Bunurong Marine National Park

Bunurong Marine National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Bunurong Marine National Park at a Glance

Location
Victoria & Western NSW Riverlands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-38.696102, 145.652850
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Bunurong Marine National Park

Nearest airport: King Island Airport (KNS), 202 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hobart Airport (HBA), 486 km away.

Weather & Climate in Bunurong Marine National Park

The warmest temperatures in Bunurong Marine National Park occur in January, averaging 18.9°C (up to 22.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 10.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 56.0mm. Average humidity: 73.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 18.9°C (rainfall: 86.1mm)
  • February: 18.3°C (rainfall: 56.6mm)
  • March: 17.5°C (rainfall: 56.0mm)
  • April: 15.0°C (rainfall: 104.6mm)
  • May: 12.7°C (rainfall: 93.4mm)
  • June: 11.0°C (rainfall: 95.9mm)
  • July: 10.5°C (rainfall: 74.0mm)
  • August: 11.4°C (rainfall: 89.8mm)
  • September: 12.5°C (rainfall: 98.5mm)
  • October: 13.5°C (rainfall: 129.2mm)
  • November: 15.6°C (rainfall: 89.0mm)
  • December: 16.8°C (rainfall: 74.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Bunurong Marine National Park

The best months to visit Bunurong Marine National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 18.87°C, rainfall 86.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 75.6%
  • February: Good, temperature 18.29°C, rainfall 56.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 73.3%
  • March: Good, temperature 17.49°C, rainfall 56mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • April: Poor, temperature 15.02°C, rainfall 104.6mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • May: Poor, temperature 12.67°C, rainfall 93.4mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 78.4%
  • June: Poor, temperature 11.03°C, rainfall 95.9mm, sunshine 6.6 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • July: Poor, temperature 10.5°C, rainfall 74mm, sunshine 6.6 hrs, humidity 79.2%
  • August: Poor, temperature 11.43°C, rainfall 89.8mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 77.4%
  • September: Good, temperature 12.52°C, rainfall 98.5mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 75.1%
  • October: Poor, temperature 13.47°C, rainfall 129.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 15.64°C, rainfall 89mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 75.4%
  • December: Good, temperature 16.79°C, rainfall 74.1mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 73.4%

Wildlife in Bunurong Marine National Park

Home to 67 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 10 tropical birds, 9 birds of prey, 7 iconic birds, 3 big herbivores, 2 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Bunurong Marine National Park

Based on average temperature of 14.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 14°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Bunurong Marine National Park

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Victoria & Western NSW Riverlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Bunurong Marine National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Bunurong Marine National Park for marine wildlife viewing and what can I expect?

The warmer months from November to April are ideal for exploring Bunurong Marine National Park, offering calmer waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. During this period, you have the best chance to spot diverse marine life like Weedy Seadragons and various fish species in their natural habitat along the coast.

What unique marine wildlife can I expect to see while snorkeling or diving in Bunurong Marine National Park?

Bunurong Marine National Park is renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems, particularly the distinctive Weedy Seadragons, which are a highlight for many visitors. You can also encounter various colorful reef fish, sea stars, and potentially even small sharks or rays in the park's protected waters.

Are there entry fees or specific permits required to access Bunurong Marine National Park for recreational activities?

No, there are no direct entry fees to access Bunurong Marine National Park itself, as it is a protected public area managed by Parks Victoria. However, if you plan to join guided snorkeling tours, diving excursions, or hire equipment, these services will incur separate costs from local operators.

What are the key safety considerations for visitors exploring Bunurong Marine National Park's coastal and underwater environments?

When visiting Bunurong Marine National Park, prioritize marine safety by checking local weather and tide conditions before entering the water. Always be mindful of currents, wear appropriate sun protection, and be aware of marine hazards like rocks or stinging jellyfish, though malaria risk is non-existent in this region of Australia.

Given its low crowding level, what kind of tranquil experiences can I expect at Bunurong Marine National Park compared to busier marine parks?

With its low crowding level (1/5), Bunurong Marine National Park offers a more peaceful and intimate experience with nature. You can enjoy unhurried exploration of its extensive rock pools, quiet walks along the pristine coastline, and less congested snorkeling or diving spots, allowing for better wildlife observation.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.