Discovery Holiday Parks
Bunbury - Koombana Bay, Bunbury, WA
Overview
Discovery Holiday Parks – Koombana Bay, Bunbury (formerly Koombana Bay Holiday Resort) in Western Australia’s Geographe Region is located midway between Perth and the famous wine-producing Margaret River region, with the coastal town of Busselton is less than an hour away.
Set on a beautiful peninsular surrounded by the crystal-clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet, Bunbury offers sheltered swimming beaches and excellent fishing. Boasting a Mediterranean climate, Bunbury is an ideal base for water sport enthusiasts, with the Lena Dive Wreck a favourite for snorkelers and divers alike. Boating enthusiasts can access the boat ramp at the nearby Bunbury & Districts Power Boat Club, or from Harbour Beach, a safe swimming beach which offers year round patrols by the Harbour Beach Lifeguards.
As Western Australia’s third largest city, Bunbury offers a wide choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants, plus a multitude of attractions and activities for the whole family.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre offers visitors the opportunity to swim with the wild dolphins of Koombana Bay, under the expert guidance of the resident Marine Biologist or Environmental Scientist. With all equipment supplied, these tours operate daily, with the Eco-Cruise available as the perfect alternative for non-swimmers. Between June and September, the magnificent Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales pause at Bunbury on their annual migration to the Antarctic, with whale-watching tours available from nearby Dunsborough or Augusta.
The lookout out at Maidens Tuart Forest, one of the last forests of its type in Western Australia, offers panoramic views of the city and coast, while the Big Swamp Wildlife Park is home to 60 species of Australian native birds and marsupials, and offers the chance to handfeed the resident parrots.
Bunbury is ideally located to explore the wine producing regions of Harvey, Ferguson Valley, Donnybrook and Capel; which consolidate to form the Geographe Region, while the famous Margaret River wine region is just over an hour away.
Further afield, the magnificent Beedleup National Park, just outside Pemberton is one of the stops of the Karri Forest Explorer Drive and features the popular Beedelup Falls and a variety of walking trails.
Discovery Holiday Parks – Bunbury – Koombana Bay offers accommodation from camp and caravan sites, to a range of cabins, villas and chalets. Our Deluxe 3 bedroom Chalet sleeps 6 and features separate lounge/dining, bathroom with washing machine and dryer, while our self-contained 3 and 4 Star Cabins and Villas provide sleeping for 4 with all linen supplied and feature TV/DVD and reverse-cycle air-conditioning. Our Economy Cabins come with all linen supplied and feature kitchen facilities with microwave and ensuite amenities adjacent. Our shady, grass-covered camp sites and powered sites are conveniently located to the central amenities block.
Offering an on-site function room and café, plus a sparkling pool, jumping pillow and kiosk, Discovery Holiday Parks – Bunbury - Koombana Bay is the ideal destination for your next family holiday or large corporate or sporting group functions.
Accommodation
- Standard and Superior Chalets
- Superior Cabins
- Economy Park Cabins with En-suite
- En-suite and non en-suite powered caravan sites
- Grass-covered camp sites
Features & Facilities
- BBQ’s
- Camp Kitchen
- Jumping Pillow
- Kids Club
- Swimming pool
- Sports Facilities
Local Attractions
Activities & Attractions
4 Day Itinerary
Day 1- Dolphin Discovery Centre & Beach, Mangrove Boardwalk and Leschenault Inlet
Bunbury Dolphin Discovery is the only site in Australia which can offer shore-based and boat-based swim tour interaction with wild dolphins as well as dolphin watching tours and an educational Interpretive Centre.
Opportunities are provided for you to learn about dolphins by interacting with these animals in their natural environment. You are even able to adopt a Dolphin, receiving regular information and updates along with a certificate.
You can watch and interact with the dolphins within the Interaction Zone on the beach, then browse the Dolphin Shop and be entranced and educated by the Discovery Room.
Join a "Swim on the Wildside" with our Marine Biologist and trained volunteers, enjoy snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins out in the calm waters of Koombana Bay.
Join a Dolphin Watch Boat Cruise aboard one of Naturaliste Charters' . You’ll be able to watch the antics of the dolphins as they frolic and play alongside the boat.
Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury’s white mangroves are estimated to be 20,000 years old.
The mangroves are believed to be the remnants from a long ago tropical period that the South West once experienced. This colony is the most southern in Western Australia with the next being 600km north.
The boardwalk enables you to enjoy the mangroves and over 60 species of waterbirds. look out for native birds, plants and some days you may even see the dolphins playing.
The Leschenault Inlet, is the home of dragon boating, rowers, fishermen, model boats and family picnics.
On warm summer evenings the inlet comes to life with groups wading knee deep, intent on catching a few of the famous Blue Manna crabs. It is also a popular fishing spot, year round.
