BUSSELTON - WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Discover Busselton, Western Australia. Explore the famous Busselton Jetty, beaches, Geographe Bay, wineries, caves, wildlife and the best Busselton tours and experiences.

WEST AUSTRALIA'S SEASIDE GATEWAY TO THE MARGARET RIVER REGION

Busselton is one of Western Australia's most appealing coastal destinations — a relaxed seaside city on the shores of Geographe Bay and the gateway to the famous Margaret River wine region.

Its headline attraction is impossible to miss. The historic Busselton Jetty stretches almost 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay, making it the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. But the jetty is only part of the story.

Beyond the foreshore are calm beaches, wineries, breweries, forests, caves, wildlife experiences, walking trails and some of the South West's best food and produce. Busselton also makes an excellent base for exploring nearby Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cape Naturaliste and the wider Margaret River region.

BlueSun Travel can help you arrange Busselton tours, day trips, sightseeing experiences and holidays throughout the South West of Western Australia.

👉 View Busselton Tours →

WHY VISIT BUSSELTON?

Busselton manages something that many Australian holiday destinations struggle with: it is both an attraction and a very good place to simply spend a few days.

The foreshore is relaxed, the waters of Geographe Bay are relatively protected, and the town has developed into a serious food, wine, arts and tourism destination without losing its holiday-town character.

Then there is the Jetty.

The Busselton Jetty began life in 1865 and has grown over more than 150 years into one of Western Australia's most recognisable landmarks. Today you can walk along it, ride the jetty train, visit the Underwater Observatory and explore marine life beneath the surface.

For visitors, Busselton offers an unusually broad mix:

❖ Famous heritage attractions
❖ Beautiful beaches and swimming
❖ Busselton Jetty and the Underwater Observatory
❖ Whale watching and marine experiences
❖ Wineries, breweries and local produce
❖ Caves and forests
❖ Walking and cycling
❖ Family attractions
❖ Day tours through the Margaret River region
❖ Easy access from Perth

THINGS TO DO IN BUSSELTON

The choice is yours

Walk the Busselton Jetty

You really cannot come to Busselton and ignore the Jetty.

Extending approximately 1.8 kilometres across Geographe Bay, this heritage-listed structure is the city's defining attraction and one of the most photographed landmarks in Western Australia.

Walking the full length gives you an entirely different perspective of the coastline and Geographe Bay. If you would rather save your legs, the Jetty Train travels approximately 1.7 kilometres across the water.

At the end of the Jetty, the Busselton Underwater Observatory takes you below the surface to see the marine environment around the Jetty without getting wet. The Observatory sits around eight metres below sea level and has viewing windows into the underwater world.

Don't miss: The Jetty is worth visiting even if you only have a few hours in Busselton.


Explore Geographe Bay

Busselton faces north across the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay, creating a very different coastal environment from the exposed beaches further south.

The foreshore is ideal for swimming, walking, cycling, relaxing and family holidays, while the bay provides opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife watching and other marine activities.

The calm waters and extensive foreshore also make Busselton an easy destination for travellers who want a beach holiday without giving up access to wineries, restaurants and sightseeing.


Discover the Busselton Foreshore

The Busselton foreshore is more than a place to walk down to the Jetty.

It has become a destination in its own right, with beaches, playgrounds, cafes, restaurants, recreation areas and easy access to the Jetty precinct. The combination makes it particularly attractive to families, while adults have plenty of reasons to linger around the waterfront.

The foreshore also provides an excellent starting point for exploring Busselton on foot or by bicycle.

Busselton Foreshore

4.7ParkOpen

BUSSELTON TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

Best things to do in Busselton

Busselton is an excellent base for exploring the South West, and a good tour can make considerably more sense than trying to organise every attraction independently.

From Busselton you can explore the Margaret River wine region, visit caves and forests, discover the coastline, look for wildlife or combine several experiences into a full-day South West tour.

