Bunbury is a city that truly rewards visitors with its diverse natural attractions, vibrant marine life, and charming coastal streets. Unlike many destinations, Bunbury offers an authentic look at wildlife encounters, local wine culture, and active exploration—all within a short drive from Perth. Whether you’re hoping to see wild dolphins gracefully playing in Koombana Bay or explore the lush Ferguson Valley vineyards, Bunbury’s tours promise engaging experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Personally, we’re partial to the Dolphin Eco-Cruises—not only because of the chance to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, but because the tours are so close to the beach, they feel effortless to join. For a blend of adventure and education, the Marine Discovery Centre offers an indoor marine wildlife experience perfect for families or those with limited mobility.
If you’re after a more active adventure, the Spoken Streets Running Tours allow you to uncover Bunbury’s hidden corners on foot, with routes that combine movement with storytelling. And for a leisurely day, the Geographe Wine Region Tour takes you through stunning vineyards with tastings and a relaxed pace. Whichever experience you choose, Bunbury’s tours highlight the city’s unique mix of coastal beauty, marine wildlife, and local flavors. Now, let’s explore each of these top options in detail.
1. Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise
At number 1 on our list, the Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise gets high marks for its straightforward but memorable wildlife encounter. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and costs $43 per person, making it a budget-friendly way to connect with Bunbury’s famous bottlenose dolphins. The vessel is designed specifically to get you close to the dolphins without getting wet, providing an up-close view of these playful creatures in their natural environment.
What sets this cruise apart is the focus on observing wild dolphins in a calm, accessible setting. You might see them playing, hunting, socializing, jumping, or even sleeping. The tour also includes educational commentary about the dolphins’ lives in Koombana Bay, enriching your experience with local insights. With a rating of 4.6/5 from 96 reviews, many travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the opportunity to see dolphins in a natural setting without the crowds. This tour is perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone who simply loves marine life. The fact that the boat stays within the bay means no long travel times or complicated logistics—just a straightforward, enjoyable wildlife watch.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers excellent value and a genuine chance to see Bunbury’s iconic dolphins in their natural habitat—ideal for leisurely wildlife lovers.
2. Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana Bay
At number 2, the Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana Bay elevates the experience with a 5-star rating and a focus on close-up wild dolphin behavior. For just a dollar more at $44.14 per person, this 1.5-hour tour guarantees dolphin sightings, thanks to Bunbury’s large resident population. The tour is fully licensed and certified as an Eco Tourism experience, emphasizing sustainability and education.
What makes this cruise stand out is their “if you don’t see dolphins, you go again for free” policy, which reassures travelers that they’ll get their money’s worth. Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing stories about feeding, hunting, playing, and socializing behaviors. Many reviews mention how easy it is to spot loads of dolphins with the guide’s expert eyes, making this a perfect trip for families with children or first-time wildlife watchers. The small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for more personalized interaction.
Bottom Line: If your goal is a reliable, eco-conscious dolphin encounter with an expert guide, this tour offers top-notch value and peace of mind. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts and families.
3. Spoken Streets 5km Running Tour of Bunbury
Number 3 is the Spoken Streets 5km Running Tour of Bunbury, a perfect pick for active travelers wanting a deeper connection to the city. This 1.5 to 2-hour guided run costs $34 and covers key sites like the Leschenault inlet, Koombana Bay, and the Jetty Baths, all while sharing stories about Bunbury’s history and culture.
What makes this tour unique is its combination of exercise and storytelling. Running through the mangrove boardwalk, the bay, and other scenic spots, you’ll get a real feel for Bunbury’s coastal charm. The guide will fill your ears with local tales, such as the history of shipwrecks in Shipwreck Bay or the seaside stories around Jetty Baths. The route is carefully curated to keep you dry and entertained, with stops for photos and anecdotes along the way. Reviews mention how the small group size and the personal attention make it a fun, relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you enjoy active sightseeing and want to learn about Bunbury’s history while getting some exercise. It’s perfect for fit travelers with an interest in geography and local stories.
4. Marine Discovery Centre
Number 4, the Marine Discovery Centre, offers an indoor marine adventure that’s perfect for families, kids, or anyone wanting a hands-on experience. At just $15 per person, it’s a budget-friendly day out. The Centre features 14 aquaria, live feeding sessions, a 360-degree cinema, and interactive displays about dolphins and other marine animals native to Bunbury.
What makes this center distinctive is its focus on marine education and conservation without getting wet. It showcases the world of dolphins and their environment through engaging exhibits, 3D movies, and discovery pools. It’s Australia’s only dolphin-dedicated centre, making it both a fun and informative stop. Visitors often comment on how the Centre makes marine life accessible for all ages and abilities, with many appreciating the detailed exhibits and the opportunity to see dolphins in a controlled setting.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice for families or travelers with limited time who want a comprehensive, interactive marine experience in a safe indoor setting.
5. Geographe Wine Region Tour
At number 5, the Geographe Wine Region Tour offers a relaxed, 4.5-hour journey through Ferguson Valley’s vineyards and breweries. For $149.34, you get to visit four selected stops, including Green Door Wines, Ferguson Falls Wines, Talisman Wines, and Willow Bridge Estate. The tour includes tastings, a shared platter lunch, and options to customize the itinerary.
