Bunbury, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port Guide

Where is The Port Located?

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The Bunbury Cruise Port lies 175 km south of Perth in Western Australia’s Southwest region. You’ll spot the port along Koombana Bay, with Bunbury’s city centre just a five-minute walk away.

The port’s central location puts you directly between the beach and downtown areas. You can walk straight from your ship to explore the local attractions. The terminal building offers tourist information, transport services and local tour bookings.

The port’s strategic position means you can quickly reach:

• City centre shops and cafes
• Koombana Bay beaches
• Local walking trails
• Public transport links

Your cruise ship docks right in the heart of Bunbury’s main activities, making it simple to start your exploration as soon as you step off the vessel.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Bunbury Cruise Port: Your Transport Guide

You can reach Bunbury Port using three main transport options:

By Air:

• Take a flight to Perth Airport (175km from Bunbury)
• Book a rental car or shuttle service to complete your journey
• Use Busselton Airport for closer regional flights

By Train:

• Board the Australind train from Perth
• Your journey takes 2.5 hours
• You’ll travel through coastal landscapes

By Road:

• Drive south from Perth on Forrest Highway
• Your trip takes 2 hours
• You’ll follow the Western Australia coastline

Tips:

• Plan your arrival time to match your cruise schedule
• Book transport services ahead during peak seasons
• Check local timetables for trains and shuttles before travel

These direct routes make your journey to Bunbury Port straightforward and manageable.

Port Parking Options

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Parking at Bunbury Port

You can park your car at several locations while on your cruise:

Port Terminal Parking:

• Secure, on-site parking close to the terminal
• £15 per day
• £89 per week
• 24-hour security and CCTV cameras
• Book ahead during busy periods

Downtown Parking:

• £8 per day
• You’ll need transport to reach the port
• Multiple car parks available

Tips:

• Book your port parking online to secure your spot
• Compare prices between different downtown car parks
• Check your parking ticket’s start and end times
• Keep your parking receipt safe during your cruise

Your parking options let you choose between convenience (at the port) or cost savings (downtown). The port’s secure facility gives you the easiest access to your cruise ship, while downtown parking offers better rates if you don’t mind the extra travel.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting Around Bunbury

You have several easy transport options to move around Bunbury and reach the cruise terminal:

CAT Bus Service

• Free city centre bus service
• Runs every 20 minutes
• Connects all main attractions
• Easy to spot and board

Taxi Options

• Pick up from city ranks
• Book by phone
• Door-to-door service
• Available 24/7

Hotel Transfers

• Many hotels offer free cruise terminal shuttles
• Book your transfer when you reserve your room
• Direct service to your ship
• Convenient for cruise passengers

You’ll find these transport choices reliable and budget-friendly. Your hotel can arrange most bookings for you.

Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility

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The Bunbury Cruise Terminal offers you essential facilities for your journey. You’ll find:

• A spacious waiting area with air conditioning
• Modern restrooms
• Free Wi-Fi access
• Wheelchair-friendly ramps and lifts
• Dedicated spaces for mobility-impaired travellers
• Staffed information desks with local guides
• Regional maps
• Currency exchange points
• ATM machines
• WA souvenir shop
• Secure baggage storage

You can store your luggage at the terminal while you explore Bunbury. Local staff at the information desk can help you with directions and travel tips. The terminal’s layout makes it easy for you to move between facilities and access transport connections.

The terminal stays open during all scheduled cruise arrivals and departures. You can use all facilities as a cruise passenger at no extra cost.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Pre-Cruise Activities in Bunbury

You can maximise your time in Bunbury before your cruise with these local activities:

Dolphin Watching (Morning)

• Watch dolphins play at Koombana Bay
• Visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre for guided encounters
• Book your dolphin tour early to secure a spot

Local Shopping

• Explore Victoria Street’s craft markets
• Visit local boutiques for authentic souvenirs
• Find unique Western Australian products

Waterfront Dining

• Choose from several beachfront cafés
• Enjoy fresh local breakfast options
• Take in ocean views while you dine

Your cruise check-in becomes smoother when you plan these activities near the terminal. Each spot sits within easy reach of the port, letting you explore without rushing to your departure.

