:
South West Health Campus, cnr Bussell Hwy & Robertson Dr, Bunbury. Tel (08) 9722 1000.