A leisurely stroll around the inlet will take you just over an hour.
Day 2 Stirling Street Historic Precinct, King Cottage Museum, St Nicholas Church andHenton Cottage
Stirling Street Historic Precinct
A walk along Stirling Street provides an excellent insight into the area which has mostly escaped modernisation. Originally it was the main road from Bunbury to Australind, in the 1890s it became a popular area and its original character has been retained. On the corner of Stirling and Moore streets is 'The Residency', a classic Australian bungalow with a bull nosed verandah, built in 1896 for the Resident Magistrate. At 82 and 84 Stirling Street are two cottages which date from 1875, which are amoung the first buildings to be constructed in the area. Number 84 is notable for its raised floor which is a precaution against flooding in Leschenault Inlet. Number 131 is a large residence built around 1890. Number 137 was originally built for the businessman and politician, Thomas Hayward whose Thos Hayward & Sons, farm equipment stores, spread throughout the south west after World War I. The Heritage Trail booklet, available at the Visitors Centre describes the history of a number of other significant buildings in the Street.
King Cottage Museum
Bunbury's King Cottage Museum is located at 77 Forrest Avenue and is open by appointment (contact the Tourist Bureau for details) or by phoning (08) 9721 1586. The attractive King Cottage, which is a typical country residence, was built of hand made bricks around 1880. It was built progressively but the end result was a typical Australian brick bungalow with wide verandahs.
The museum recreates various periods in local history. The sitting room is furnished in typical Victorian style with a painting of Lieutenant Bunbury over the sideboard. The bedroom has interesting displays of old fashioned garments and cosmetics and the kitchen has items like a butter churn, mangle and water pump.
St Nicholas Church
This tiny little weatherboard building is one of the only reminders of Australind’s past, and was originally built as a workman's cottage. It became a church in 1848. It is believed to be the smallest church in Australia, with measurements of 8.2 metres in length, and 3.6 metres in width.
Henton Cottage
Over the road is Henton Cottage (1841) which is now part of an historical complex recalling the early settlement of the region. It houses the Tourist Information for the town and is also used as a gallery for a number of local artists. It is crammed with local arts and crafts and is home to Cottage Fairies.
Day 3 Lighthouse, Timber Jetty & Backbeach, Lookouts and Big Swamp Wildlife Park
Bunbury Lighthouse The checkered lighthouse which dates from 1959 sits on top of the more recent section which was built in 1971. Look carefully and you can see a join about 10 m from the ground. The original lighthouse has been attached to the present one. The light is now 25 m above the ground and can be seen 27 km out to sea.
Timber Jetty The initial construction of the timber jetty commenced in 1864 and was four-hundred and twenty-seven metres in length. In 1957, after several extensions, it reached its ultimate length of 1,830 metres. The jetty, now used for pedestrian traffic, is a popular fishing and crabbing spot for people of all ages.
Back Beach The long white sandy coastline of the Indian Ocean, better known as Back Beach, is ideal for swimmers of all ages and reflects the Australian beach culture. Picnic, BBQ, tables and restrooms are located on the water front with
Bunbury's Lookouts
Marlston Hill Located on Apex drive, off Victoria Street it is here where you can see the three waters of Bunbury and take in the magnificent coastline. The Lookout is a spiral staircase with more that 100 steps. If you don’t wish to climb the stairs you can still obtain magnificent views from the base of the lookout.
Mindalong Located on ocean drive, the Mindalong Lookout consists of two wooden structures that are in shapes of a boats bow. The look out has magnificent views along Bunbury’s diverse ocean coastline.
Boulter's Heights Nestled on Boulter's Heights Hill this lookout overlooks the main shopping centre and café strip of Bunbury. You are able to enjoy a detailed overview of the CBD.
Big Swamp Wildlife Park Located on Prince Phillip Drivw in Bunbury and only 5 minutes from the central business district. With over 60 varieties of Australian Native Marsupials the wildlife park offers something for everyone.
There are picnic areas amongst the free range kangaroos and native birds. Hand feed the parrots in the large free flight aviary. Explore our interpretative centre and gift shop. A small entry fee is payable on entry.
Day 4 Self Drive Tours and Day Trips
Ferguson Valley & Geographe Wine Region Total Distance 74km.
Travel along the Picton Road then Boyanup Picton Road you will discover Dardanup Heritage Park. From the Park you will reach the township of Dardanup. Turn left onto Ferguson Road to start the Ferguson Valley Loop. Along your way you could visit Ferguson Falls Winery, Ferguson Valley Farm Stay, Ferguson Hart Winery, Henty Brook Estate, Willow Bridge, Wansbrough Wines, Kingtree Winery, Ferguson Disc Golf, Carlaminda Wines, Hackersley Estate, St Aiden’s Winery, and Gnomesville.
Collie Total Distance 157km
Travelling via Old Coast Road, you will experience views of rolling hills of the Collie River Valley. The Valley is great for outdoor leisure activities. Make your way to the Collie Visitor Centre to find out about all the Collie region. When you are in Collie a must see is the Replica Underground Mine which provides you with the fascinating insight of the underground mines in the yesteryear. A walk around town will take you past the historic Roads Board building, All Saints Anglican Church, Court House, Art Deco Miner's Institute and traditional Aussie style pubs. Collie is surrounded by waterways, and a drive to Harris Dam, Minninup Pool, Stockton Lake and Wellington Dam offers views, walks and picnic spots. Visit the Living Windows display near the lookout at Wellington Dam, before exploring the Dam and along the Collie River.
Donnybrook/Balingup Total distance 157km.
Take a drive through cattle and orchard farmland and the charming country towns of Boyanup, Donnybrook, Balingup and Capel. Travel south via the South Western Highway and you will pass through Boyanup and then through to Donnybrook. Donnybrook is well known for its apples and other quality fresh produce. Continue south to Balingup, surrounded by valleys and forests. This unique country town is known for it's local arts and craft and antique galleries. Travel back up to Donnybrook and take the Goodwood Road to discover the quiet agricultural township of Capel, be sure to stop at the beautiful Ironstone Gully Falls picnic area. Your journey back to Bunbury along the Bussell Hwy there are tourist signs promoting various wineries and art and craft workshops.
Harvey Total distance 87km
North of Bunbury, along the South Western Highway are the agricultural towns of Brunswick and Harvey, surrounded by orchards, wineries and dairy farms. This fertile countryside produces quality milk, fruit, beef and wine. The Harvey Visitor Centre located opposite Stirling's Cottage, which is the replica of a renowned children's author May Gibbs, the heritage gardens are also worth a visit. Nearby the Harvey Dam offers great scenic views, walking trails and a relaxing picnic spot. From Harvey drive west along Uduc Road towards the small coastal towns of Myalup and Binningup. Both provide excellent beach fishing and beautiful white beaches, perfect for swimming. Head south along Old Coast road do not miss the turn off into Australind, a rapidly growing town and popular tourist destination that wraps itself around the Leschenault estuary. Well known for its delicious blue manna crabs the estuary is popular for windsurfing, kite-surfing, crabbing, fishing and beautiful sunsets.
From Australind you have a short drive along the scenic estuary back to Bunbury.
Park Testimonials
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Mick Hall, 5th Jul 2010
A very nice park, with plenty for the kids to do, I can't wait to bring my family here for a holiday!
Lord Forrest Hotel-"Thank God It's Friday @ Scott's Bar"
Quality Hotel Lord Forrest invites you to "Thank God It's Friday @ Scott's Bar"
20 Symmons Street-Scott's Bar, BUNBURY from 6pm
Come and join us after a busy week, relax and unwind whilst listening to some of our Popular Local Talent
"Happy Hour Specials" will run from 6:00pm till 7:00pm along with complimentary nibbles throughout the night.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Marlston Waterfron Markets - Dog Competition - Sundays
This is the start of the Petstock Bunbury's Favourite Dog Competition at the market. The competition will run through till the 25th July from 10:00am to 2:00pm. There are several categories to enter your dog into with some great prizes for the winning dogs and a trophy for the all out winner of the Petstock's Bunburys Favourite Dog Competition. There are also some fantastic raffle prizes to be won. Come on down and enter your pooch into the fun.
Colourful Koombana
Discovery Holiday Parks - Koombana Bay is ideal for anyone that wants to visit the South West, and families that want to have fun.
Why not relax and enjoy the sheltered pristine waters of Koombana Bay which is situated across the road. You might even spot the dolphins that visit the shores in front of the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride around the Leschenault Inlet; explore the boardwalks and mangroves which are unique to the South West. Try a spot of fishing, a round of golf or a game of Ten Pin Bowling.
The city centre, with its restaurants, cappuccino strip, entertainment centre, cinemas & nightlife are all within walking distance.
Stay with us and explore picturesque Donnybrook, Busselton, Margaret River, Geographe and Ferguson Valley Wine regions.
Discovery Holiday Parks - Koombana Bay offers a range of accommodation, ideal for families, sports teams or large groups, romantic getaways and weddings. We have Deluxe Chalets, Superior Villas, Cabins as well as ensuite, caravan and camping sites to suit all budgets.
Family Fun
Bunbury has loads of fun family options - for the school holidays and all year round.
*South West Sports Centre, has a heated freeform indoor pool, with waterslides and rapids.
