Busselton Western Australia: The Jewel of Geographe Bay

Busselton, located on Western Australia’s southwest coast, is a stunning seaside town known for its pristine beaches, world-famous jetty, and laid-back coastal charm. As the gateway to the Margaret River region, Busselton offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, gourmet food and wine, and family-friendly attractions.

Whether you’re walking along the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, diving beneath the waves at the Underwater Observatory, or exploring nearby wineries and national parks, Busselton is a must-visit destination in WA.

Top Attractions in Busselton

1. Busselton Jetty & Underwater Observatory 🌊🐠

• 1.8 km long, Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Take the Jetty Train to the end, or enjoy a scenic walk over the turquoise waters.
• The Underwater Observatory lets you descend 8 meters to see coral, fish, and marine life up close.
• Snorkeling and diving tours are also available.

2. Geographe Bay 🏝️🚣‍♂️

• A calm, crystal-clear bay perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Offers safe beaches and gentle waves, making it ideal for families.
• Best beaches in Busselton:
  • Meelup Beach – A white sandy paradise with calm waters.
  • Dunsborough Beach – A great spot for snorkeling and swimming.
  • Eagle Bay – Stunning, secluded, and perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

3. Tuart Forest National Park 🌳🦉

• Home to one of the last remaining Tuart forests in the world.
• Great for bushwalking, wildlife spotting (possums, owls, and kangaroos), and scenic drives.
• Best explored at sunset when the forest comes alive with nocturnal animals.

4. ArtGeo Cultural Complex 🎨🏛️

• Busselton’s art and heritage hub, featuring local galleries, historic buildings, and exhibitions.
• The Old Courthouse has been transformed into an art space and café.

5. Ludlow Tuart Forest Scenic Drive 🚗🌲

• A peaceful scenic drive through towering ancient Tuart trees.
• One of Western Australia’s most beautiful self-drive routes.

6. Busselton Foreshore & Skate Park 🏖️🎢

• A family-friendly beachfront area with playgrounds, picnic spots, and BBQ facilities.
• Features one of the biggest skate parks in Australia.

7. Ngilgi Cave 🕳️

• A stunning limestone cave with crystal formations near Yallingup (30 minutes from Busselton).
• Offers self-guided tours, adventure caving, and cultural experiences.

8. Wonnerup House & Wetlands 🏡🌿

• A historic homestead built in 1859, offering a glimpse into Busselton’s colonial past.
• Nearby wetlands are home to rare bird species and scenic walking trails.

9. The Busselton Jetty Swim (Annual Event – February) 🏊‍♂️🏆

• A famous open-water swimming event where participants swim around the jetty.
• Attracts swimmers from all over Australia.

10. Whale Watching (September–December) 🐋

• Humpback and southern right whales migrate along the Busselton coast.
• Take a whale-watching cruise from Geographe Bay for a close-up view.

Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips from Busselton 🚗🌊

1. Margaret River Wine Region 🍷

• Just 30 minutes from Busselton, this region is famous for world-class wineries.
• Must-visit wineries:
  • Vasse Felix – The oldest winery in Margaret River.
  • Leeuwin Estate – Known for fine dining, premium wines, and art galleries.
  • Xanadu Wines – Offers wine tastings and gourmet platters.

2. Cape Naturaliste & Lighthouse ⛯

• A historic lighthouse with panoramic coastal views.
• Offers whale-watching spots and stunning walking trails.

3. Meelup Regional Park 🌿🏝️

• Features secluded beaches, wildflowers, and bushwalking trails.
• Great for picnics and swimming in calm, turquoise waters.

4. Hamelin Bay & the Friendly Stingrays 🏖️🦈

• A beautiful beach where wild stingrays swim close to shore.
• Visitors can wade into the water and watch them glide past.

5. Blackwood River National Park 🚣‍♂️

• Perfect for kayaking, fishing, and camping.
• A great place to see native Australian wildlife.

Busselton’s Food & Drink Scene 🍽️🍷

1. Must-Try Local Specialties

• Fresh seafood – Crayfish, snapper, and WA rock lobster.
• Margaret River wines – Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.
• Gourmet cheese and chocolate – From local producers.

2. Best Restaurants & Cafés ☕🍽️

• The Goose Beach Bar & Kitchen – Beachfront dining with fresh seafood.
• Bistro Breton – Authentic French crêpes and pastries.
• Origins Market – A food hall and market showcasing local produce.
• Urban Coffee House – One of the best spots for brunch and specialty coffee.

3. Best Breweries & Distilleries 🍺

• Shelter Brewing Co. – A beachfront brewery with craft beers and great food.
• Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. – Known for sustainably brewed craft beers.
• Wise Wine Distillery – Offers both wine and gin tastings.

Where to Stay in Busselton 🏨

Luxury & Boutique Stays ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Aqua Resort Busselton – A luxury beachfront resort with private villas.
• Smiths Beach Resort – A 5-star coastal retreat near Yallingup.

Mid-Range & Family-Friendly Stays ⭐⭐⭐

• Bayview Geographe Resort – Self-contained apartments near the beach.
• Busselton Beach Resort – A great stay for families with a pool and tennis courts.

Budget & Camping Options 💰🏕️

• BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Offers cabins, powered sites, and camping.
• RAC Busselton Holiday Park – A great option for road trippers and campers.

Best Time to Visit Busselton ☀️🌊

• Summer (December–February) – Best for beach days, water sports, and outdoor dining.
• Autumn (March–May) – Ideal for vineyard tours and mild coastal walks.
• Winter (June–August) – Great for whale watching and cozying up at a winery.
• Spring (September–November) – Wildflower season, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.

How to Get to Busselton ✈️🚗

• By Air ✈️
  • Busselton-Margaret River Airport (BQB) has direct flights from Melbourne.
• By Car 🚗
  • From Perth: 2.5-hour drive via Forrest Highway.
• By Bus 🚌
  • South West Coach Lines runs buses from Perth to Busselton daily.

Why Visit Busselton?

Busselton is Western Australia’s coastal gem, offering stunning beaches, world-class wineries, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re diving at the Jetty, enjoying fresh seafood, or exploring the Margaret River region, Busselton is a perfect getaway for all travelers.

🏖️🐠🍷 Plan your trip to Busselton and experience WA’s stunning southwest coast