Holiday houses in Australind

With access to a large, tranquil bay, a small river, and the Indian Ocean, Australind is one of the best places for water activities in Western Australia. The town is a great base for exploring various harbours by boat, windsurfing at the beach, and fishing for silver bream and whiting, as well as swimmer crabs and prawns. There are also many dolphins in the area which you can easily spot by the shore. For activities more inland, there’s a nature preserve that has several trails where you can enjoy learning about the large variety of native flora and fauna.

The Australind Heritage Trail, a 12-kilometre path to the nearby town of Bunbury, passes by historically important cottages, parks, cemeteries, and churches. Some of what you’ll see includes Henton Cottage, which was built in 1840 and now hosts the tourist information centre, and the St. Nicholas Anglican Church, which is built out of Jarrah wood and is said to be the smallest church in Australia.

In spring and summer, the weather is suitable for outdoor activities, with the sun shining strongly most of the time and temperatures in the mid-20 degrees Celsius. September brings a comedy festival tour to nearby Bunbury, while January has Bunbury Skyfest Australia Day Celebrations, which culminates in the biggest fireworks show in regional Western Australia. Autumn has slightly lower temperatures, averaging in the low 20 degrees Celsius, with pleasant days and cooler nights. This is also when a dance festival is held in Australind. Winter in Australind can sometimes be rainy and is characterised by cooler days and chilly nights, with an average temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius. Spring in Australind is when the wildflowers in the surrounding landscape are in full bloom. Bunbury Biennale, one of the oldest Biennale events in Australia, runs from July to September in odd years and brings together artworks by respected contemporary artists from across Western Australia.

Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park

Located on the 11-kilometre long peninsula that juts out in front of the town of Australind, this park is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Leschenault Estuary on the other. Hiking on one of Leschenault Peninsula’s three trails is the perfect place to spot plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, black cockatoos, pelicans, and brushtail possums. Further south on the peninsula, you might even be treated to the sight of dolphins swimming in the calm waters of Koombana Bay just south of the peninsula.

Hiking in Bunbury

With an abundance of state forests and national parks, the region offers breathtaking hiking and bushwalking for all fitness levels and experience. From off the beaten track nature walks, to a boardwalk through Mangrove, there’s a hike for every interest and ability. Hike up a short hill to enjoy 360-degree views of Bunbury, or try one of the more challenging climbs that offer fabulous views of the city, inlet, the bay, and the ocean beyond. There’s even a timber staircase you can walk up that leads you to Bunbury’s first lighthouse and the views beyond.

Koombana Bay Beach

Koombana Bay in Bunbury is one of only a few north-facing Australian beaches and it’s quite serene. It’s famously frequented by cavorting bottlenose dolphins, and you may even have the good luck of swimming next to one. Koombana Bay also offers beach volleyball, sailing, and restaurants. There are also several other Indian Ocean beaches to explore nearby, including Backbeach and The Hollow, which are further south.