*Fishing at the beach, inlet or jetty for Whiting & Herring - keep an eye out for the dolphins!
*Apple Fun Park at Donnybrook - a huge playground for kids of all ages, just 30 minutes away.
*Marlston Lookout Tower - climb to the top for 360 degree views - can you spot a whale swimming at the back beach?
*Big Swamp Reserve and Wildlife Park, visit the animals and birds, cycle, walk, birdwatch, great playgroung and BBQ's
*Dolpin Discovery Centre - just across the road and a hit with everybody
*Play mini golf at Discovery Holiday Parks - Bunbury Village
Hockey Tournaments 2010
Discovery Holiday Parks - Koombana Bay looks forward to hosting teams from across Australia.
Australian School Sports Tournament 14th - 22nd August 2010.
Australain Mens Veteran Hockey Tournament 25th Sept - 9th October 2010.
Good luck everybody!!
Marlston Waterfront Markets - 6 June 2010 to 19 September 2010
Marlston Waterfront Markets - 6 June 2010 to 19 September 2010, is a regular Sunday arts, crafts, clothing, produce, family and home makers market with buskers and performing artists providing live entertainment at the specially designed Bunbury Marlston Waterfront Market Square, surrounded by first class restaurants and eateries all offering Sunday market specials.
Enjoy spectacular views out onto Koombana Bay whilst soaking in the atmosphere of a pleasant family day out.
Marlston Waterfront Market runs every Sunday from 10am to 2pm during the Winter months
Dwellingup Country Craft Markets
Date: 18 July 2010 Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Venue: RSL Mclarty St Dwellingup, PINJARRA
Contact: Di Pickering
Phone: 0427081349
Dwellingup Country Craft Market will be held on Sunday 18th July 2010 and every third Sunday of the month this market will be held at the beautiful old RSL building in Dwellingup, all kinds of hand made craft
Give me a call on 0427081349 if you would like to book a stall or just come along to see the variety of country crafts we have for you. Stalls $15.... Admission to market Free.
The fabulous old Hotham Valley Steam Train will also be making its way back up into the hills. ........www.hothamvalleyrailway.com.au Dwellingup is just over 1 hour and 10 minutes from Perth and only 40 minutes from Mandurah lots to see and do..... See you in Dwellingup.........
Hotham Valley Railway
The Etmilyn Forest Train departs Dwellingup Station at
11am and 2pm Every Saturday, Sunday & for Public Holidays also selected days during School Holidays.
From the moment you arrive at Dwellingup Station, just 97 Kilometres, 1 1/4 hrs from Perth, you'll sense you're about to embark on a journey with a difference.
The historic Etmilyn Forest Train will take you 8 Kilometres along the state's last surviving lightly built developmental railway.
The fascinating running commentary will inform you about Western Australia's early saw milling and railway history.
At the end of the line there is a 20-25 minute walk trail through the beautiful plant life and seasonal wildflowers of the rare Jarrah Forest
Geographe Crush Food and Wine Festival - 7 November 2010
Location
Bicentennial Square
2 Blair Street
Bunbury
Western Australia 6230
Geographe Crush is staged in the heart of the Geographe Region at Bicentennial Square in Bunbury and showcases the fantastic growing region from Harvey in the north to Busselton in the south and encompasses the local districts of Capel, Dardanup, Donnybrook and Collie.
The Geographe Wine Region is emerging as a quality wine growing district and will build its reputation as a fantastic destination for weekend and day visitors and includes the popular Ferguson Valley.
Visitors can discover the wine and food in one place, learn more, find out what the region has to offer and then start to plan where to go on a weekend or their next holiday.
Besides the normal attractions visitors can expect such as tasting fabulous wines, experiencing good food, there is crafts, produce and tourism information.
Local acts provide entertainment throughout the day and visitors can enjoy the wine seminars and cooking sessions
Variety Club Rolls into Bunbury-3 September 2010
2010 Variety WA Bash
28 August - 4 September 2010
The kids will never forget it, and neither will you!
From wheat fields to wildflowers, red dirt and the fabulous west coast, join Variety WA for an unforgettable eight day adventure on the 2010 Variety WA Bash.
Starting at Joondalup Resort on 28 August, the last night of the Bash (3 September), to be held at Discovery Holiday Parks Koombana Bay and finishing in metro Perth on 4 September 2010, the Bash is a madcap journey complete with colourful costumes, camaraderie, surprise fun stops, entertainment and more.
Make a Booking NOW!
Park location
Map details: View larger map
Lat: -33.3141040 Long: 115.6568530
Located:
179 km from Perth (approx. 2.5 hours)
Bunbury - Koombana Bay
Koombana Drive
Bunbury
Western Australia 6230
Free Call: 1300 787 140
T: (08) 9791 3900
F: (08) 9791 3933
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