Bunbury is located on the south west coast of Western Australia and is the capital of the south west region. The native Aborigines called the area Gomborrup, a well watered area with an abundance of game such as swans and ducks, teeming rivers with fish and highlands and swamps with a variety of other potential foods. The first European to sight the area was the expedition led by Comte Admiral de la Perouse who departed from Botany Bay in 1788 and arrived at Bunbury around June 1803. The next explorer was Admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux, followed by Commodore Nicholas Baudin and finally Matthew Flinders.

On 17 November 1829 Lieutenant Preston and Dr Collie led an expedition into the largely unexplored south west coastal region. They reached Port Leschenault and discovered a river which they named Preston in honour of the lieutenant. They also discovered another river which they named the Collie in honour of the doctor. The subsequent town of Collie was named after the doctor also. They submitted a favourable report to Surveyor Roe and thus began the settlement of the region.

Trouble with the natives forced the government to dispatch a Regiment of troops to protect the settlers. There were no more incidents of unrest and the troops were then transferred to Augusta. Lieutenant Henry Bunbury arrived to the region on board the "Maria" in March 1836 in order to further explore the area. In December he had formed a post at Pinjarra. Following his extensive explorations he met with Governor Stirling in December who informed him of the decision to name the settlement at Port Leschenault in his honour.

Historic Attractions

There are several historic buildings of merit in Bunbury worth some attention. St Boniface Cathedral was built in 1961 and features a native blackbutt parquetry floor and ceiling. Nearby St Patrick's Cathedral was constructed in 1921 with it's spire added during the 1960s.

King Cottage Museum on Forrest Avenue was built in 1870 from locally made clay bricks, the clay in fact came from a source on the property. Today the Bunbury Historical Society have restored the cottage and furnished it with items from the 1870 - 1920 era. Visitors can inspect this Museum from 2pm to 4pm on weekends and on school and public holidays.

Natural Attractions

Enjoy the sparkling waters of Koombana Beach where visitors may be lucky enough to swim with dolphins who are regular visitors to the area. Bunbury Harbour may be viewed from a lookout along the breakwater which reaches out into Koombana Bay. The Cut is a man made entrance to the Leschenault Inlet which has become a popular fishing spot.

Boulter's Heights is another popular lookout flanked by a small waterfall, with lovely views of the surrounds. Marlston Hill lookout is located on the site of Bunbury's original lighthouse and overlooks Harbour Beach and the breakwater reaching out from Casuarina Point. Ocean Drive follows a scenic 8 kilometre route incorporating beautiful oceanscapes with white sandy beaches and sparkling blue green seas.

Bicentennial Square has a pleasant promenade and manicured gardens for visitors to enjoy. Centenary Gardens is part of the towns municipal complex and is a popular picnic venue. The Big Swamp Wildlife Park features a walk in aviary in addition to displays of kangaroos, snakes, fruit bats and wallabies. Picnic facilities are available at the Park.

Other Attractions

Bunbury Art galleries are located in the Bunbury Arts Complex, which once served as the Convent of Mercy dating from the 1860s. The complex is open daily and displays a wide variety of artistic works from local and national artists. The Barracks is situated opposite the Lord Forrest Hotel and visitors can view the local artists at work producing high quality unique arts and crafts.

On the third Sunday of every month, the Miniature Railway winds through shady forests as it takes passengers on scenic trips.

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