BUNBURY PORT
Gateway to Australia’s South West
one of the world’s newest cruise ship destinations
One of the world’s newest
cruise ship destinations
Since the SuperStar Virgo’s maiden voyage to Bunbury
in 2003, more and more cruise ship companies have
added Bunbury to their tour itineraries. Rhapsody of
the Seas, The World and the Amadea are among the
growing list of luxury liners which have discovered the
treasures of the city and treated their passengers to a
rewarding Bunbury experience. Many cruise ships are
now return visitors to the port city.
Cruise ships which have
already made Bunbury a
destination:
>
Rhapsody of the Seas
>
Dawn Princess
>
Athena
>
The World
>
Pacific Princess
>
Pacific Sun
>
Sun Princess
>
SuperStar Virgo
>
Funchal
>
Amadea
An experience like no other
It’s easy to see why cruise ships are increasingly bringing passengers to
Bunbury.
Situated in Australia’s picturesque South West region, Bunbury is a unique city. Not
only is it the entertainment, cultural and retail centre of the region, but it offers a
variety of natural attractions and experiences. Swim with dolphins, wander through
Australia’s most southern growing white mangroves, see national art exhibitions
and add to your wardrobe – all in the same day!
Fine dining comes
with complementary
waterfront views.
Warm welcome
When cruise ships sail into Bunbury,
passengers and crew are given a greeting
they’ll fondly remember. Live music is
played as passengers disembark the
Markets
Markets operate at Bunbury’s
Bicentennial Square on days when
cruise ships are in port. Featuring
buskers, wine tasting and stalls selling
handmade products and souvenirs, the
markets create a festive buzz about the
city and are a popular place for visitors
– and locals – to pick up a bargain.
ship, markets give visitors the chance to
browse the region’s finest produce, and
friendly city ambassadors are on hand to
provide directions.
To make visits extra special, Bunbury’s cruise ship committee can arrange for
official welcomes, free shuttle buses for passengers and tours for senior ship
staff. It’s traditional for Bunbury’s mayor to present plaques to the captains of
cruise ships which have made their maiden voyage to the city.
The Bunbury Cruise Ship Committee is comprised of representatives from the
West Australian government, as well as local business and tourism industries.
Dolphin Discovery Centre
Bunbury’s attractions
Situated on a peninsular and known as the City of Three
Waters, Bunbury is an aquatic playground offering a
number of water-based activities.
Dolphins
People can swim and snorkel at local beaches, interact with
People come from all over the world to
wild but friendly dolphins and dive on a nearby shipwreck.
interact with Bunbury’s wild bottlenose
But despite its range of nature-based attractions, Bunbury is
dolphins. Visitors can get up close to
also a vibrant, modern city with attractive dining, cultural and
these gentle creatures in the calm waters
shopping options.
of Koombana Bay. An onsite interpretative
centre, complete with 360 degree theatre
and animated display, gives people the
chance to learn about the dolphins.
Natural attractions
“
Nature lovers are spoilt for choice in Bunbury. They
Go swimming with
some new friends!
can walk where lava flowed thousands of years ago
by visiting the prehistoric basalt rock at Bunbury’s
Back Beach. Hand-feed kangaraoos at the Big
Swamp Wildlife Park. And keep an eye out for
”
reserve which is home to more than 70 species of
birdlife.
Photo by David Addy
wetland fauna while strolling through the Big Swamp
Surrounded by waters,
Bunbury is the perfect
place for sun, sand
and sailing.
Shopping
Known as the shopping capital of the
region, Bunbury is the jewel in the South
West region’s shopping crown. It offers a
range of quality stores in a relaxed setting.
As well as shopping centres and retail
chain stores, the city boasts a number of
specialist shops and boutiques.
Take a trip to local wine regions,
and be back in plenty of
time to pick up a souvenir.
Arts, culture and entertainment
Bunbury is known as the cultural and entertainment hub of
the region and people visiting the city can look forward to a
comprehensive program of local, state and national acts and
exhibitions. The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre is
renowned for its contemporary and classic performances.
Grand Cinemas is the place to see the latest films. Bunbury
Regional Art Galleries showcases national art exhibitions and
the work of local artists. And an extensive public art collection
is scattered throughout the city.
A range of fun-filled events, including horse racing carnivals
Rose Hotel
and national sports competitions, are drawcards for the
region.
History
Heritage enthusiasts can gain insight into Bunbury’s
past by visiting local historic buildings. Venture to
King Cottage Museum (1880), the Rose Hotel (1865)
and St Marks Church (1824) – the second oldest
church in Western Australia. Admire the 1860s
architecture and workmanship evident in the Old Post
Office and Courthouse, or visit the new St Patrick’s
Cathedral which opened in March 2011.
Dining out
Bunbury serves up excellent coffee and fine dining options
at award-winning cafes and restaurants. People can enjoy
spectacular views with a meal on the waterfront, or soak up the
atmosphere when enjoying a casual coffee and slice of cake
on the city’s popular cappuccino strip. Local gourmet produce
features on many menus. There is also a great choice when it
comes to pubs, clubs and late night bars.
