It might boast a relaxed pace of life, but the little city of Bunbury can easily compete with many of Australia’s big cities. You won’t compromise on the finer things in life when you make it your home, with Western Australia’s leading regional art gallery in the middle of town, coffee as good as you’ll find in nearby Perth and sweeping, white sand beaches.
Take advantage of Bunbury’s incredible coastal location after class, and swim with the population of friendly wild dolphins that lives in Koombana Bay at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Then, stroll around Leschenault Inlet, taking in the views across the calm water to the city centre. Take a detour around the city’s boardwalk and check out the 25,000 year-old white mangroves. Then, stop off for a coffee on Victoria Street, dubbed the Cappuccino Strip for its amazing selection of cafés and restaurants. Try hip Café 140 or Sears Café for an unbeatable flat white.
Sunbathe at Back Beach, before climbing up to the lighthouse to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. For an alternative vantage point, wander over to Marlston Hill Lookout Tower. As night falls, head to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre for an evening of live music or contemporary theatre. If that whets your appetite for a bit of culture, spend the next day enjoying modern art at the attractive Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, before browsing the classy independent boutiques in the Central Business District or Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre.