• Australia's only festival to celebrate dolphins
• Thousands of people expected to attend
• Supported by Eventscorp’s Regional Events Scheme
• Funded through Royalties for Regions

Bunbury this weekend celebrates the official opening of the dolphin tourism season with the inaugural Bunbury Dolphin City Festival.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the festival was believed to be the only one of its kind in Australia and would attract thousands of people from Perth and the South-West.

“A pod of more than 160 friendly wild dolphins call Koombana Bay home, and this one-of-a-kind festival celebrates the unique bond we share with them,” Dr Hames said.

“Dolphins have been regularly visiting Bunbury's waters for more than 20 years and visitors can enjoy an eco-cruise; swimming encounters; or feeding time in the shallow waters of the beach.

“This fun, family event features boat tours, market stalls, cooking competitions, children's painting activities and a dolphin calf celebrity naming ceremony.”

The State Government is proud to support the Bunbury Dolphin City Festival through Eventscorp's Regional Events Scheme, funded by the Royalties for Regions program.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said he was pleased to see Royalties for Regions funding supporting new events in regional Western Australia.

“Our regions have so much to offer and it’s great to see events that celebrate the reasons these communities are special and interesting places,” Mr Grylls said.

“In the past two years the Regional Events Scheme has supported more than 100 events.  Much is happening across the State and I encourage everyone to visit the regions and enjoy some memorable experiences.”

Fact File: Bunbury Dolphin City Festival will be held on October 20 and 21, 2012