Things to Do in Busselton

 

Things to Do in Busselton This summer

Here are our top picks to while away the time in near Busso.

Climb the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Chase ghost stories and shipwreck legends at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. You’ll hear plenty of yarns about shipwrecks, hardships and the spell of the coast. The stunning views of Geographe Bay are not just a bonus touch.

Seek Bliss at a Day Spa in Yallingup

Unwind and relax before the winter blues kick on in Yallingup. The area offers a wide range of day spas. You can bliss out with a massage, herbal body treatment and plenty of food and drinks. The Bodhi J is a good choice, with its pristine views.

Go to the Busselton Jetty

There is much to explore at the Busselton Jetty. The Underwater Observatory may be weather dependent, but you can always catch the jetty train.  Better still, stretch your legs and go for a stroll. The walk to the end is about 1.9km. Keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of a whale.

Grab Some Fish and Chips from the Equinox            

The Equinox boasts scenic views of the Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay. You can even get some takeaway fish chips and have a picnic on the foreshore (weather gods willing). But, you should head there around 5pm to catch the sunset.

Things to do in Busselton for Kids

Here are our top picks for things to do in Busselton with your kids.

Visit the Busselton Jetty

Ride the Jetty train at Busselton Jetty with the kids, and drink in the views of Geographe Bay. You might catch a glimpse of playful dolphins, and local fishermen at work. Let the kids take in the magic of the Underwater Observatory. Gaze at the breathtakingly beautiful world of vibrant marine life. If the family is up to it, you can try scuba diving or underwater walking.

Have a Beach Day at the Meelup Beach

The crystal clear water and the serene ambiance of Meelup Beach will captivate you. The beach is immaculate, and great for chilling out. You’ll find plenty of lawn areas, tables, amenities such as toilets and ample parking.

Get Close to Nature at the Tuart Forest National Park

The magnificent tuart trees create a fairytale-like forest to walk or drive through. Yopu can also spot some wildflowers including orchids with the forest. The Tuart Forest is home to a large population of western ringtail possum. Water birds from neighbouring wetlands use the forest as a nesting area. The park offers a possum spotting trail in the night.

Treat Them to Water Adventures at Busselton Aquatastic

Busselton Aquatastic Water Park packs loads of fun for kids. Lifeguards will keep the kids safe while they slide, splash and squeal with delight. They offer plenty of shade and a café for coffee for adults.

Things to Do in Busselton

Chasing possums, forest adventures and leisurely coffee breaks are only some of the things you can do in Busselton. Here are our top picks.

Checkout the Tuart Forest National Park

Nestled between the Bussell Hwy and the sea, this forest is home to majestic tuart trees. These trees are unique to the area, because they are the only eucalypt species that can thrive in limestone soils. The Tuart Forest is also a safe haven for water birds that feed off the neighbouring wetland and western ringtail possum. There are two picnic spots in the park.

Go on a Possum Spotlighting Trail

Apart from picnicking amongst the tall tuart trees, the Tuart Forest National Park is great for spotting possums. You could go on this hike during the day or after dusk. If you pick a daylight hike, you will find spectacular views adorned with wildflowers and birds. But, in the light of the moon, both possum and brushtail possum become more energetic and playful.

Seek Thrilling Adventure at the Forest Adventures Park

If you crave adventure, book a session at the Forest Adventures Park. You just have to drive for about 10 minutes from Busselton to get there. And, we promise, you will love the adrenaline rush that awaits. You could glide across the 500 meter flying fox run or gear up to climb a rock. They even offer unicycle rides.

Try a Geographe Path Bike Ride

This activity is not for the faint hearted. Geographe Path is scattered with breathtaking coastal views and easy access to picturesque beaches. And, what do you have to do to savour this beauty? Simply hire a bike and pedal across the Geographe Path. That pathway stretches all the way to Dunsborough.

