All aboard for Bunbury harbour tours

A NEW partnership between Southern Ports and Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre is offering new ways to explore more of the commercial port.

The new arrangement sees the DDC’s tour boats given access to Bunbury’s busy inner harbour, with Southern Ports’ CEO Keith Wilks noting the port authority’s own boat tours in October clearly demonstrated there was an appetite from the community to learn more about the port.

“Everyone sees vessels moving through Koombana Bay and our shipping channel throughout the year, but our Port’s inner harbour is a little more hidden away,” Mr Wilks said.

“These tours are a great opportunity to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the scale of our operations and our significant contributions to the region.

"Bunbury and its port have grown together for generations, and it’s important our community can see for themselves the vital role the port plays in shaping the region’s future.”

More than 700 people attended Southern Ports’ Community Boats Tours in Bunbury over two days in October, when overwhelming feedback indicated many participants wanted more opportunities to see the port.

Dolphin Discovery Centre CEO Maddy Carse said she was excited to get the tours up and running.

“The Bunbury Port and Dolphin Cruise is an excellent addition to the array of experiences we offer to visitors and locals alike,” Ms Carse said.

“Just like everyone else in the community we watch the shipping movements with interest so it’s great that we’re able to provide a closer look at these giant shipping vessels that operate alongside our friendly local dolphins.”

The 60-minute tours will take attendees on a lap of the port with informative commentary provided by guides on the boat. To find out more and book your tour, visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre website.