What makes this tour a standout is the personalized experience—you choose which four stops you’d like based on your preferences, whether it’s boutique wines or local craft beers like those at Bush Shack Brewery. The scenery is particularly noteworthy, with views of Ferguson Valley accompanying your tastings. Guests often mention the knowledgeable guide and the quality of the local produce. The tour offers excellent value for those wanting to explore Western Australia’s wine and craft beer scene with a taste of local cuisine.
Bottom Line: This tour is well-suited for wine and beer lovers who appreciate customization and scenic vineyard visits, all within a compact, half-day experience.
6. Discover Bunbury Geographe and Harvey region
Number 6 provides a full-day, 7-hour exploration of the Bunbury Geographe and Harvey regions. For $135.76, you’ll visit heritage-listed sites, art galleries, cheese producers, and boutique wineries with a private driver. Highlights include Heritage Henton Cottage, Harvey Cheese, and Harvey River Estate, along with a scenic drive through Wellington National Park.
This tour shines with its mix of cultural, culinary, and scenic highlights. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of the region’s rich offerings without the hassle of planning. Reviewers praise the local artisan visits, especially the cheese tasting and the opportunity to meet the resident camels. Note that the tour is not available on Christmas Day, and its duration makes it ideal for those with a full day to spare.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent all-in-one option for those interested in history, food, and wine, especially if you prefer a flexible, private tour.
7. Swim With The Dolphins Experience in Bunbury Australia
Ranked 7, the Swim With The Dolphins Experience is a 4-hour adventure that offers a face-to-face encounter with wild bottlenose dolphins. Costing $95.07, it’s perfect for those eager to swim alongside these intelligent creatures in their natural environment. The tour emphasizes eco-tourism, with guides trained in biological and ecological principles, ensuring a respectful and sustainable experience.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see, hear, and feel dolphins in their habitat, with a focus on ecological responsibility. You may witness mother and calves, male alliances, or playful juveniles. The tour guarantees dolphin sightings or you’ll return for free, which speaks to their confidence. Reviews mention how close and natural the encounter feels—many describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bottom Line: For travelers eager to swim with wild dolphins in a responsible, well-organized activity, this tour offers a memorable adventure.
8. Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour
Number 8, the Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour offers an intimate, guided 4-hour tour to interact with wild dolphins directly. For $145, this experience emphasizes personal connection and eco-friendliness. You’ll learn about dolphin behaviors and identification techniques, with the chance to observe feeding, jumping, and socializing.
This tour is tailored for those who want a more immersive experience. The guide will share insights into dolphin echolocation and help you understand their communication. The small group setting ensures a personal touch and more interaction. Many reviews note the thrill of seeing dolphins in their natural environment and the joy of a hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: This is best suited for travelers seeking a more personal and educational live encounter with wild dolphins in their habitat.
9. Bunbury Geographe Forest, Wine and Brewery Tour
Ranking ninth, the Bunbury Geographe Forest, Wine and Brewery Tour is a 6.5-hour small-group outing costing $134.94. It combines nature, wine, and craft beer, with visits to Gnomesville, Harris River Estate, and Wellington National Park. It’s perfect for travelers who want a multi-faceted day that mixes scenery, local food, and drink.
The tour’s highlights include Gnomesville, a quirky village of thousands of gnomes, and wine tastings at boutique wineries. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy casual exploration with plenty of local flavor. The tour’s small group size (maximum 8 travelers) means a more intimate experience. Reviewers love the variety of stops and relaxed pace, with many mentioning the delicious grazing lunch and friendly guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want to experience both nature and local produce in a laid-back, socially engaging setting.
$134.94 per person
10. Spoken Streets 10km Running Tour of Bunbury
Our final pick is the Spoken Streets 10km Running Tour of Bunbury. This 2 to 2.5-hour tour covers a longer route, including the Leschenault inlet, Koombana Bay, and the Jetty Baths, with a focus on discovering Bunbury by foot. It’s priced at $33.73, appealing to active travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to move.
The route features climbs and low sections, taking in both scenic viewpoints and lesser-known local spots. The tour also highlights Bunbury’s history, with storytelling stops about shipwrecks and coastal legends. While there are no reviews yet, the route’s length and diversity make it ideal for visitors who enjoy fitness and adventure combined with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for energetic travelers who want a robust, active exploration of Bunbury’s highlights and stories.
$33.73 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Bunbury
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If wildlife viewing tops your list, the Dolphin Eco-Cruises and Swim with Dolphins tours are unbeatable for their close encounters. For a laid-back yet immersive cultural experience, the Marine Discovery Centre provides a hands-on marine learning environment suitable for all ages.
If you prefer an active day with storytelling, the Spoken Streets Running Tours or the longer 10km version offer energetic ways to explore Bunbury’s streets and history. For those interested in wine, beer, and local produce, the Ferguson Valley Tour and Forest, Wine, and Brewery Tour combine scenic drives with tastings.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular dolphin tours, which often sell out in peak seasons. Consider the best time to visit for wildlife sightings—spring and early summer generally offer the most active dolphin and birdlife. Whether you’re after wildlife, active exploration, or culinary delights, Bunbury’s tours have something for every curious traveler.
Bunbury offers a range of memorable experiences, from relaxing wildlife cruises to lively wine tastings and active runs. For a family, the Marine Discovery Centre is perfect for educational fun, while thrill-seekers will appreciate swimming with wild dolphins. Art lovers or those with limited mobility can explore the region’s rich culture with a private regional tour. No matter your style, booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on these top-rated Bunbury adventures.