Australia Day 2023: City of Bunbury gears up for Skyfest headlined by new-look firework display

A fun-filled, action-packed day is slated for the January 26 public holiday as Bunbury gears up to welcome back Skyfest with a bang. Headlined by a new-look fireworks display over the picturesque Koombana Foreshore, Skyfest will be making its return with a wide range of family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the Bunbury CBD. The day’s festivities will kick off from 5am with the Wardan Sunrise Ceremony taking place at the Nedigar Ngoorndingy Memorial Park, followed by the Mayor’s Citizenship awards and breakfast at Bicentennial Square. Other activities set to take place as part of Skyfest include The Apprentice and Traineeship Company Fun Run, Tai Chi classes, a special Australia Day sailing race, Bunbury’s Strongest Men and Women competitions, Dinner at Dusk, Carey Park Scouts obstacle course, live music and a Kids Fun Zone presented by the South West Development Commission. Various local businesses are also getting in amongst the Skyfest action, with the Dolphin Discovery Centre and Taffys hosting fun activities and events throughout the day. Skyfest will end with a bang from 8:30pm as the fireworks display takes place over Koombana Bay in a change in location from the Leschenault Inlet from previous years. Bunbury Mayor, Jaysen Miguel, said Skyfest is always a big event for the City which has proven incredibly popular amongst locals and visitors over the years. “There’s so much to do from the young all the way through to the old so there’s something for everyone and hopefully the weather on the day will be fantastic as well,” he said. “We’ve got a multimillion dollar foreshore now which we’re really able to utilise all the way from the Dolphin Discovery Centre to the Casuarina Boat Harbour, so hopefully everyone really enjoys it. “For as long as I can remember the fireworks have gone off over the Inlet so the main reason why we moved it this year is to prevent shutting down the Youth Precinct. “(This year) is probably going to be more viewable for as many people around the area. “Now that we’re back into the full swing of things we’re looking forward to seeing everybody enjoying it and taking advantage of the beautiful spot that we have.”