The holiday resort town of Busselton lies sheltered along the shores of Geographe Bay. Here, visitors can stroll along a seemingly endless white, sandy beach towards Cape Naturaliste, 30 kilometres to the west. A cycle path runs adjacent to the foreshore making this stunning bay accessible to all.
The calm, protected waters of the bay make Busselton a perfect launchpad for water lovers. Here you can swim, snorkel, sail, dive, row, fish or water-ski. The city’s safe swimming beaches and amenities also make it the perfect base for families. Numerous caravan parks located directly behind the beach also make Busselton a great stop-off for travellers with caravans, campers or tents.
The newly refurbished Busselton Foreshore is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with free barbecues, skate park, new children’s playground and beautiful views of the bay and Busselton Jetty. There are cafés and kiosks, and a brewery and accommodation is currently being developed to add to the area’s appeal.
Busselton Jetty
Busselton is best known for its 1.8-kilometre-long, wooden-piled jetty which has survived a cyclone, storm and fire to retain its status as the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. An interpretive centre at the start of the jetty gives visitors an insight into the history. Visitors can stroll along the 148-year-old jetty, or take the jetty train to reach the Underwater Observatory at the end.
Described as one of Australia’s most unique ecotourism sites, and its best artificial reef, the marine life under the jetty is gaining worldwide recognition. Previously the privilege of viewing the colourful corals and abundant fish life was limited to divers and snorkelers. Now people of all ages can descend 12 metres to the sea floor to view over 300 individual species of fish, coral, sponges and invertebrates that live in this unique ecosystem.
Top things to do in Busselton and surrounds
- Visit Wonnerup House, an important surviving example of early farm pioneering. The National Trust grounds include a stately, restored homestead (built 1859) and earlier house (1837) which was later converted into a dairy, plus a kitchen, stables, and blacksmiths workshop, teacher’s quarters and school for visitors to wander through.
- Explore the Vasse – Wonnerup Wetlands. The Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands have been listed by the Ramsar Convention as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’. The wetlands offer a sanctuary to more than 75 bird species.
- Stroll around the heritage listed Old Courthouse Arts Complex, which is Busselton’s oldest building. Comprising a courtroom, jail cells, stable, post office and bond store, it offers a compelling insight into life nearly two centuries ago.
- Discover Tuart Forest National Park - Part of the only remaining natural tuart forest in the entire world, the trees here are estimated to be 300-400 years old.
- Visit the Busselton Museum, located at the Old Butter Factory. There’s 10 display rooms packed with photos, equipment and memorabilia which trace the history of Busselton.
