Headed down south for the AFL? Turn match day into a whole Bunbury Geographe Weekender worth lingering over. Just 90 minutes south of Perth (Boorloo), the Bunbury Geographe region offers far more than simply a weekend at the footy. Here, mornings start with misty vineyards and lead to winding forest drives, long lunches by the fire, and quiet coastal moments. The kind that stay with you long after that final siren.
There’s fog-filled walks in the Ferguson Valley , roadside stalls overflowing with fresh citrus in Harvey Region, and rain bringing new life to waterfalls, forests and walking trails in Capel. Spend your days wandering the labyrinth of Gnomesville, tasting local wines beside crackling fires, exploring Wellington Dam in the Collie River Valley beneath dramatic winter skies, or breathing in the salt air along Bunbury’s crisp coastline, as dolphins pass through the bay.
Stretch the journey into something longer, as Bunbury Geographe invites you to slow down and experience winter in a different light. Take the scenic route. Stay for another lunch, another sunset, another celebratory lunch when your team wins. Come see what waits beyond the game.
Activities to do in Bunbury before and after the match
The AFL might be the reason you arrive in Bunbury (Goomburrup), but it won’t be the only thing you’ll remember. This coastal city moves to its own rhythm in winter. Slower. Softer. The kind of place where a morning coffee can turn into a long foreshore wander to explore the Bunbury Markets, and where there’s always time for one more stop before heading home.
Before the first ball toss, spend some time along the Bunbury waterfront, where crisp sea air rolls in. Let your feet hit the sand at Koombana Bay as you keep an eagle-eye out for the dolphins that are known to glide close to shore. Pick up a takeaway coffee from the Dolphin Discovery Centre‘s cafe, and follow the coastline as pelicans drift overhead and the bay shifts between silver and blue beneath winter skies.
For those wanting to explore a little further, Bunbury’s streets are layered with creativity and character. Wander through the city centre to discover colourful murals, boutique stores, and tucked-away cafés that invite you in from the cold. The Bunbury Regional Art Gallery offers a quiet pause between adventures. Housed within one of Western Australia’s oldest convent buildings this pink behemoth is filled with local artworks.
Then there’s Taffy’s, a nostalgic little candy stop that feels like stepping into another universe. Retreat inside, the scent of warm sugar and peanut brittle drifting through the air. Marvel as colourful ribbons of saltwater taffy are stretched, pulled, and wrapped the old-fashioned way. Let yourself indulge and sample a few flavours or turn a quick visit into some retail therapy.
Nature is never far away here. Just beyond the city, the mangrove boardwalk at Leschenault Inlet reveals another side of the Bunbury Geographe region. Birdsong echoes through the wetlands and if your lucky you might spot a mud-crab skirting about. It is the kind of place best explored slowly, especially in winter when the air feels fresh and alive.
Those in Bunbury with the family can’t go past spending a few hours wandering through Bunbury Wildlife Park. Encounter kangaroos, quokkas, wombats, dingoes, and colourful native birds. Hand-feed some of the friendly animals, listen in on keeper talks, and slow the pace between match day moments.
As the day begins to fade, make your way to the Marlston Hill Lookout or find a quiet stretch along the coast to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. Winter evenings in the Bunbury Geographe Region carry a sense of serenity, where waves roll against the shore and the sky softens into shades of amber and deep blue.
Places to eat, drink and unwind across the weekend
Beyond the city, the Bunbury Geographe region unfolds into rolling farmland, winding country roads, and relaxed places designed for slowing travel. Your Bunbury Geographe Weekender is best spent lingering over long lunches, discovering local wines, and settling into the slower rhythm of the South West.
Tucked beneath rolling hills in Ferguson Valley, St Aidan Wines feels made for cool-weather escapes. The vineyard’s rustic charm, hearty seasonal menu, new kids playground, and sweeping views invite afternoons that stretch comfortably into evening. Outside, the hills roll green beneath winter skies. Inside, glasses of red wine provide plenty of warmth.
At Harvey River Estate, the atmosphere is easy-going and welcoming. Between tastings, linger a little longer with a glass in hand and enjoy a climb to the top of the Big Orange. Or head to Hackersley Estate, which offers one of the Ferguson Valley’s most memorable long lunch experiences with a three-course set menu designed to be enjoyed slowly.
Further south, Capel Marron Farm brings something entirely different to the table. Here, freshwater marron is the ‘pièce de resistance‘, served fresh from the farm. It is an experience deeply connected to the region itself, with the venue boasting a storied history and the marron served so fresh it feels as though it jumped straight from pond to plate.
And for those wanting to truly switch off after the excitement of the AFL weekend, Evedon Lakeside Retreat offers an easy kind of comfort. Hidden among forest and water, the retreat is a great spot to spend a few nights, with a fire pit, their own restaurant for relaxed lakeside lunches, and cabins perfect for cosying up with a glass of wine in hand.
Nearby towns, nature-based experiences, and attractions in the Bunbury Geographe region
One of the best things about an AFL weekend in Bunbury is how easily it becomes something more. The road opens out into rolling countryside, winding scenic drives, and hidden places that invite you to embrace a winter adventure.
Make your first stop in the Harvey Region, where roadside stalls with fresh-picked fruit are great for grabbing a snack. Take the time to visit the Boola Bidi Dreaming Centre along the banks of the Harvey River for a guided cultural walk on Bindjareb Noongar Country. Here, storytelling and shared knowledge invite a deeper understanding of the land.
In Ferguson Valley, those winding roads eventually lead to one of the region’s most unexpected attractions. Hidden among the trees, Gnomesville appears around the bend like something from your childhood imagination. Thousands of tiny gnomes gather beneath the forest canopy, each one adding to the whimsy of this ever-growing collection. Wander slowly through the pathways taking it all in – and don’t forget to leave your gnome friend!
Step outside the ordinary in Capel, where towering tuart trees line the road in soft winter light. Nearby, the loop trail at Ironstone Gully Falls comes alive after winter rains, where flowing water and rich red earth bring fresh energy to the bushland. See forests dripping in dew, pastures of green, and magnificent old trees as you wander.
Then there’s the drive to Wellington National Park and Wellington Dam in Collie. Take the windy road and find yourself surrounded by towering jarrah forest and rain-soaked countryside. Winter mist lingers between the trees and when the dam reveals itself, vast, still, and framed by one of the world’s largest dam murals stretching across the wall, it will take your breath away. Pause at the lookouts, wander the nearby trails, or join one of the e-bike tours from Adventure Connections. This part of the region feels especially calm in the winter.
This winter, let the AFL game be the beginning of the journey, not the whole story. From the energy of match day in Bunbury to long vineyard lunches in Ferguson Valley, misty drives through jarrah forest and quiet moments along the coast, the Bunbury Geographe Region invites you to experience winter differently. Wander through Gnomesville, sip local wines beside the fire, discover fresh produce in Harvey, and stand in awe at the towering mural plastered over Wellington Dam. Here, winter is not about staying indoors. It is about leaning into the season and finding warmth in the landscapes, flavours, and small moments that make the South West unforgettable.
