Things to Do in Bunbury with Kids: Why the Dolphin Eco Cruise Tops the List
If you’re planning a family trip to Western Australia and wondering about the best things to do in Bunbury with kids, there’s one experience that stands out – the Dolphin Eco Cruise at the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
Bunbury is famous for its wild bottlenose dolphins, and this tour is hands down the best way to see them if you’ve got young children. This family-friendly experience offers the perfect mix of fun, adventure and convenience – all while getting up close to the dolphins.
As a parent myself, I know how important it is to find safe, exciting, convenient and memorable experiences that the whole family can enjoy together.
After experiencing the Dolphin Eco Cruise with my partner and our 13 month old baby, I believe it’s not only the best thing to do in Bunbury with young kids, but also one of the most unforgettable family activities in the region.
The Dolphin Eco Cruise ticked every box for us. From spotting a dolphin right off the beach before our boat trip, to seeing plenty of pods of dolphins play and leap beside us on the water, it was a magical experience that our family loved.
Why the Dolphin Eco Cruise is Perfect for Families
Bunbury is home to a large population of wild dolphins that live right off its coast (around 150 dolphins!). The Dolphin Eco Cruise gives families a front-row seat to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat – an unforgettable experience!
During our cruise, we saw many dolphins – some swimming gracefully next to the boat, others splashing and jumping out of the water. There were several families on our boat, ranging from young families with babies, to families with older kids.
Regardless of everyone’s age, the excitement on board was contagious, with everyone eagerly pointing every time a dolphin appeared, and the children squealing with excitement.
The Dolphin Eco Cruise runs for 60-90 minutes, which is the perfect length when you’re with young kids. The boat is spacious and comfortable, with shaded areas to protect little ones from the sun, and it’s easy to move around while still keeping children safe.
The guide onboard also explained some interesting facts about the dolphins and Bunbury’s marine environment which was very useful.
Practical Family-Friendly Tips For The Dolphin Eco Cruise
-
Arrive early – Before our cruise, we visited the Dolphin Discovery Centre’s Interpretive Centre, where kids can see marine life up close, including the fish feeding sessions. It’s interactive, hands-on, and a great way to keep children entertained before or after the boat trip, I definitely recommend it!
-
Look out for dolphins from the shore – Just before our cruise, we spotted a dolphin swimming right by the beach outside the Dolphin Discovery Centre! So keep your eyes peeled – the dolphin encounters sometimes begin before you even board the boat.
-
Pack for comfort – Bring hats, sunscreen, and light jackets as it can get breezy on the water. Bring some water and snacks for the kids. There is a toilet on board if you need.
-
Baby carriers & little ones – The cruise is manageable even with babies and toddlers. I would definitely advise bringing a baby carrier as opposed to a stroller on the boat – much easier!
The Best Family Activity in Bunbury
There are plenty of things to do in Bunbury with young children, but the Dolphin Eco Cruise is without doubt the most unforgettable. It is exciting, appeals to all ages, and gives families the rare opportunity to see dolphins in the wild.
For us, this was the highlight of our trip to Bunbury. If you’re planning a visit to the South West, make sure you book a Dolphin Eco Cruise at the Dolphin Discovery Centre!
If however, your kids are older (8 years old or above), you can all can swim confidently, and you’re visiting between November and April, you may want to check out the Swim with the Dolphins tour instead!
It’s a 4 hour trip where you can really get up close and personal with the dolphins in their natural environment by actually swimming with them – which must be so incredible!
As I am an avid marine life lover and snorkeler (having swum with humpback whales in Hervey Bay, sea lions at Jurien Bay, reef sharks, leopard sharks in Byron Bay and manta rays in Fiji), I was gutted to not be in Bunbury during the swimming season, but it’s absolutely on my list for next time!
Other Kid-Friendly Attractions at the Dolphin Discovery Centre
While the Eco Cruise is the highlight, the Dolphin Discovery Centre itself is also fantastic for families. We visited before our dolphin cruise and had a great time watching the rescue turtles and octopus being fed!
Entry to the Marine Discovery Centre is included with your cruise ticket, so I’d definitely recommend visiting before or after your dolphin cruise.
Inside the centre there are interactive displays designed for kids, aquariums, star fish touch pools, educational exhibits and several different feeding sessions each day, where children can learn about local marine life.
Other Fun Things to Do in Bunbury with Kids
While the Dolphin Eco Cruise is the highlight, Bunbury has plenty of other family-friendly attractions worth adding to your itinerary:
-
Dolphin Discovery Playground – Located right next to the Centre, this waterfront playground is beautifully designed with a giant ship and dolphin-themed play equipment. It’s sandy, and there are even little trampolines here! It’s perfect for kids to burn off energy before or after the cruise.
-
Skyes Foreshore Playground & Water Park – A fantastic spot for kids of all ages, with shaded play areas, water play zones, and picnic facilities. Make sure to bring the swimming costumes as the children will get wet! On a sunny day, it’s one of the best free things to do in Bunbury with kids, and the water park is free to visit!
-
Bunbury Wildlife Park – Home to kangaroos, emus, and native birds, this is another family favourite where kids can learn about Australian animals up close.
These activities pair perfectly with the Dolphin Eco Cruise, making Bunbury an ideal destination for a fun-filled family day trip or weekend getaway.
Final Thoughts: The Best Family Activity in Bunbury
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Bunbury with kids year-round, the Dolphin Eco Cruise at the Dolphin Discovery Centre should be at the top of your list. It’s safe, family-friendly, educational, and most importantly, truly memorable.
Watching wild dolphins glide through Bunbury’s waters is an experience your children will love – and one that parents will treasure just as much.
So next time you’re in Bunbury, don’t miss the chance to take your family on this incredible adventure. It truly is a must-do activity for families in the South West of Australia.
This article is sponsored by The Dolphin Discovery Centre. All views and opinions are my own.
Caterina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.