Coffee Shops and Restaurants

Once you have had enough adventure, you can treat yourself to a lingering meal and coffee. Urban Coffee House is a great spot for brunch. And their coffee is out of this world (try Dark Horse). The Goose combines seafood, cocktails and captivating views of Geographe Bay and Busselton Jetty. And if you are chasing bar vibes with natty wines and craft beer, you should check out the Fire Station.

Things to do in Busselton this Summer

Busselton, located on the southwest tip of Western Australia, is a short hop from the world-renowned Margaret River wine region.  Twice crowned as Western Australia’s Top Tourism Town, it is known for its sheltered beach and seasonal humpback whales.  Most importantly, it is famous for its 19th-century jetty.  In conclusion, Busselton satisfies all tastes and budgets. For more information on Busselton, please visit; www.busselton.wa.gov.au/City-of-Busselton

Busselton Jetty

Crowned as the Top Major Tourist Attraction in 2018, the Busselton Jetty is a must-see when you visit Busselton.  The jetty is 1.8 km long and ranks as the longest in the Southern Hemisphere and second longest in the world.  Visit the Busselton Jetty, the greatest artificial reef in Australia, and explore the natural wonders that lie beneath it. For more information, please visit; www.westernaustralia.com/us/Attraction/Busselton_Jetty

⮚ Underwater Observatory

Firstly, explore one of only six underwater observatories in the world at the Busselton Jetty.  Descend 8-metres below the ocean’s surface to marvel at the vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.  Further, observe more than 300 marine species in their natural habitat through the viewing windows at various levels. For more information, please visit; www.busseltonjetty.com.au/underwater-observatory/

⮚ Jetty Train

Secondly, experience the solar-powered electric jetty train, which is the perfect way to experience Busselton Jetty.  Sit back and relax on your 1.7 km journey across the calm, clear waters of Geographe Bay.  Enjoy the glimpses of dolphins frolicking as you journey. For more information, please visit; www.busseltonjetty.com.au/jetty-train/

⮚ Seasonal Activities

Thirdly, enjoy the summer activities such as mermaid tours, jet boat adventures, diving, snorkelling, under-sea walk, canoe tours and creative art classes.  You can make a booking for any of the following activities as follows; Email: bookings@busseltonjetty.com.au Phone: 9754 0900 Or visit the Interpretive Centre at the base of the jetty

⮚ Mermaid Tours

Let yourself be bewitched by the mermaids of the Busselton Jetty during summer, beginning 2nd January 2021.  Watch the magical mermaids swim past the windows of the Underwater Observatory.  However, note that tours are on selected Saturday mornings only.  As such, it is recommended to book these tours well in advance.

⮚ Dive, Snorkel and Undersea Walk

Be at this amazing and wonder-filled place beneath the Busselton Jetty that has changing views from minute to minute.  Get up close and personal with the amazing marine world.

⮚ Jet Boat Adventures

Go on a jet boat thrill ride adventure on the open waters.  Experience exhilarating 270o spins, power brake stops, donuts & fishtails with a speed of up to 90 km/hour.

⮚ Canoe Tours

Firstly, take off on a 1.5-hour journey along and under the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.  Secondly, explore the marine life of Busselton.  And finally, learn all about the environment & sustainability as well as the history of Geographe Bay.

⮚ Prosecco & Pastels

Unleash your inner artist and create your own jetty art in this creative and fun art class.  Let the sparkling wine, the delicious grazing board and the amazing view of the Jetty coax your artistic talents to come out.  All equipment will be provided in this art class for you to create your own amazing artwork and take it home as memorabilia. For more information, please visit; www.busseltonjetty.com.au/seasonal-activities/

Geographe Bay

The idyllic Geographe Bay boasts of sweeping Indian Ocean views, white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters.  Have a fun-filled outing with your family beside the sea and enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking or sailing.  Have a relaxing stroll and soak in the sunrise and sunset along the north-facing shoreline of the bay. For more information, please visit; www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destination/Geographe/

The Busselton Museum

The Heritage Butter Factory/Busselton Museum portrays Busselton’s diverse agricultural, forestry and maritime history as well as its past citizens.  The museum is nestled on the banks of the picturesque Vasse River and displays its exhibits contained in ten display rooms. For more information, please visit; busseltonmuseum.org.au/

As the gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region, Busselton is one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist destinations – and it’s no secret why. Busselton is as popular for its heritage and history as one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements sites as it is for its stunning coastline, marine life, laid back beach lifestyle and friendly locals.

