The Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury is one of those rare places where a fun family outing and meaningful marine conservation go hand in hand. Set right on Koombana Bay, the not‑for‑profit centre is dedicated to research, rescue and education, and has a strong message that dolphins belong in the wild – you won’t find any dolphins in tanks here, only out in their natural ocean home.
Inside the state‑of‑the‑art Marine Discovery Centre, families step into an underwater world inspired by the local environment. A series of themed aquariums takes you on a journey from freshwater rivers through to offshore reef, with colourful temperate-zone fish, corals and marine plants to discover. Kids tend to make a beeline for the cylindrical tank, where puffer fish and stingrays glide past at eye level, and the tiny seahorses and “Nemo and Dory” style fish are always a hit with younger visitors.
Hands-on experiences are a big part of the visit.
The touch pool is usually one of the busiest spots, where children can gently handle shells, starfish and other marine creatures while chatting to friendly volunteers about how they live.
Nearby, a clever kinetic sand table lets kids reshape a projected landscape and watch the colours and “topography” change in real time – it’s equal parts science and play, and great for curious minds.
There’s also a huge magnifying glass linked to a big screen, perfect for examining shells and fossils in close-up detail.
Creative kids will love the “design your own dolphin” activity, where they can draw and colour a dolphin, scan their artwork and then see it swim across a large digital screen along with everyone else’s designs. It’s a lovely way to reinforce the idea that every dolphin has its own unique markings and personality.
Tucked towards the back of the centre you’ll find an immersive underwater cinema dome and a short documentary; you can lie back and feel surrounded by dolphins and fish, so it’s worth seeking out before you leave.
Throughout the day there are scheduled feeding sessions and talks around the aquariums, including opportunities to learn about rescue turtles, octopus and the larger reef fish. Times can change seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check the daily timetable when you arrive or on the official website before you visit. Because the experience is largely self‑guided, families can move at their own pace – ideal if you have a mix of ages from toddlers through to teens.
One of the most exciting parts of any visit is the chance to see wild dolphins just metres from the shore. Right in front of the building is the Dolphin Interaction Zone on Koombana Bay, a protected area where dolphins sometimes cruise through the shallows. Volunteers keep watch each morning in the warmer months, and when dolphins come close a bell usually sounds and everyone heads to the beach. There’s no charge to watch from the sand, and because the dolphins are completely wild, they come and go on their own terms. Sightings are more common earlier in the day, but never guaranteed, which is a useful message to share with children before you go.
If you want to extend your day, the centre also operates Dolphin Eco Cruises and seasonal Swim with the Dolphins tours from the same site. These paid tours head out into Koombana Bay to observe the local bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment, with informative commentary from experienced staff. They’re best suited to older children and teens, and are weather dependent, so advance bookings and a quick check of conditions are recommended.
Back on shore, it’s easy to linger. There’s a spacious, beachside café and kiosk with ocean views, serving meals, coffee, snacks and sweet treats, making it a convenient stop for breakfast, lunch or a mid‑road trip break.
A well-stocked gift and souvenir store is located by the exit of the Discovery Centre, offering everything from plush toys and books to ocean‑themed keepsakes. You can also support the centre’s conservation work through dolphin or turtle adoption programs, annual passes and donations.
Practicalities for families are well covered. The Marine Discovery Centre is fully wheelchair and pram accessible, and the wider venue has accessible toilets, changing rooms and showers for a quick rinse after a beach paddle. Beach wheelchairs are available for use (you’ll need your own carers to assist with these), and most of the experiences inside are designed with all ages and abilities in mind. Being largely indoors, the centre makes an excellent rainy‑day or hot‑afternoon activity when you’re staying in Bunbury or passing through on a South West road trip.
Whether you pop in for a quick look at the aquariums or spend several hours between the exhibits, beach and café, the Dolphin Discovery Centre is a memorable, feel‑good outing. Kids come away buzzing from close encounters with marine life, and parents can feel good knowing their visit directly supports vital local conservation and rescue work.
Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury
Address: Lot 556 Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA 6230
Opening hours: Generally open 7 days a week, with the Marine Discovery Centre usually operating from 9am–3pm and the café from around 8am–3pm. Check the official website for the latest opening times, tour schedules and public holiday arrangements.
Website: https://www.dolphindiscovery.com.au
Find more places to visit in Busselton and Bunbury
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