Popular Busselton experiences include:

❖ Busselton Jetty tours and experiences
❖ Jetty Train and Underwater Observatory
❖ Margaret River wine tours
❖ Winery and gourmet food tours
❖ Cape Naturaliste and Dunsborough sightseeing
❖ Whale watching
❖ Wildlife experiences
❖ Cave tours
❖ Coastal sightseeing
❖ Private and small-group tours
❖ Full-day South West excursions

See our Busselton Tours → page for the latest tours and experiences available from Busselton.

BUSSELTON, MARGARET RIVER & SOUTHWEST

Exploring the Southwest

One of Busselton's biggest advantages is its location.

Busselton sits at the northern end of the Margaret River region, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the South West. Dunsborough is close by, while Yallingup, Cape Naturaliste, Margaret River and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park are all within easy reach by car.

This means you don't necessarily have to choose between a Busselton holiday and a Margaret River holiday.

You can have both.

Busselton provides the beaches and bay; Margaret River provides the vineyards, gourmet produce and dramatic coastline; and the national park adds forests, caves, cliffs and walking trails.

Related BlueSun Travel destinations:

❖ Dunsborough
❖ Margaret River
❖ Yallingup
❖ Cape Naturaliste
❖ Augusta
❖ Margaret River Wine Region

BUSSELTON BEACHES & COASTAL ESCAPES

The coastline around Busselton is one of its greatest attractions.

Geographe Bay's protected waters provide a gentler alternative to some of the more exposed beaches further south, while the broader region offers spectacular coastal scenery.

For travellers who enjoy getting out on the water, Busselton can also be a base for:

❖ Whale watching
❖ Fishing
❖ Swimming
❖ Snorkelling
❖ Diving
❖ Kayaking
❖ Wildlife cruises
❖ Coastal sightseeing

From May through to December, the wider South West coastline also becomes part of the annual whale migration, with whales passing through the waters offshore.

BlueSun Travel Tip: If whale watching is a priority, don't assume the best experience will necessarily be from Busselton itself. We can help you choose the right location and tour for the season.

WINE, FOOD & LOCAL PRODUCE

Come taste the local wines and food

The coastline around Busselton is one of its greatest attractions.

Geographe Bay's protected waters provide a gentler alternative to some of the more exposed beaches further south, while the broader region offers spectacular coastal scenery.

For travellers who enjoy getting out on the water, Busselton can also be a base for:

❖ Whale watching
❖ Fishing
❖ Swimming
❖ Snorkelling
❖ Diving
❖ Kayaking
❖ Wildlife cruises
❖ Coastal sightseeing

From May through to December, the wider South West coastline also becomes part of the annual whale migration, with whales passing through the waters offshore.

BlueSun Travel Tip: If whale watching is a priority, don't assume the best experience will necessarily be from Busselton itself. We can help you choose the right location and tour for the season.

BUSSELTON FOR FAMILIES

Busselton is one of the easiest destinations in Western Australia for a family holiday.

The combination of protected bay waters, open foreshore, playgrounds, the Jetty, train rides and family-friendly attractions means there is plenty to keep children occupied without having to drive somewhere different every day.

The Busselton Jetty precinct itself has a number of family attractions, including the Jetty Train, Underwater Observatory and Marine Discovery Centre.

For families, Busselton is also useful because you can mix active days with slower beach days — something that becomes increasingly valuable once everyone has had enough of sitting in a car.

BUSSELTON HISTORY & HERITAGE

Busselton is one of the easiest destinations in Western Australia for a family holiday.

The combination of protected bay waters, open foreshore, playgrounds, the Jetty, train rides and family-friendly attractions means there is plenty to keep children occupied without having to drive somewhere different every day.

The Busselton Jetty precinct itself has a number of family attractions, including the Jetty Train, Underwater Observatory and Marine Discovery Centre.

For families, Busselton is also useful because you can mix active days with slower beach days — something that becomes increasingly valuable once everyone has had enough of sitting in a car.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BUSSELTON?

Busselton in four seasons

Summer — December to February

The obvious choice for a traditional beach holiday. Warm weather, long days and excellent conditions for enjoying the foreshore and Geographe Bay.

