Published 29 April 2026
Two significant State Government announcements this week represent a combined investment of more than $134 million in Bunbury’s transport connectivity and waterfront infrastructure – reinforcing the city’s standing as a growing regional centre and the capital of the South West.
The return of the Australind train service and the next major stage of the Casuarina Boat Harbour transformation are both projects that matter deeply to our community. Together, they address two key priorities for our community: reliable transport connections to Perth and continued development of our iconic waterfront.
Australind train service returning 29 June 2026
The State Government has confirmed the Australind train service will formally resume on Monday 29 June 2026, with four new modern trains to be introduced in stages.
The return of this service is a significant moment for our community. The rail connection between Bunbury and Perth is more than a transport route – it’s a lifeline that supports commuters, students, families, older residents and visitors, and having it back will make a real difference for our city.
The State Government has committed $45 million in the 2026-27 State Budget to support the service, with plans to work towards doubling the frequency of services by early next year.
The new three-car trains replace railcars that had been in service since 1987 and feature a range of modern improvements including:
- In-seat USB-C charging and LED lighting
- Improved accessibility features
- An onboard buffet
- Dedicated storage for 14 bicycles per train
- Unique First Nations artwork by a local Indigenous artist on each train, celebrating the culture and connection of the South West
The stopping pattern will remain unchanged, with services running the original route between Perth and Bunbury.
A community celebration will be held at Bunbury Passenger Terminal on Sunday 28 June 2026, with more details to come. A public naming competition for the four trains is also open until 18 May via the My Say Transport website.
$89.1 million for next stage of waterfront transformation
The State Government has also announced $89.1 million in the 2026-27 State Budget for Stage 3.2 of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW) project at Casuarina Boat Harbour.
The funding will deliver:
- A new inclusive community recreation precinct supporting the planned accessible fishing platform
- 54 new floating boat pens, nearly doubling current capacity to meet growing demand
- Upgrades to the outer seawall and internal rock revetments
- Land preparation for future commercial leasehold and activation opportunities
Works will be managed by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure in consultation with the South West Development Commission, with delivery through to 2029.
This builds on recent progress under Stage 3.1, which delivered a new northern breakwater, Koombana groyne upgrades, new amenities and improved boat ramp parking. Total State Government investment in Casuarina Boat Harbour now stands at $218 million since 2018.
What this means for our City
These two announcements together represent significant investment in our community and our future.
A reliable, modern rail service strengthens Bunbury’s connectivity and makes our city more accessible – for the people who live here and the people who want to visit, work or study here. The continued transformation of our waterfront enhances one of Bunbury’s greatest natural assets, creating spaces and facilities that serve our boating, fishing and broader community while unlocking future economic opportunities.
As a City, we don’t deliver these projects – they are State Government commitments managed through State agencies. But we recognise their importance to our residents and our future, and we welcome investment that supports Bunbury’s growth and quality of life.
We’ll continue to keep our community informed as both projects progress.
We thank the State Government for its continued investment in Bunbury and the South West.
More information:
- Australind naming competition: Name the new Australind trains | My Say Transport (open until 18 May 2026)
- Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront: Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront - South West Development Commission
The Australind train service is delivered by the Public Transport Authority. The Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project is managed by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure in consultation with the South West Development Commission. Both are State Government funded initiatives.