Major city · Australia
Bunbury
Give Bunbury one night, two at most: dolphins at Koombana Bay in the morning, then push on to Busselton, Margaret River or Collie.
Bunbury is Western Australia's second city by population outside Perth, about two hours south of the capital on the coast. It works as a first or last stop on a South West loop rather than a destination in itself: a protected bay with wild dolphins, a compact Victoria Street strip for dinner, and the road onward to Busselton, Margaret River and Collie. Winter is quiet and wet; the town is at its best from December to March.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (warm, dry, dolphins close to shore)
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, many tourist businesses quiet)
- Airport
- PER
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bunbury000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Health advice line (24 h, nurse)1800 022 222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bunbury, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyBunbury is a low-risk regional city by Australian standards.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 1800 022 222 Health advice line (24 h, nurse)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPER Perth Airport (About 2 h by car via the Kwinana and Forrest highways; no commercial flights into Bunbury.).
- Getting aroundLocal TransBunbury buses cover the city and suburbs but run infrequently, and not in the evening.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi or rideshare across townShort hops only; there is no night bus.A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$110 (≈ US$75) · Mid A$190 (≈ US$130) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PER Perth Airport (About 2 h by car via the Kwinana and Forrest highways; no commercial flights into Bunbury.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Dec–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bunbury: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
16 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
18 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
16 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Local TransBunbury buses cover the city and suburbs but run infrequently, and not in the evening. With a car everything is 5–10 minutes apart. Without one, stay in the centre and use taxis or rideshare for the beach and the station.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min
Bussell Highway south, about 50 km (31 mi)Bussell Highway south, about 31 mi (50 km)
The 1.8 km (1.1 mi) jetty and calm swimming beach; easy half-day.The 1.1 mi (1.8 km) jetty and calm swimming beach; easy half-day.
Collie
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Cooinda Road and Collie–Bunbury Road east, about 60 km (37 mi)Cooinda Road and Collie–Bunbury Road east, about 37 mi (60 km)
Mining town with forest trails and the Wellington Dam mural drive beyond it.
Margaret River
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bussell Highway south, about 100 km (62 mi)Bussell Highway south, about 62 mi (100 km)
Wineries and surf breaks deserve a night or two, not a return day.
Mandurah
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Forrest Highway north, about 75 km (47 mi)Forrest Highway north, about 47 mi (75 km)
Useful stop on the way to or from Perth; canals and foreshore.
Pemberton
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
South Western Highway south, about 150 km (93 mi)South Western Highway south, about 93 mi (150 km)
Karri forest and the Gloucester tree climb; too far for a comfortable day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre / Victoria Street
Walk to restaurants, cafés and the entertainment strip; best for one night without a car.
Koombana Bay and the Silos precinct
Waterfront hotels and apartments, closest to the beach and Dolphin Discovery Centre.
Bunbury Passenger Terminal area (Picton Rd)
Practical if you arrive or leave on the Transwa train; about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre, so plan a taxi.Practical if you arrive or leave on the Transwa train; about 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre, so plan a taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–240 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$190 | A$380 |
| Transwa train, Perth to Bunbury, one way2 × A$40 · check | A$80 |
| Dolphin Eco Cruise, adult2 × A$63 · check | A$126 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$81 |
| Trip total≈ A$444 per person per day, bed included | A$887≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Counter meal or pub main | A$22–32 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Thai or Asian restaurant main | A$22–28 (≈ US$15–19) |
| Draught beer in a pub | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi or rideshare across townShort hops only; there is no night bus. | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Dolphin Discovery Centre eco cruise, adultBook ahead; check | A$63 (≈ US$45) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Local buses are sparse and stop early: do not plan an evening on public transport.
- The Transwa train station is about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the centre; arrange a taxi or lift before you arrive.The Transwa train station is about 1.2 mi (2 km) from the centre; arrange a taxi or lift before you arrive.
- Summer heat waves can push past 37 °C (99 °F) with warm nights: book accommodation with air conditioning.Summer heat waves can push past 99 °F (37 °C) with warm nights: book accommodation with air conditioning.
- Many tourism and hospitality businesses cut hours or close in winter: check before you drive down for a specific place.
- Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches; the bay is calm but the ocean side is not.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Health advice line (24 h, nurse)
- 1800 022 222
Pocket card
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BunburyBunbury
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Health advice line (24 h, nurse)1800 022 222
Embassy
No embassies in Bunbury; consulates-general are in Perth, about 2 h north.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Transwa train, Perth to Bunbury: about A$40 (≈ US$30) one way, roughly 2 h 30 min (check)
- Taxi, centre to Bunbury Passenger Terminal: A$15–20 (≈ US$10–14)
- Dolphin Eco Cruise, adult: A$63 (≈ US$45), about 2 h 45 min (check)
Say or show
- No worries — No worries
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Is it far? — Is it far?
- Thanks, mate — Thanks, mate
English is the working language; the phrases above are local idiom, not translation.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bunbury. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (warm, dry, dolphins close to shore) · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, many tourist businesses quiet) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PER: drive times and last Transwa departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Victoria Street, Koombana Bay and the Silos, the Passenger Terminal.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Dolphin Discovery Centre, Koombana Beach, the Lena wreck) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and heat-wave fixtures so gates A–D can go green.