Whether you’re a Bunbury local hankering to stretch your legs, or a BunGeo lover looking for some travel inspo – this list of Bunbury’s best walks will help you plan your next outdoor adventure.
Going for a walk is one of the easiest ways to stay active, clear your mind and embrace local. If you live in Bunbury (or are planning a trip in the future), add these scenic walks to your bucket list.
Big Swamp Wetlands Walk
There’s plenty to see at Big Swamp Wetlands – a wildlife hotspot home to over 70 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. Take an easy 2.5km walk around this conservation wetland, just 1km south of Bunbury’s city centre. A family-friendly path will take you around the swamp, along picturesque boardwalks, under a canopy of paperbarks and to a number of bird lookouts, where you can spot animals like the black swan or long-necked turtle. Across the road is the Bunbury Wildlife Park. Dog’s allowed on a lead except along boardwalks.
Bunbury Back Beach
We love a coastal walk, and the path that runs parallel to Bunbury’s Ocean Drive is one of our favourites and how most locals kick-start their day. Begin by taking in the spectacular views at Wyalup-Rocky Point and Bunbury Lighthouse, then meander south towards the Hastie Street car park along the beachside dual-use footpath. It just over 4 kms of invigorating bliss. Dog-friendly – there are two dog beach exercise areas along the Back Beach too.
Koombana Bay Foreshore to Bunbury’s Back Beach
The newly redeveloped Koombana Bay Foreshore makes for a beautifully cruisy walk any time of the day. We suggest an afternoon or sunset stroll, where you might get to glimpse frolicking dolphins in the bay. Start at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, make your way over the Koombana Footbridge, along the Marlston Hill Waterfront, past the Jetty Baths and then across Casuarina Drive, ending at Bunbury’s Back Beach. Dogs on lead only.
Start at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, Koombana Bay
Leschenault Inlet & Mangrove Boardwalk
Grab a girlfriend or the family and tackle the beautiful 5km Leschenault Inlet walk. The walk wraps around the entire inlet, passing through peaceful white mangroves and past the new Koombana Park Lookout. The Mangrove Boardwalk is a spur through the southernmost occurrence of white mangrove in Western Australia. Start at Mangrove Cove off Koombana Drive, or Queens Gardens off Austral Parade. Dogs allowed on a lead. ED Note: Stop for coffee along the way!
Start at Mangrove Cove off Koombana Drive, Bunbury
Manea Park
Wildflower enthusiast? Manea Park is home to an excellent array of native wildflowers, as well as a habitat for several threatened bird species including the red-tailed black cockatoo and white-tailed black cockatoo. The park is also a great place to take the kids for an impromptu lesson on our local flora and fauna. Follow the park’s easy 2.2km circuit and embrace your natural surroundings, just a hop, skip and jump away from Bunbury’s city centre and suburbs. Dog’s allowed on a lead. Please wash your shoes on arrival at the station.
Start at the Corner of Somerville Drive and Winthrop Avenue, College Grove
Marlston Hill Walk
This looping circuit takes in some of Bunbury’s iconic attractions, including the Marlston Hill Lookout and Bunbury Lighthouse. Walk along Bunbury’s boat harbour then make your way up to the lookout and lighthouse, then finish your journey by climbing to the top of the Marlston Hill Lookout for sweeping views of the City of Bunbury and Koombana Bay.
Start at Bunbury’s Jetty Baths
Tuart Walk
This picturesque walk takes you through the Tuart forest between Usher (South Bunbury) and Dalyellup. Tuart trees grow up to 40 metres high and occur in the 420-kilometre strip between Busselton in the south to Jurien Bay in the north. The Tuart Walk trail is ideal for all levels of walkers and features two interpretive shelters at either end, as well as numerous interpretive panels throughout the walk. We suggest starting along the bitumen path that begins at the car park on the corner of Ocean Drive and Mosedale Avenue.
Start at the corner of Ocean Drive and Mosedale Avenue, Usher
A little further afield…
Eaton Foreshore Walk
Minutes from Bunbury, in Eaton (Shire of Dardanup) is the picturesque Eaton Foreshore Walk. Follow the Collie Riverbank, past natural salt marsh vegetation and by leafy paperbark, peppermint and sheoak trees on this 5km-long walk along Eaton’s foreshore.
Leschenault Estuary Foreshore Walk
The 13 km Estuary in Australind offers a serene walk opportunity. Stretch your legs and take in the water life. We also suggest deviating at the Leschenault Waterways Discovery Centre & Jetty Walk where you can learn about the estuary environment and the plants and animals in it. Start at the Ridley Place Foreshore Park and walk in either direction.
Start at Ridley Place Foreshore Park
Happy strolling #BunGeo lovers!
