BUNBURY Bunbury is one of the fastest growing centres that are not ‘mine’ related in Western Australia. Bunbury is also to a small degree a commute city servicing Mandurah and Perth. Bunbury is also a tourist destination for those escaping the heat from the north in the summer months. The city is an ‘old’ centre that is very mindful of its past and is managing the heritage aspects carefully. The first registered sighting of Bunbury was by a French explorer from his ship the Casuarina in 1803. He named the area Port Leschenault after the expedition's botanist. The bay was named Geographe after another ship in the fleet. Bunbury is still an active port. Given the maritime port heritage the number of hotels is not surprising. Some of which are also heritage listed. The Anglican Cathedral has a very high profile. The new Catholic Cathedral is being built in a classic design. Now completed and a lesson on how a modern church should be embraced/built. Other denominations are also represented in the downtown area. The War Memorial, whilst modest is a moving acknowledgment. The Bunbury Lighthouse is a bold proposition. Bunbury is both a holiday and regional service centre. Allow a few days to visit.