Bunbury is Western Australia’s largest regional city, about two hours south of Perth, and its short-stay market blends business, leisure and gateway demand. The Koombana Bay dolphins, Back Beach, the Marlston waterfront and Bunbury’s role as a regional hub draw corporate travellers, families and South West tourists. Waterfront and central locations drive the return, and it operates under a regional, not metro, planning framework.
Bunbury is the commercial heart of WA’s South West, a coastal regional city with genuine business and tourism demand and an increasingly lively waterfront. For short-stay, that mix of corporate and leisure makes it a steadier regional market than the pure holiday towns further south. Here is how it works.
Why guests come to Bunbury
Bunbury draws a broad mix thanks to its size and setting. The demand drivers are:
- Koombana Bay and the Dolphin Discovery Centre, wild dolphin encounters, a signature family drawcard
- Beaches and the waterfront, Back Beach, the Marlston Hill lookout and the revitalised waterfront dining precinct
- Regional-hub business demand, Bunbury is the South West’s commercial centre, generating steady weekday corporate and contractor stays
- Gateway to the South West, a base for trips to Busselton, Margaret River and the wine region
That blend of business and leisure gives Bunbury a steadier, more year-round profile than the holiday towns.
What a well-run listing earns
Figures are Airbtics 2026, 2–3 bedroom entire homes; indicative and property-dependent.
| Annual revenue | Occupancy | Nightly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market average | ~$86,300 | 75% | $328 |
| Professionally managed (top 25%) | ~$104,800 | 83% | $346 |
Bunbury’s dual business-and-leisure demand gives it a steadier base than the pure holiday markets, and the gap between an average and a top-quartile listing comes down to location, presentation and pricing. For a grounded comparison across markets, see the Perth Suburb Short-Stay Demand Guide.
Who stays here
Bunbury guests lean toward:
- Business travellers and contractors working in the regional hub
- Families on dolphin, beach and South West holidays
- Tourists using Bunbury as a base for the wider South West
- Event and conference visitors
A comfortable, well-equipped property with good parking, central or waterfront access, and fast internet suits this guest well.
Seasonality in Bunbury
Bunbury is steadier than the holiday towns, thanks to its business base. Summer and school holidays bring the leisure peak, regional events add demand, and weekday corporate and contractor stays hold up the cooler months. The shoulder rewards active pricing, per our shoulder-season pricing guide.
What kind of property works
Bunbury is a houses-and-units market:
- Central or waterfront homes and units near the Marlston precinct, beaches or CBD
- Comfortable, well-equipped fit-outs that suit both business and family guests
- Good parking, fast internet and flexible check-in for the corporate market
- Space and outdoor living for families and groups
Presentation matters even in a regional market; a clean, well-presented property out-earns casual supply.
Compliance note for the City of Bunbury
Bunbury sits outside the Perth metropolitan area, so the metro 90-night exemption does not apply, the City of Bunbury’s local planning scheme governs short-stay, and requirements differ from the metro framework. Registration on the WA STRA Register still applies statewide, and your registration number must be displayed on every listing. Confirm the City of Bunbury’s current short-stay requirements before committing. The state framework is in our WA STRA compliance guide.
Common owner mistakes in Bunbury
- Treating it as a pure holiday town. Bunbury’s business base is a genuine, counter-seasonal advantage; price and market for both.
- Underselling the waterfront and dolphins. The Koombana Bay precinct and Dolphin Discovery Centre are signature draws.
- Skimping on internet and parking. These matter for the business and contractor market.
- Assuming metro rules apply. Bunbury’s planning framework is regional; check the City of Bunbury directly.
- A tired fit-out. A clean, well-presented property stands out against casual regional supply.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a Bunbury Airbnb earn?
For a 2–3 bedroom entire home, Airbtics 2026 puts the market average around $86,300 a year (75% occupancy, $328 a night), rising to roughly $104,800 (83%, $346) for professionally managed, top-quartile listings. Figures are indicative and property-dependent.
Is Bunbury good for short-stay?
Yes, as a steadier regional market that blends business demand with beach, dolphin and gateway tourism. Its size and role as the South West’s hub give it year-round appeal.
Who stays in Bunbury?
Business travellers and contractors, families on dolphin and beach holidays, South West tourists, and event and conference visitors.
When is demand strongest?
Steadier than the holiday towns: summer and holidays bring the leisure peak, while weekday corporate and contractor demand holds up the cooler months.
What property type works best?
Comfortable, well-equipped central or waterfront homes and units, with good parking, fast internet and flexible check-in for business guests.
Our take on Bunbury
Bunbury is a market for owners who value a steadier regional base with genuine dual demand. Its business role and its beach-and-dolphin tourism give it a more balanced profile than the holiday towns further south. Get a central or waterfront property, fit it out for both business and family guests, and price actively, and it performs steadily. If you own in Bunbury and want a straight read, you can book a property assessment. Our pillar guide to Perth short-stay management covers the full approach.
Figures are Airbtics 2026 for 2–3 bedroom entire homes, indicative and property-dependent. This is general information only, not financial advice. Verify current figures and check the City of Bunbury’s requirements and any by-laws before proceeding.