Chateau La Mer Motor Lodge

The spirit of the season is sparkling in Bunbury

by robertgaz

All over Bunbury's sprawling suburbs each Christmas, residents in a festive mood have dusted off their Santa figures, reindeer statues, nativity scenes, shining stars and millions of fairy lights to proudly decorate their homes inside and out.

The local media have listed participating neighbourhoods so you can make an evening detour to see these shining example of good cheer. There are even competitions to see who has the best Christmas decorated home.

These drive-by tours have become very popular and locals enjoy the spirit of the season by holding neighbour BBQ's and some even hand out lollies to the kids. Some streets are so popular traffic is bumper to bumper but for once no one seems to mind.

Dalyellup

by robertgaz

Dalyellup is a satellite suburb not too far down the road at the southern boundary of Bunbury and it promotes itself as a “Village, in a forest, by the sea”.

This small town actually falls within the boundary of the Shire of Capel, but for all intents and purposes to the people living there, they work and play in Bunbury.

During 2006, a walkway/cycleway was constructed to link Bunbury and Dalyellup. Cyclist would previously have travelled over a very busy stretch of highway but now have the option of a scenic route through a coastal bushland nature reserve.

I have also added a Dalyellup Travelogue with some more pictures.

On the water

by robertgaz about Parade Hotel

The Parade Hotel is right on the Leschenault Inlet with picturesque views to the city and white mangroves. You can easily walk there on the footpath all the way from the CBD.

It's a beautiful spot to relax with a drink or two, watch the boats on the Leschenault Inlet or seeing locals trying their luck at catching crabs.

And after watching the setting sun you can enjoy a blackboard meal which features fresh local fish, steaks or even a kangaroo fillet. All meals come with an all-you-can-eat-salad-bar which included a crisp green salad; Waldorf, bean or pasta salad with bread rolls. I tried the kangaroo fillets crusted with native wattle seed and a sweet fig jus. Very tasty but the roo was just a little dry. Being a low fat meat it has to be cooked just right to retain the all natural juices.

Rocky Point

by robertgaz

Rocky Point is a basalt rock formation from an ancient lava flow with natural channels that allow the sea to surge creating fascinating wave formations.

It's particularly spectacular during stormy weather but please be careful near the edges. Unless you're a strong swimmer you don't really want to get a dunking here.

Bunbury

by Jenelle7

"A great place to visit"

Being only 2 hours drive from Perth, Bunbury is a great holiday location, especially for those long weekends, where you can just manage to squeeze 2 or 3 nights in.
There is plenty to see and do, including Wineries, Caves, the lighthouse, and of course, the beach. There are great places to fish, and I have been told that the surfings not bad either.
So drive down and take a break from the hustle and bustle.