Discovery Holiday Parks
Koombana Bay, Bunbury,South West, WA

Activities & Attractions

4 Day Itinerary

Day 1- Dolphin Discovery Centre & Beach, Mangrove Boardwalk and Leschenault Inlet

Bunbury Dolphin Discovery is the only site in Australia which can offer shore-based and boat-based swim tour interaction with wild dolphins as well as dolphin watching tours and an educational Interpretive Centre.

Opportunities are provided for you to learn about dolphins by interacting with these animals in their natural environment.  You are even able to adopt a Dolphin, receiving regular information and updates along with a certificate.

You can watch and interact with the dolphins within the Interaction Zone on the beach, then browse the Dolphin Shop and be entranced and educated by the Discovery Room.

Join a "Swim on the Wildside" with our Marine Biologist and trained volunteers, enjoy snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins out in the calm waters of Koombana Bay.

Join a Dolphin Watch Boat Cruise aboard one of Naturaliste Charters' . You’ll be able to watch the antics of the dolphins as they frolic and play alongside the boat.

Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury’s white mangroves are estimated to be 20,000 years old.

The mangroves are believed to be the remnants from a long ago tropical period that the South West once experienced. This colony is the most southern in Western Australia with the next being 600km north.

The boardwalk enables you to enjoy the mangroves and over 60 species of waterbirds. look out for native birds, plants and some days you may even see the dolphins playing.

The Leschenault Inlet, is the home of dragon boating, rowers, fishermen, model boats and family picnics.

On warm summer evenings the inlet comes to life with groups wading knee deep, intent on catching a few of the famous Blue Manna crabs.  It is also a popular fishing spot, year round.

A leisurely stroll around the inlet will take you just over an hour.

Day 2 Stirling Street Historic Precinct, King Cottage Museum, St Nicholas Church andHenton Cottage

Stirling Street Historic Precinct

A walk along Stirling Street provides an excellent insight into the area which has mostly escaped modernisation. Originally it was the main road from Bunbury to Australind, in the 1890s it became a popular area and its original character has been retained. On the corner of Stirling and Moore streets is 'The Residency', a classic Australian bungalow with a bull nosed verandah, built in 1896 for the Resident Magistrate. At 82 and 84 Stirling Street are two cottages which date from 1875, which are amoung the first buildings to be constructed in the area. Number 84 is notable for its raised floor which is a precaution against flooding in Leschenault Inlet.  Number 131 is a large residence built around 1890. Number 137 was originally built for the businessman and politician, Thomas Hayward whose Thos Hayward & Sons, farm equipment stores, spread throughout the south west after World War I. The Heritage Trail booklet, available at the Visitors Centre describes the history of a number of other significant buildings in the Street.

King Cottage Museum

Bunbury's King Cottage Museum is located at 77 Forrest Avenue and is open by appointment (contact the Tourist Bureau for details) or by phoning (08) 9721 1586. The attractive King Cottage, which is a typical country residence, was built of hand made bricks around 1880. It was built progressively but the end result was a typical Australian brick bungalow with wide verandahs.
The museum recreates various periods in local history. The sitting room is furnished in typical Victorian style with a painting of Lieutenant Bunbury over the sideboard. The bedroom has interesting displays of old fashioned garments and cosmetics and the kitchen has items like a butter churn, mangle and water pump.

St Nicholas Church

This tiny little weatherboard building is one of the only reminders of Australind’s past, and was originally built as a workman's cottage. It became a church in 1848. It is believed to be the smallest church in Australia, with measurements of 8.2 metres in length, and 3.6 metres in width.

Henton Cottage

Over the road is Henton Cottage (1841) which is now part of an historical complex recalling the early settlement of the region. It houses the Tourist Information for the town and is also used as a gallery for a number of local artists. It is crammed with local arts and crafts and is home to Cottage Fairies.

Day 3 Lighthouse, Timber Jetty & Backbeach, Lookouts and Big Swamp Wildlife Park

Bunbury Lighthouse The  checkered lighthouse which dates from 1959 sits on top of the more recent section which was built in 1971. Look carefully and you can see a join about 10 m from the ground. The original lighthouse has been attached to the present one. The light is now 25 m above the ground and can be seen 27 km out to sea.

Timber Jetty The initial construction of the timber jetty commenced in 1864 and was four-hundred and twenty-seven metres in length. In 1957, after several extensions, it reached its ultimate length of 1,830 metres.  The jetty, now used for pedestrian traffic, is a popular fishing and crabbing spot for people of all ages.