“
You’ll have to
pay for your coffee,
but the views
are free!
”
Explore diverse regions
The compact nature of the dynamic South West region means people can
explore beyond Bunbury with ease.
Day tours provide visitors with the opportunity to discover nearby areas. The
Ferguson Valley wine region and quirky Gnomesville are located in Bunbury’s
backyard, while the Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory and Margaret
River wine region are a little further afield. Other regional attractions include the
ancient caves of Yallingup and Augusta, while literature lovers will enjoy having
lunch or a coffee at Harvey’s Stirling
Cottage where celebrated Australian
author and illustrator May Gibbs lived
and was believed to have drawn
inspiration for her classic Snugglepot
and Cuddlepie books.
Regional attractions
There’s something for everyone in
appeal, as do the range of attractions,
Australia’s South West. With spectacular
arts, culture and shopping options.
coastal scenery, white sandy beaches,
calm aquamarine waters, friendly dolphins,
winding rivers, wildflowers, ancient caves
and towering trees, the region is a nature
fan’s paradise.
Outstanding cuisine, premium wine and
locally brewed beers add to the region’s
Popular regional attractions include
the Busselton Jetty and Underwater
Observatory, Jewel Cave and various
wineries.
sunk after being caught illegally fishing
in Australian waters. Located just three
nautical miles off Bunbury, the Lena is one
For a fascinating view of Bunbury’s marine
of a number of spectacular dive wrecks in
life, people can pull on their scuba gear
the area.
and visit the Lena dive wreck, which was
AUSTRALIA’S SOUTH WEST
N
• Bunbury Port
• Ferguson Valley
• Perth
• Busselton
• Margaret River
• Augusta
Explorations
Wild dolphin encounter
Cruise the calm waters of Bunbury’s Koombana Bay as you observe playful
dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat. Alternatively enjoy an even closer
encounter by going swimming with the friendly mammals. People can also
choose to watch the bottlenose dolphins from the beach.
Busselton Jetty adventure
Visit the charming beachside town of Busselton and walk – or catch the train
Bunbury Port
along – the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Once at
Bunbury’s outer harbour is located within walking
a unique view of aquatic life.
distance to town and adjoins the beautiful
Casuarina Harbour and Jetty Baths, with safe
swimming beaches nearby.
With a Mediterranean climate, latitude where
cyclones are rare, comparatively low tidal
variation and established port infrastructure,
Bunbury is an ideal place for cruise ships to dock.
It’s location between the ports of Fremantle and
Albany make it a particularly attractive destination
for vessels sailing along Australia’s west coast.
A long-standing prohibition on cruise ships
conducting casino gaming while in WA waters
has recently been lifted and cruise ships now
have more freedom to operate on-board casinos.
the end of the jetty, people can descend into an underwater observatory for
Margaret River wanderer
Meander through the picturesque Margaret River area, a world-renowned
premium wine and surfing region. Visit vineyards and sample locallyproduced wine and food, or relax at pristine beaches.
Ferguson Valley highlights
Discover the scenic Ferguson Valley. Located just a 20 minute drive from
Bunbury, this emerging wine region is made all the more beautiful by its
delightful valley setting. Visit wineries, breweries and enchanting Gnomesville
– a village of gnomes.
Best of Bunbury and surrounds
Enjoy all that the city of Bunbury has to offer. Go shopping, play golf, swim
at the beach, see dolphins, visit an animal park, and immerse yourself in the
local art and culture scene.
General Port Information
Dock
Winds: predominant south-westerly 20 knots
Horizontal rubber fenders
Location of pilot boarding areas: Lat. 33° 17’S Long. 115° 37’E
Type and surface of dock: concrete
Approach channel width and min. depth: 150m wide 12.2m deep
Height of dock surface above charted low water datum: 3.66m
Time from pilot station to dock: 30 minutes
Dockwater density: 1024-1025
Cruise ships dock: berths 1 and 2
Anchorage
Maximum draft: Fwd. 7.5m Aft. 8.5m (plus tidal allowance)
Secure anchorage position: Fremantle Gage Roads 32°01.4’S - 115° 41.3’E
Berth length: 280m (longer vessels subject to Port acceptance)
Type of bottom: sand
Tugs available: 2 x 43 tonne twin Azimuth drive forward tractor
* For latest information, please contact the Bunbury Port Authority.
Need more information?
BUNBURY
cruise ship
committee
Contact
For more information about what Bunbury can offer cruise ships
and passengers, please contact:
Jon Birch, Chairman, Bunbury Cruise Ship Committee
Business Development, South West Development Commission
+61 8 9792 2000 [email protected]
Websites
For more information about Bunbury and its port and tourist
attractions, please visit the following websites:
>
Bunbury Port Authority
www.byport.com.au
>
Australia’s South West
www.australiassouthwest.com
>
Bunbury Visitor Centre
www.visitbunbury.com.au
>
South West Development Commission
www.swdc.wa.gov.au
Photos courtesy: City of Bunbury, Dolphin Discovery Centre, Ferguson Valley Marketing
and Promotions, South West Development Commission and Tourism Western Australia.