Things to do in Bunbury: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

The vibrant port city of Bunbury is often overlooked by those en route to the heady vineyards of the Margaret River Region. While no one can blame them for the indulgence, Bunbury is only two hours from Perth and easily explored as a day trip, although we know once you arrive, you'll be longing for more.

As you delve into the dining and art scene, you'll soon realise the fertile landscape inspires the region's artisans. One of the best ways to get your bearings is to head up to Marlston Hill Lookout for panoramic vistas of Bunbury and learn why this thriving city earned its nickname of the City of Three Waters. Extend your stay to explore the Collie River Valley with a visit to the giant mural on Wellington Dam or explore the wineries of the Ferguson Valley.

We've got you covered with this guide of the best things to do in Bunbury, with recommendations for places to eat, stay and explore.

Last Slice 

Last Slice has quickly become a favourite family-friendly restaurant in Bunbury, where holiday vibes are met with a drool-worthy feast of pizzas, tacos, crunchy wings, and share plates. A fantastic place to hang out after a big day of exploring, where you can watch a sports game as you sip on refreshing cocktails and local brews. The outdoor seating is perfect for sundowner tipples, there are excellent happy hour deals and the pepperoni pizza, with hot honey and chilli flakes, is a must-try. 

2/32 Clifton Street, Bunbury

Market Eating House

With a charcoal grill and wood-fired oven taking pride of place in the kitchen at the Market Eating House, diners are clued into the contents of the impending sharing plates. However, they mightn't be expecting the exotic spice twist such as Persian Dhal, BBQ Hellim Cheese and BBQ Middle Eastern Lamb Ribs. So many flavours, so little time. Why not opt for the Feed Me menu starting at $68 per person, showcasing seasonal delicacies such as truffles, inventive cocktails, and wines crafted from local vineyards in the Geographe Wine Region?

9 Victoria Street, Bunbury

Paddy's Patties

Filling the burger niche in Bunbury, Paddy's Patties has become a local favourite, particularly for those craving takeaway gourmet creations. All the beef, chicken and vegetarian classics are on offer, including a few surprises like fish katsu on a rice bun, the Clucky Cow with chicken AND beef, and poutine, a Canadian favourite of chips, cheese and gravy. Serving the ultimate comfort food in more ways than one as Paddy's Patties supports small local businesses while bestowing feel-good vibes all around.

98 Stirling Street, Bunbury

The Townhouse

Those warm and fuzzy vibes continue at The Townhouse in their quest to support Western Australian businesses by teaming up with West Perth coffee roasters Mano a Mano. While surrounded by murals hand painted by local artists, the breakfast and lunch menu is equally heartwarming. Open seven days a week in a character building in the heart of town, it's hard to choose between the courtyard or propping yourself up at one of the window seats inside to admire the passing fray.

30 Victoria Street, Bunbury

Coughlan Estate 

One of the best things to do in Bunbury is to take a drive a little over half an hour inland to discover Coughlan Estate. Not only does the cellar door there showcase the vineyard's wine, the onsite cafe highlights art, photography and local produce. It boasts a beautiful menu made for quintessential daytime dining. 

In fact, the menu is a smorgasbord of the region’s produce and talent. Honey flows in from the bottom paddock and herbs are grown on site. Fresh fruits and vegetables are picked up from a roadside farm store down the road. 

The signature beef and shiraz pie shines on the menu alongside seasonal salads, home-made soups and quiche, and excellent cheese and charcuterie boards.

39 Upper Capel Road, Donnybrook

Witts End 

The perfect little escape with a group of friends or family exists at Witts End, which sits just 30 minutes outside of Bunbury. It's a spacious country retreat-style home, nestled amongst rolling green hills, an orchard of fruit trees, and beautiful, native birds. Equipped with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, modern kitchen and open plan living, this house is full of texture and elegance, and serves as a miraculous backdrop for rejuvenation of the mind and body.

It'll start from the moment you arrive, when you walk under the wisteria covered porch and soak in the valley views from the spectacular deck. Sheer countryside bliss!

Wellington Mill, WA

The Rose Hotel & Motel

Set within the grand old Rose Hotel and Motel, every overnight stay is rewarded with a $25 voucher to be redeemed in the bar and restaurant. If that didn't get your attention, then spending the night in one of their modern rooms in the middle of all the action might. Typical pub grub and nightly meal specials add to the appeal and the epitome of country hospitality.

27 Wellington Street, Bunbury

The Sunshine House

Make yourself right at home only a stroll away from town at the character-filled Sunshine House. Built in the early 1900s and set in Bunbury's heritage precinct, this renovated cottage featuring two bedrooms, open-plan living and dining and a private garden is appropriately painted in bright yellow to suit its name. So cheery and charming, you'll be yearning for a longer getaway and brace yourself for inevitable tree-change fantasies to this idyllic region.