Autumn — March to May

One of my preferred times to visit the South West. The weather is generally pleasant, the summer crowds have eased and the region's food and wine experiences are particularly appealing.

Winter — June to August

Don't write Busselton off in winter. This is a good time for food and wine, forests, caves and coastal sightseeing, while the cooler weather can make exploring the region very enjoyable.

Spring — September to November

A particularly attractive time for exploring the South West, with wildflowers, improving weather and increasing wildlife activity.

BlueSun Insight: Busselton isn't simply a summer beach destination. Its location makes it a useful year-round base for exploring the Margaret River region.

HOW TO GET TO BUSSELTON?

Directions to Busselton from Perth

From Perth

Busselton is approximately a 2½-hour drive south of Perth, making it an easy road-trip destination for a long weekend or longer South West holiday.

By Air

Busselton Margaret River Airport is approximately 6.5 kilometres from the centre of Busselton and provides another option for reaching the region.

Getting Around

A car is useful if you want to explore the wider Margaret River region, particularly wineries, beaches, caves and national park attractions.

However, if your priority is Busselton itself, much of the foreshore and Jetty precinct can be explored without constantly getting behind the wheel.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN BUSSELTON?

What is a decent amount of time to stay in Busselton

For the Busselton Jetty and foreshore, one day is enough to see the major attractions.

For a proper Busselton holiday, I would suggest 2–3 nights.

This gives you time to:

❖ Explore the Jetty
❖ Enjoy the foreshore and beaches
❖ Take a Margaret River wine or food tour
❖ Visit Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste
❖ Explore caves or forests
❖ Enjoy a long lunch or dinner
❖ Add a wildlife or whale-watching experience

Stay longer and Busselton becomes an excellent base for a much broader South West itinerary.

WHERE TO STAY IN BUSSELTON

Busselton offers a wide range of accommodation, from beachfront resorts and holiday apartments to hotels, villas, holiday parks and family accommodation.

For a first visit, staying close to the foreshore and Jetty is particularly convenient if you want to walk to the waterfront, restaurants and major attractions.

Alternatively, staying further along Geographe Bay can provide a quieter holiday atmosphere while still keeping Busselton's attractions within easy reach.

BLUESUN INSIGHT

What the experts think at BlueSun Travel

❖ BLUESUN INSIGHT

Busselton is often treated as a stop on the way to Margaret River. That's selling it short.

The Jetty is the headline attraction, but the real strength of Busselton is its position. You can spend the morning beside Geographe Bay, visit the Jetty, head into the Margaret River wine country for lunch and be back on the coast for sunset.

For travellers who don't want to change hotels every night, Busselton makes a very good South West base. And for families, the combination of beach, attractions, restaurants and easy day trips is difficult to beat.

Our advice: don't just stop at the Jetty, take the time to experience Busselton and use it as your launchpad into the South West.

IS BUSSELTON WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely.

Busselton has the rare ability to work for several different types of traveller. It is a beach destination, a family destination, a food and wine destination, a gateway to the Margaret River region and one of the easiest places in Western Australia to combine coastal sightseeing with inland exploration.

And then there is the Jetty — one of those Australian attractions that really does live up to the photographs.

If you're travelling through Western Australia, Busselton deserves more than a quick stop for a photograph of the Jetty.


EXPLORE BUSSELTON WITH BLUESUN TRAVEL

Let the experts at BlueSun Travel guide

From a simple Busselton sightseeing experience to a full South West itinerary, BlueSun Travel can help you choose the right tours and experiences for your holiday.

Explore our Busselton tours and discover the Margaret River region, Geographe Bay and the spectacular South West of Western Australia.

👉 View Busselton Tours →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs - BUSSELTON

Busselton is best known for the historic Busselton Jetty, which extends approximately 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay. The city is also known for its beaches, food and wine, and its position at the northern end of the Margaret River region.

Busselton is approximately a 2½-hour drive south of Perth, making it a popular weekend and short-break destination.

Yes. