First time visiting Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, Western Australia? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. It was updated in October 2026 to reflect increased ticket prices.
History and overview of the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury
The Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, Western Australia, is a not-for-profit ecotourism organisation focused on marine conservation, education and research. To skip the explanation and just book tickets, head this way.
The centre is home to wild bottlenose dolphins that regularly visit Koombana Bay.
Inside the centre you’ll find the Marine Discovery & Interpretive Centre, with interactive displays, 14 aquariums (including sharks, octopus, reef life), a 360-degree digital “dolphinarium” and touch-pools.
On the beach beside the centre is a wild dolphin interaction zone — if dolphins swim in close, volunteers ring a bell to alert guests.
How to get to the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury
The address is Lot 556, Koombana Drive, Bunbury, WA 6230.
Getting there by car: Bunbury is about 2 hours south of Perth by road. The centre has free on-site parking.
Public transport: There is limited public transport to Koombana Drive, so driving is usually the most practical option.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Opening hours: The Marine Discovery Centre is open daily from 9am to 3pm.
Ticket prices: These prices are correct as of October 2025, but may go up in future:
– Adults: A$25
– Concession (Australian concession card): A$17
– Children (3–17): A$15
– Infants (0–2): Free
– Family (2 adults + 2 children): A$68
Your ticket gives you access to the centre for the full day (9am–3pm).
Accessibility and facilities
Accessibility: The centre offers multiple disabled parking bays.
Wheelchair-friendly paths run through much of the centre. Beach wheelchairs are also available to explore the interaction zone (with carers).
On-site facilities include toilets, changing rooms and showers.
Best times to visit and tour options
The wild dolphins in Koombana Bay are most active in the warm months, often between 8am and 12pm.
Consider booking a Dolphin Eco Cruise to increase your chance of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat.
If you’re up for it, the Swim With Dolphins tour runs seasonally (November to April) — this is a hands-on, immersive experience.
FAQ: Practical visitor information for Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury
Do you have to pay to see dolphins?
Not necessarily. There is a free Wild Dolphin Interaction Zone on the beach, but dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.
Is there a café on site?
Yes. The centre has a café / kiosk serving light meals, snacks and drinks.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Plan at least 90 minutes to explore the Marine Discovery & Interpretive Centre, though you can stay until closing (3pm).
Are dolphins always present?
No — the dolphins are wild and come and go at their own will.
Can I join a dolphin boat tour?
Yes. The centre offers a 90-minute Dolphin Eco Cruise, and a seasonal Swim With Dolphins tour.
Book your Dolphin Discovery Centre experience here to secure your spot.
Things to do near Dolphin Discovery Centre
- Koombana Bay – The sheltered bay directly beside the Dolphin Discovery Centre, with a sandy beach, calm water and a foreshore walking path.
- Bunbury Waterfront – The central waterfront area around the inlet has walking paths, parks, cafés and views across the water.
- Bunbury Wildlife Park – A wildlife park in South Bunbury where visitors can see Australian native animals including kangaroos, koalas and reptiles.
- Back Beach – Bunbury’s main ocean-facing beach, with a long sandy shoreline, swimming areas and coastal walking routes.
- Bunbury Lighthouse – A distinctive red-and-white lighthouse on Marlston Hill overlooking the city and surrounding coastline.
Alternative attractions
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse near Augusta at the southwestern tip of Western Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
- Jewel Cave – The largest show cave in Western Australia, with guided underground tours through a limestone cave system near Augusta.
- Ngilgi Cave – A limestone cave near Yallingup with underground formations and Aboriginal cultural interpretation.
- Boranup Karri Forest – A forest of tall karri trees within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, with scenic drives and walking opportunities.
- Torndirrup National Park – A coastal national park near Albany containing the Natural Bridge, The Gap and other granite formations overlooking the Southern Ocean.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Western Australia travel
Other Western Australia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why I enjoyed the notorious drive across the Nullabor.
- A practical guide to the Museum of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie.
- An eye-opening drive along Western Australia’s Golden Pipeline.
- Tips for visiting Jewel Cave near Margaret River.
- How to climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse near Augusta.
