Bunbury Casuarina Boat Harbour

About Bunbury Casuarina Boat Harbour

Bunbury Casuarina Boat Harbour sits between Bunbury’s city centre, Outer Harbour and Koombana Bay, giving South West boaters a practical base with far more shore appeal than its working-harbour setting might suggest. The current state facility combines recreational and commercial pens, moorings, a service jetty, launching infrastructure and public recreation space. We think it succeeds because serious boating functions and an enjoyable waterfront coexist without pretending to be a private resort marina.

Transport WA lists 57 pens: 52 recreational and five commercial, with pen lengths from 10 to 20 metres, including catamaran and alongside options. Single-phase power, water, lighting, CCTV, toilets, showers and laundry support pen holders. A service jetty carries diesel, with 24-hour access available through the fuel provider’s card system. Swing moorings add another accommodation format, although demand is high and availability should always be checked directly.

The harbour also works well for trailer boats. A refurbished two-lane ramp has a universal-access floating jetty, with free vehicle and trailer parking nearby. The state page notes that there is no wash-down facility, a small but useful planning detail. A slipway, hardstand, storage and maintenance operation near the entrance supports owners needing work, while the service jetty and harbour layout accommodate practical vessel movements.

What stands out to us is the shore-side setting. Grassed and shaded areas, public toilets, barbecues, an accessible fishing platform and pathways make the harbour welcoming to family and friends who are not going boating. Koombana Bay, the Marlston Waterfront, nearby cafes and the wider Bunbury waterfront add reasons to stay after tying up. Ongoing harbour investment is also designed to expand capacity and improve public spaces over time.

Our take is that Casuarina Boat Harbour is one of Western Australia’s most useful government-managed regional facilities. It serves resident owners, commercial users, visiting crews and trailer-boat families with a broad mix of infrastructure. The operational environment remains active and availability can be tight, so confirm accommodation and any works before arrival. With that preparation, it is a capable gateway to Bunbury and Geographe Bay boating. Future expansion should make this useful harbour even more versatile for regional crews.

Services

Casuarina Boat Harbour provides 57 pens, comprising 52 recreational and five commercial positions. Published pen lengths run from 10 to 20 metres and include catamaran and alongside berths. Pen-holder services include single-phase power, water, lighting, CCTV, toilets, showers and laundry. Casual, short-term and long-term accommodation may be offered, but demand is high and a waiting list may apply.

A service jetty supports vessel operations and dispenses diesel through a commercial supplier; 24-hour access requires the provider’s fuel card. Swing moorings are also part of the harbour mix. A privately operated slipway, hardstand, storage and maintenance facility sits near the entrance. Confirm operating hours, maximum dimensions, insurance requirements, contractor access and all haul-out charges before scheduling work.

Trailer-boat users have a refurbished two-lane ramp, universal-access floating jetty and free nearby vehicle and trailer parking. The authority specifically notes there is no wash-down facility. Public amenities include toilets, barbecues, shaded areas, an accessible fishing platform and pathways. Check current harbour works, notices to mariners, tide, wave and weather information before arrival, and ask the harbour office about pen allocation, metered utilities and waste arrangements.

Ideal for

South West berth holders, visiting coastal cruisers, commercial operators and trailer-boat families wanting government-managed infrastructure close to Bunbury’s waterfront. It suits crews who appreciate practical facilities and city access more than resort styling.

What we love

• Fifty-seven recreational and commercial pens from 10 to 20 metres.
• Twenty-four-hour card access to diesel at the service jetty.
• A slipway, hardstand and maintenance capability at the harbour entrance.
• An accessible two-lane ramp with free trailer parking.
• Koombana Bay recreation and Bunbury dining close to the pens.

To keep in mind

Pen and mooring demand is high, so enquire early and confirm vessel fit. The ramp has no wash-down facility, and round-the-clock diesel requires the supplier’s card. Review current harbour works, navigation notices, weather and the conditions attached to government vessel accommodation.