Here you will find a myriad of things to do, whether it’s taking in the pristine white sandy beaches of Geographe Bay or enjoying Busselton’s picturesque foreshore; sipping on a local wine or fishing, Busselton has something for every traveller.

Things To Do In Busselton

Regarded as the ‘capital’ of the Margaret River Wine region, private winery tours are a popular leisure activity. A number of tour companies operate in the area and usually include pick up from your accommodation. They will ensure you get the best out of your tour and enjoy the best local wines around the Margaret River Wine Region. The more adventurous can enjoy deep-sea fishing; whale watching or night sailing (until the end of March).

Busselton is also home to Climbtastic, the tallest rocking climbing wall in the Southern Hemisphere. Centered around the Old Courthouse and Agricultural Buildings on Queen Street, the ArtGeo Cultural Complex is a haven of local arts and cultural events, with the ArtGeo Gallery and Courthouse Gallery a must-see.

Movie buffs may wish to check out the flicks on offer at the Busselton Drive-In Outdoor Cinema. Once you’ve spent the day sight-seeing or enjoying Busselton’s stunning coastline, take some time to enjoy some shopping along the famous Fig Tree Lane; or watch the world go by as you relax in the one of the trendy small bars and cafes.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Extending some 1.8 kilometres over the waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage listed Busselton Jetty is a stroll with a difference. It is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and has its very own train line. You can walk along the pier or hop aboard the 50-seat Jetty Train, which runs the length of the jetty, and tours leave at several times each day.

50 metres along the Jetty is the Interpretive Centre, which houses the Cultural Heritage Museum, as well as giftwares, homewares and souvenirs. Once you’ve walked or ridden along the length of the jetty, be sure to visit the Underwater Observatory. Designed to accommodate up to 40 people at any one time, the Observatory descends eight metres below the surface, and features 11 viewing windows from which visitors can view the stunning array of over 300 species of brightly coloured tropical and sub-tropical fish, corals and sponges.

Another point of interest is the nearby Cape Naturalist Lighthouse, from the top of which visitors can experience amazing panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Geographe Bay and Cape Naturaliste. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available, in which participants can learn about the rich history of the area, as well as listen to some very eerie local ghost stories!

Accommodation

Luxury accommodation is abundant in Busselton, with many resorts perched on the beachfront to choose from. One of the most popular is Abbey Beach Resort, which offers luxury studio rooms and apartments, most of which have private balconies; as well as a full range of facilities, including a gym, restaurant, heated indoor pool and squash court. If you’re travelling in a group, Forte Cape View Apartments offers value for money with two and three bedroom, self-contained units with a huge range of facilities on site.

If backpacking is more your style, there is no better spot for backpackers than Dunsborough Beachhouse YHA Hostel. Located in nearby Dunsborough and overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean, the hostel offers a large range of facilities and mixed; female and male share, as well as private rooms are all available. Back in Busselton, the Restawhile motel offers budget, self-contained accommodation. Busselton is no short of budget accommodation either, with many camping and caravan grounds dotted around Geographe Bay.

Sandy Bay Holiday Park is an ideal place to base yourself if you want to test the local surf, and the camp offers a free tour booking service. The site has caravan and powered campsites available. Another pristine alternative is Peppermint Park Eco Village, which has camping and caravan sites available, as well as a number of chalets. The park is a mere 300-metre stroll to the stunning Geographe Bay.

How To Get There

Your seaside escape is a little over 2 hours by car from Perth. Take the Forrest Highway and then follow the signs for the Bussell Highway. Alternatively, South West Coach Lines can get you there in comfort, whilst Virgin Australia can get you there in just 45 minutes, with flights running three times per week. Perth to Margaret River