As always, the dolphin beach interaction zone operates free of charge, so you can come down to the beautiful shores of Koombana Bay from 8am – 12pm daily to learn about conservation, research and education from the friendly volunteers as you wait to see if wild dolphins make an appearance in the shallows.
Come down and grab something from our new menu of hot beverages, cold drinks, fresh baked cakes & slices, croissants, wraps, lemonade scones, homemade sausage rolls, homemade pies, homemade quiches, soup of the day and lasagna and garlic bread! Then settle on the beach while watching wild dolphins frolic the shallows of the beautiful Koombana Bay.
Dolphin Discovery Centre
Enjoying the benefits of a $12 million upgrade, our brand new Interpretive Centre now showcases an expanded range of themed fish and coral aquariums and our amazing 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium, as well as interpretation of the Koombana Bay environment and its history – geological, indigenous, marine and contemporary.
It is an immersive experience, with activity centres, interactive displays, feeding programs and tours that appeal to all age groups. The aquariums tell the story of our region from the freshwater river to the offshore reef and feature the marine plants and animals of our temperate zone. The centre provides a unique experience that uses embedded technology along with natural displays to create a memorable experience for visitors that complements the wild dolphin experience of our beach Interaction Zone and Dolphin Tours
Join us for an intimate swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment. This tour is our most popular and exhilarating experience. Visitors are given the opportunity to swim with the wild Bottlenose Dolphins in their own environment. Accompanied by our experienced guide and trained volunteers you will venture into the open waters of Koombana Bay. Depending on dolphin sightings you will be guided into the water where the dolphins may elect to initiate interaction with the swimmers. As they are wild dolphins, interaction cannot be guaranteed.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre’s Dolphin Eco Cruise is for one and a half hours within Koombana Bay. Our vessel provides an excellent viewing platform designed to get you as close as possible to the dolphins without getting your feet wet. The team will introduce you to our local Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact in their natural environment. Many of the Dolphins seen on the cruise call Koombana Bay their home. They can be seen frolicking, playing, sleeping and feeding during the cruise. The informative commentary from the skipper of the boat will also keep you updated throughout the cruise.
With so many dolphins living along the coast, Bunbury and Koombana Bay offer the perfect opportunity for dolphins and humans to meet and interact right. The Interaction Zone has been designated as a special dolphin protection area for this very purpose. Under strict license conditions set out by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (BDCA), the Centre has been able to offer a unique interactive experience on the beach right in front of the Centre since 1989. Dolphin Volunteers have been trained to ensure the interaction guidelines are followed and they will always be present on the beach to answer your questions and manage the interaction should dolphins visit the zone. Naturally, being a wild animal there is no set time however the most common visit times are in the mornings between 8 am – 12 noon!
Sunset Bar
Weekends (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) from 3 pm join us upstairs at our Sunset Bar. Enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Koombana Bay whilst enjoying local food and drinks. The perfect place to unwind and relax after a busy week, with a relaxed, family-friendly environment, showcasing local food, drinks, artists and more!
Disabled Access
There are a number of disabled parking bays and the entry leading into the Centre is wheelchair accessible. Beach wheelchairs are also available on request; please ask at the front desk.
Children Catered For
Most of the interactive activities are designed to suit both adults and children of all ages.