Weekend in Bunbury

A former convent and school, now housing rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, mostly by Western Australian artists. The building itself is a striking example of Federation Got

Tip: Check the website before visiting—some temporary shows charge entry, but the permanent collection and main hall are always free. Allow 45 minutes to see everything properly.

Housed in a restored 1890s convent with stained-glass windows and jarrah floors. Rotating exhibitions focus on local and Indigenous artists. Small but consistently good curation.

Tip: Pop into the gift shop for genuinely local ceramics and prints—prices are fair and stock rotates with exhibitions. Keep an eye out for the monthly artist floor talks, usually free.

A raised viewing platform overlooking Koombana Bay where wild bottlenose dolphins regularly swim within 20m of shore. The adjacent Discovery Centre has free entry for the small interpretive area with

Tip: Best dolphin sightings are between 8 and 10am on calm mornings. The viewing platform has binoculars fixed to the railing—free to use. Don't pay for the dolphin cruise unless you're desperate; the viewing platform is just as good.

A working 1891 lighthouse on a grassy headland with sweeping views over the Indian Ocean and Koombana Bay. Below is Back Beach, a patrolled surf beach popular with local bodyboarders. The lighthouse i

Tip: Walk the coastal path from the lighthouse around to the point for sunset—the light turns the water gold. There's a free public BBQ and picnic shelter near the car park. Bring insect repellent in summer; the midges come out at dusk.

A small grassy hill with a low stone viewing platform offering a panoramic view over Bunbury city, the harbour and the Leschenault Inlet. Interpretive signs explain the area's history as a port and wh

Tip: The angle is best in the late morning when the sun is behind you for photos. It's a short but steep climb from the city centre—wear decent shoes if coming up from Victoria Street. No facilities.

Held in the city centre carpark, this is a proper grower's market—no re-sellers. Seasonal fruit and veg, artisan bread, bush tucker jams, honey and olive oils. Small but quality stalls.

Tip: Arrive by 7.30am for the best pick. The free-range egg stall sells out by 9am. Bring your own bags and cash for smaller vendors. The coffee van does a solid flat white.

A 1.2km elevated boardwalk winding through tidal mangroves along the Leschenault Inlet. Excellent birdwatching—look for pelicans, black swans and migratory waders. Flat, easy walk with interpretive si

Tip: Go at low tide for best wildlife viewing, and early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. The boardwalk connects to the 5km Mangrove Cove Walk if you want to stretch your legs further.

A genuine growers market operating every Saturday morning in the Withers Community Hall car park. Local farmers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey and plants. There are a

Tip: Arrive by 8am for the best selection—popular produce like fresh strawberries and free-range eggs sells out by 10am. Bring cash as some stalls don't take cards. Parking is tight, so walk or cycle if you can.

A working navigation aid built in 1971 on a grassy headland at the northern end of Back Beach. Access to the lighthouse itself is restricted, but the surrounding reserve offers uni

Tip: Come for sunset—the light hits the limestone cliffs and the lighthouse's white tower. No shade or toilets at the site, so bring water and go before visiting the nearby cafes on Marlston Hill.

A 500-metre elevated boardwalk winding through salt marsh and mangroves along the Leschenault Estuary. The Interpretive Centre has displays on local birdlife, fish and aboriginal h

Tip: Go at low tide—you'll see crabs and small fish in the mudflats. Early morning or late afternoon brings the most bird activity. No bins along the boardwalk, so take rubbish with you.