Bonython's lifetime interests in conservation and exploration were first publicly recognised by his appointment as President, Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch, in 1959.
[6][7] In 1973, he and friend Charles McCubbin[8] walked 463 kilometres north-south across the Simpson Desert, pulling a 250-kilogram loaded trailer dubbed "the Comalco Camel",[9] the trek lasting 32 days.
[7] Source:[13] In his early years, Warren Bonython owned the first MG sports car in South Australia, and set the speed record on Sellicks Beach.
After World War II, he returned with his family to Adelaide, and from this base continued to plan long walks, in outback South Australia and elsewhere.
[23] In 2000 it was announced: "The undeveloped allotment at 22 Romalo Avenue Magill, formerly owned by Warren and Bunty Bonython, is being amalgamated with the adjoining walkway to form a reserve to be known as Young Park.
Her written works include a brief history of Beaumont House,[26] and two books about St George's Church Magill, where she has been the honorary historian for many years.