Bunbury, WA

The Farmhouse 

Doesn't this look like absolute heaven? Say hello to The Farmhouse, another countryside stay just outside of Bunbury that provides the perfect place to unwind. 

It's a restored 1940's fruit pickers rest, where every piece of the house tells a story - the large sash windows, the antique bank doors, or the original clawfoot bathtub. Even the lights above the dining table were once work lights from the packing shed.

What does a trip to the Farmhouse look like? It's a wine by the fire. It's a well earned shower. It's crisp linens with the smell of fresh bread or the plum harvest jam in the kitchen. It's country charm and fortifying air. 

Kirup, WA

Peppermint Lane Lodge

Swap the coast for treescapes about 15 minutes inland in the Ferguson Valley, famed for its wine, galleries, walking/cycling trails and Gnomesville, a quirky neighbourhood dedicated to gnomes. The adults-only Peppermint Lane Lodge cocoons guests in luxury while overlooking the Wellington National Park. Book dinner in advance as owner Kim serves French-inspired classics on antique china wear and crisp linens as guests settle in for languid evenings.

351 Wellington Mill Road, Wellington Mill

Take a Tasting Tour of the Geographe Wine Region

Throw caution to the wind and add this 4 hour wine adventure tour to your list of things to do in Bunbury. The Geographe Wine Region is one of the most diverse wine regions in WA, yet feels like an untapped gem waiting to be uncorked. 

This Bunbury-Geographe Tour includes tastings and a shared gourmet platter lunch in the Ferguson Valley. They can collect you from your chosen pickup location in Bunbury, and you'll be driven in air-conditioned comfort by an experienced driver and guide. 

You’ll experience scenic locations, wine, and beer tasting, with up to five stops included in the package deal. 

$170.00 

Book here

Walk along Mangrove Walk & Boardwalk

The Mangrove Walk and Boardwalk takes you on a unique walk through the remnants of mangroves that used to grow some 20,000 years ago.

Located on Leschenault Estuary, this picturesque trail allows a close-up view of the unusual vegetation that now grows within the mangroves.

Whilst the boardwalk is only 200 metres long, the entire walk is 5.3 kilometres. Make sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.

The Mangrove Boardwalk is a five minute drive from the centre of Bunbury - and is located opposite the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

Sitchu Tip: Bring along your binoculars and play spotto to over 60 species of water birds that inhabit the area.

Bunbury Farmer's Market

It's almost a rite of passage when heading down south from Perth to stock up at the Bunbury Farmer's Market, especially before checking into your self-contained accommodation. This food market should come with a couple of warnings; resistance is useless, so come armed with a list and at least a shred of discipline. Secondly, it's laid out like IKEA, in a path meandering through each section in one direction, which is probably a blessing as retracing your steps will only lead to more temptation.

Bunbury Farmer's Markets supports over 150 local growers and is always buzzing with locals and travellers, including those returning home to Perth still longing for a taste of the southwest.

2 Vittoria Road, Glen Iris

Image credit: Silvertone Photography

Dolphin Discovery Centre

What began with a resident feeding dolphins in the Leschenault Inlet in the 1960s has emerged as the internationally renowned Dolphin Discovery Centre.

This is a super popular tourist destination that offers a unique opportunity to interact with the Bottlenose dolphins that live in Koombana Bay. Although feeding or touching the dolphins is prohibited, visitors remain enchanted by these delightful creatures in the Interaction Zone for free.

For more immersive experiences, join an eco-cruise, swim with the dolphins or visit the Interpretive Centre aquariums, and 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium.

Sitchu Tip: The onsite café overlooking the bay presents even more dolphin spotting opportunities.

Koombana Drive, Bunbury

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Housed within an iconic pink building and former convent, the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery has earned its status as the premier gallery in the southwest.

Famed for its year-round regional, state and national exhibitions and festivals, including Bunbury Biennale, Noongar Country and South West Art Now, this cultural hot-spot is home to the City of Bunbury Collection and offers art classes, and workshops. It also offers prizes supporting budding artists inspired by the surrounding Geographe landscape.

Once you've gotten into the arty groove after your visit here, why not check out Bunbury's street art and some of the other local galleries, such as the Stirling Street Arts Centre or the unique Wiccan Hare Gallery; it's set on 24 acres of idyllic land, complete with roaming alpacas.

64 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury

After reading this guide on the best things to do in Bunbury, you might even contemplate what living in this region is like. We've already done the groundwork for you with our Bunbury and Busselton suburb guides.