Walks near the port

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You’ll find excellent walking trails right by Bunbury’s cruise terminal. The 1.2km Mangrove Boardwalk takes you through wetlands where you can watch birds and spot dolphins in the water.

You can walk along Koombana Bay‘s shoreline to feel the sea breeze and enjoy beach views. If you want a longer walk, try the 3.5km Big Swamp trail to see local wildlife.

Clear signs mark all paths and tell you about the area’s nature, making it easy to explore without losing your way.

Dining and Shopping

Dining and Shopping in Bunbury

You’ll find excellent shopping and dining options in Bunbury’s port area after your walk. The waterfront district offers both local and tourist spots.

Victoria Street gives you:

• Australian-made souvenirs
• Beach-themed clothing
• Local handicrafts

The Marlston Waterfront offers:

• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Harbour-view dining
• Local catch daily

Visit the Bunbury Farmers Market to discover:

• Regional produce
• Southwest Australian wines
• Local gourmet products

You can enjoy a coffee at any waterfront café whilst watching the harbour activities. Most cafés serve traditional Australian flat whites with harbour views.

The port area stays busy throughout the day, so you might want to book restaurants in advance. All shops and markets accept major credit cards, and most venues open from 9am to 5pm daily.

Accommodation near the port

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Looking for a place to stay near Bunbury port? You’ll find several options within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

The closest hotels to your ship are:

• Lighthouse Beach Resort
• Quest Apartments

These properties offer:

• Ocean views
• Easy port access
• Quick walk to city centre
• Cruise passenger packages
• Flexible check-in/out times

For cheaper stays, you can choose:

• Bunbury Backpackers
• Local holiday rentals

Your best value comes from booking a cruise package, which lets you check in early or leave late to match your ship’s schedule.

The port-side location means you can:

• Walk to your ship in minutes
• Access city attractions easily
• Enjoy waterfront views
• Avoid transport costs
• Store luggage securely

See what’s on offer from the Port of Albany, Western Australia for a different Western Australia Cruise destination.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting Ready for Your First Cruise from Bunbury Port

You’ll find Bunbury Port an ideal starting point for your first cruise adventure in Western Australia.

Essential Pre-Cruise Steps:

1. Book your accommodation near the terminal
   • Arrive 24 hours before departure
   • Choose a hotel within walking distance
   • Use this time to explore Bunbury
2. Prepare your travel documents
   • Store passport in a waterproof container
   • Keep boarding pass easily accessible
   • Bring printed travel insurance details
3. Set up your digital tools
   • Install your cruise line’s mobile app
   • Download port maps for offline use
   • Save your booking details digitally

Must-Pack Items:

• Camera or phone charger
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Basic medication
• Cash for port visits

Tips for Smoother Boarding:

• Check in online when available
• Label all your luggage clearly
• Arrive at the terminal early
• Keep essential documents handy

Customs & Immigration at The Port

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Customs & Immigration at The Port

You need to arrive three hours before your cruise departure at Bunbury Port. The process differs from airport security checks.

Essential documents required:

• Valid passport
• Boarding pass
• Completed Outgoing Passenger Card

Security process:

• Officers check your documents
• Staff scan your luggage
• No photography allowed in security areas

Quick tips:

• Join the port’s express lane for faster processing
• Declare any food items to Border Force officers
• Report medications you’re carrying
• Declare cash over $10,000 AUD

You can buy essentials at the duty-free shops in the customs hall before boarding.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Payment in Bunbury, Australia

You’ll use Australian dollars (AUD) for all purchases in Bunbury. The city offers several payment options:

Credit Cards:

• Visa and Mastercard work in most shops
• Check your bank’s overseas fees before using cards
• Tell your bank you’re travelling to avoid card blocks

Cash Options:

• ATMs operate at key locations:
• Visitor Centre
• Shopping centres
• Local banks
• Exchange currency at banks or licensed exchange points

