swimming with dolphins
The early days of the Bunbury Dolphin Trust trace back to a grassroots connection between humans and dolphins in Koombana Bay. In the mid-1960s, a local resident named Mrs Evelyn Smith, affectionately known as The Dolphin Lady, began feeding wild dolphins from a small jetty near her home on the Leschenault Inlet. Her informal interactions drew curious crowds and laid the emotional groundwork for what would become a more structured conservation effort.
After her passing in 1975, dolphin feeding ceased until 1989, when two local businessmen, motivated by Evelyn's legacy, established the Bunbury Dolphin Trust. Their goal was to study & protect the resident bottlenose dolphins while fostering respectful human interaction. That same year, a dolphin specialist was hired to formalize the feeding and observation program.
This led to the creation of the Interaction Zone in 1990, where dolphins could voluntarily engage with visitors. By 1994, the Trust's efforts culminated in the construction of the Dolphin Discovery Centre, a purpose-built facility that combined research, education, and eco-tourism. Officially opened in 1995, the Centre became a cornerstone of Bunbury's marine conservation and a tribute to Evelyn Smith's pioneering spirit.
Mrs. Evelyn Smith, a local Bunbury resident, began feeding a small population of dolphins from a jetty near her home on the Leschenault Inlet. This daily routine created a unique bond between Evelyn and the dolphins, who visited three times a day for fish. Among these dolphins was one named U2, who would later become a regular visitor at the dolphin beach interaction zone. Evelyn’s interactions with these animals became a source of solace and joy after enduring personal tragedy.
By 1969, Evelyn's passion for the dolphins inspired her to invite the wider community to share in the experience. Unfortunately, her efforts to gain support from the government and local businesses to formalize the interactions were met with little interest. Still, her influence lived on long after her passing in 1974.
Fifteen years after Evelyn’s death, the Bunbury Dolphin Trust was founded to continue her vision of fostering human-dolphin connection. Dolphin specialist Steve Honor, with the help of his wife and eight volunteers, took on the task of caring for the dolphin population and structuring the interactions.
The Interaction Zone was established as a safe space for dolphins and people to meet. Among the regular visitors was U2, one of the dolphins originally fed by Evelyn. This milestone solidified a mission of conservation balanced with community engagement. Yet, the town was initially resistant to the concept of a dolphin beach. Local fishermen accused the dolphins of stealing their bait, and some went as far as to inflict injuries or death upon the animals.
The early days of the initiative were humble, operating out of a caravan. Over time, the site progressed to include a container, then added a demountable building, paving, and a fenced area. Funding was a challenge, and the team supported their operations by crafting crab bait cages and souvenirs to raise money. Despite the struggles, their dedication to the project helped it slowly gain traction.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre caught the attention of key figures who shared a passion for wildlife. Steve Irwin, the renowned "Crocodile Hunter", visited to swim with the dolphins and filmed a TV documentary on the dolphin interactions. Shark specialists Ron and Valerie Taylor also came to swim with the dolphins, lending further credibility to the efforts of the Dolphin Trust. Accomplished actor Jack Thompson joined the list of visitors, showing the wide appeal of the dolphin experience, from scientists to celebrities.
The dolphins became more than just ambassadors for marine wildlife—they fostered healing and connection. The centre welcomed visits from health groups, including autistic, suicidal, and disabled individuals. These groups reported incredible moments of connection, as the dolphins demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity to their unique needs. Pregnant women and children also formed special bonds with the dolphins, suggesting these creatures could sense and respond to life's most tender stages and challenges.
The Bunbury Dolphin Trust, located on Koombana Beach in Bunbury, is a special place inviting locals and tourists to meet bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). These dolphins approach the beach several times a day to feed, and a flag is raised to signal their presence. Visitors are guided by a set of rules, a code of conduct that ensures the safety of both dolphins and people. Volunteers are on hand to explain the guidelines, and a free brochure outlining these details is available at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. This initiative allows for harmonious interactions while educating the public about conservation.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre officially opened its doors, fulfilling the Bunbury Dolphin Trust's dream of an educational and interactive hub. This centre focused on raising awareness about dolphin conservation and fostering bonds between people and marine life, showcasing the efforts of countless volunteers and community members.
Bunbury, Western Australia, is located 180 km south of Perth and is often called the "Capital of the Southwest". It's a vibrant coastal town and a hub of industry, featuring a bustling port and lively visitor attractions.
Tourists to Bunbury can enjoy many historical and cultural landmarks, such as historic old buildings including King Cottage (built in the 1880s), the Rose Hotel, St Mark's Church (1842), and the Old Convent of Mercy. There are also museums such as the Boyanup Transport Museum.
Over time, the centre has experienced incredible growth. On one memorable day, over 1000 people gathered on the beach to witness the dolphin interactions, with over 100 dolphins within the immediate vicinity. The centre estimated there were around 200 resident dolphins in Koombana Bay at the time, and 20 regular dolphins who frequently visited the beach.
Through years of personal interactions with these extraordinary wild dolphins, the Dolphin Discovery Centre became more than a local attraction—it was a source of deep personal inspiration. It sparked the idea of writing a book to capture the magic of these encounters. Beyond that, it motivated a return to study and a career dedicated to wildlife and environmental protection. These life-altering experiences stand as a testament to the power of the human connection to nature and the sense of purpose it can ignite.
Today, the Dolphin Discovery Centre stands as a tribute to Evelyn Smith's pioneering spirit, the resilience of the volunteers, and the dolphins themselves. From its humble beginnings as a caravan to a thriving conservation and tourist hub, the centre now plays an essential role in connecting people to the natural marine environment.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre remains a beacon of local love, passion, and persistence—a legacy born from one woman's determination and grown by the collective efforts of a community. Each interaction, from local families to global icons, adds to the centre's story of hope, connection, and conservation.