Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Grittleton Lodge (1885). Good-value motel rooms - all recently redecorated - are also
available.
DOLPHIN DISCOVERY CENTRE
Around 60 bottlenose dolphins live in Bunbury's Koombana Bay year-round, their numbers increasing to around
www.dolphindiscovery.com.au
;
Koombana Beach; adult/child $10/5; 9am-2pm Jun-Sep, 8am-4pm Oct-May)
has a beachside zone where dolphins regularly come to interact with people in the shallows and you can wade in
alongside them, under the supervision of trained volunteers. There are no guarantees of a close encounter, but
these are more likely in the early mornings between November and April. Entry tickets are valid for three separ-
ate visits, a good option if you're in town for a few days.
To maximise your chances, there are
Eco Cruises
(1½hr cruise adult/child $53/35;
11am Sat & Sun Jun-
Sep, 11am & 3pm Oct-May) and
Swim Encounter Cruises
(3hr cruises $185;
7.30am mid-Oct-Jan,
11.30am mid-Dec-Apr) .
The centre also has lots of dolphin information, and tanks with lobsters and seahorses. Volunteers must commit
to at least six weeks' full-time involvement.
Mantra
( 08-9721 0100;
www.mantra.com.au
; 1 Holman St; apt from $209; )
One of the most un-
usual heritage conversions we've seen, the Mantra has sculpted a set of modern studios
and apartments around four grain silos by the harbour. Deluxe rooms have spa baths and
full kitchens.
APARTMENT
$$
5
Eating
Mot's Cafe
(17 Prinsep St, Shop 5, Central Arcade; snacks & mains $5-15; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat)
Tasty Cocos
Malay-style food from a friendly family originally from the Cocos Islands off the north-
western coast of Australia.
MALAYSIAN
$
Benesse
(83 Victoria St; mains $10-18; 7.30am-5.30pm)
Chic and petite, Benesse serves tasty toasties,
salads, pizza and all-day breakfasts.
CAFE
$