Digital Payments:

• Tap-and-go works everywhere
• You can use:
• Contactless cards
• Phone payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay)
• Smart watches

Money-Saving Tips:

• Compare exchange rates before converting currency
• Keep small notes for market vendors
• Choose card payments for larger purchases
• Withdraw larger amounts to reduce ATM fees

Emergency Contacts

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Emergency Numbers for Your Bunbury Visit

You need these three key contacts in your phone:

000 – Australia’s emergency number

• Connects you to police, fire and ambulance
• Use for all urgent emergencies

131 444 – Police assistance line

• Use for non-urgent police matters

Bunbury Hospital Emergency

• Phone: (08) 9722 1000
• Location: Robertson Drive
• Distance: 3km from cruise terminal
• Open: 24 hours daily

Quick Tip: Save these numbers under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone contacts for faster access.

Remember to keep your cruise ship’s emergency contact handy – you’ll find this on your boarding card.

History of The Port

Bunbury Port sits on Western Australia’s southern coast, connecting the region to global maritime routes. You can explore its remarkable transformation from a small port to a major shipping centre.

The port’s timeline shows three major phases:

1. 1840s: You would have seen a basic timber port serving local settlers’ needs
2. 1900s: You can trace significant growth with the first breakwater construction
3. 1970s: You’ll find modern facilities handling large vessels and cruise ships

The port now serves as your gateway to Western Australia’s South West region, supporting both commercial shipping and tourism activities.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

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When to Cruise: Your Season-by-Season Guide

Spring (September-November)

You’ll enjoy mild temperatures of 18-25°C and blooming wildflowers. This season offers you balanced weather and comfortable cruising conditions.

Summer (December-February)

You can expect perfect beach conditions with warm waters. Temperatures can reach 35°C during peak summer days, making it ideal for swimming activities.

Autumn (March-May)

You’ll find fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures. Local attractions become less crowded, giving you more space to explore.

Winter (June-August)

You can watch migrating humpback whales during the cooler months. While temperatures drop, this unique wildlife experience makes winter cruising worthwhile.

Best Time to Book

You’ll get the most value during spring and autumn. These shoulder seasons combine good weather with smaller crowds and better rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Local Cruise Ship Meetup Groups in Bunbury?

Looking to meet cruise fans in Bunbury? You can join local cruise groups through:

• Facebook community groups for Bunbury cruise enthusiasts
• Ship arrival meetups at Bunbury Port
• Events organised by the Bunbury Visitor Centre

To get started, pop into the Visitor Centre on Carmody Place or search “Bunbury cruise groups” on Facebook. Fellow cruise lovers regularly meet when ships dock at the port.

What Wildlife Can Be Spotted From Cruise Ships Departing Bunbury?

Your cruise from Bunbury offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. You can see bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside the ship, playful fur seals in the harbour, and various coastal birds hovering above the waves. During migration season (June to December), you’ll spot humpback whales making their annual journey through these waters. Keep your camera ready – these amazing creatures often come quite close to the ships!

How Rough Are Typical Sea Conditions When Departing Bunbury?

The seas around Bunbury are typically mild to moderate when you depart. You’ll find the waters quite manageable, thanks to Geographe Bay’s natural shelter. You can expect calmer conditions during summer months (December-February), while winter brings slightly rougher seas. Most vessels handle these waters well, with wave heights rarely causing concern for regular cruising.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities for Early Arrivals?

Yes, you can store your luggage at the port terminal before check-in. The storage facility charges a small fee per bag. Your bags stay secure while you explore the area before boarding. The service lets you move around freely without carrying heavy luggage.

Which Cruise Lines Regularly Visit Bunbury Port?

The cruise lines visiting Bunbury Port regularly include:

You can see Princess Cruises, P&O, and Royal Caribbean ships at Bunbury throughout the cruise season. You might also spot Carnival and Norwegian vessels making occasional stops at this Western Australian port.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Exmouth, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port.