Back Beach  The long white sandy coastline of the Indian Ocean, better known as Back Beach, is ideal for swimmers of all ages and reflects the Australian beach culture.   Picnic, BBQ, tables and restrooms  are located on the water front with

Bunbury's Lookouts
Marlston Hill  Located on Apex drive, off Victoria Street it is here where you can see the three waters of Bunbury and take in the magnificent coastline. The Lookout is a spiral staircase with more that 100 steps. If you don’t wish to climb the stairs you can still obtain magnificent views from the base of the lookout.

Mindalong  Located on ocean drive, the Mindalong Lookout consists of two wooden structures that are in shapes of a boats bow. The look out has magnificent views along Bunbury’s diverse ocean coastline.

Boulter's Heights  Nestled on Boulter's Heights Hill this lookout overlooks the main shopping centre and café strip of Bunbury. You are able to enjoy a detailed overview of the CBD.

Big Swamp Wildlife Park Located on Prince Phillip Drivw in Bunbury and only 5 minutes from the central business district.  With over 60 varieties of Australian Native Marsupials the wildlife park offers something for everyone.

There are picnic areas amongst the free range kangaroos and native birds.  Hand feed the parrots in the large free flight aviary.  Explore our interpretative centre and gift shop.  A small entry fee is payable on entry.

Day 4 Self Drive Tours and Day Trips

Ferguson Valley & Geographe Wine Region  Total Distance 74km.

Travel along the Picton Road then Boyanup Picton Road you will discover Dardanup Heritage Park. From the Park you will reach the township of Dardanup. Turn  left onto Ferguson Road to start the Ferguson Valley Loop. Along your way you could visit Ferguson Falls Winery, Ferguson Valley Farm Stay, Ferguson Hart  Winery, Henty Brook Estate, Willow Bridge, Wansbrough Wines, Kingtree Winery, Ferguson Disc Golf, Carlaminda Wines,  Hackersley Estate,  St Aiden’s Winery, and Gnomesville.

Collie   Total Distance 157km

Travelling via Old Coast Road, you will experience views of rolling hills of the Collie River Valley. The Valley is great for outdoor leisure activities. Make your way to the Collie Visitor Centre to find out about all the Collie region. When you are in Collie a must see is the Replica Underground Mine which provides you with the fascinating insight of the underground mines in the yesteryear. A walk around town will take you past the historic Roads Board building, All Saints Anglican Church, Court House, Art Deco Miner's Institute and traditional Aussie style pubs.  Collie is surrounded by waterways, and a drive to Harris Dam, Minninup Pool, Stockton Lake and Wellington Dam offers views, walks and picnic spots. Visit the Living Windows display near the lookout at Wellington Dam, before exploring the Dam and along the Collie River.

Donnybrook/Balingup   Total distance 157km.

Take a drive through cattle and orchard farmland and the charming country towns of Boyanup, Donnybrook, Balingup and Capel.  Travel south via the South Western Highway and you will pass through Boyanup and then through to Donnybrook.  Donnybrook is well known for its apples and other quality fresh produce.  Continue south to Balingup, surrounded by valleys and forests. This unique country town is known for it's local arts and craft and antique galleries.  Travel back up to Donnybrook and take the Goodwood Road to discover the quiet agricultural township of Capel, be sure to stop at the beautiful Ironstone Gully Falls picnic area.  Your journey back to Bunbury along the Bussell Hwy there are tourist signs promoting various wineries and art and craft workshops.

Harvey   Total distance 87km

North of Bunbury, along the South Western Highway are the agricultural towns of Brunswick and Harvey, surrounded by orchards, wineries and dairy farms. This fertile countryside produces quality milk, fruit, beef and wine.  The Harvey Visitor Centre located opposite Stirling's Cottage, which is the replica of a renowned children's author May Gibbs, the heritage gardens are also worth a visit. Nearby the Harvey Dam offers great scenic views, walking trails and a relaxing picnic spot.  From Harvey drive west along Uduc Road towards the small coastal towns of Myalup and Binningup. Both provide excellent beach fishing and beautiful white beaches, perfect for swimming.  Head south along Old Coast road do not miss the turn off into Australind, a rapidly growing town and popular tourist destination that wraps itself around the Leschenault estuary. Well known for its delicious blue manna crabs the estuary is popular for windsurfing, kite-surfing, crabbing, fishing and beautiful sunsets.

From Australind you have a short drive along the scenic estuary back to Bunbury.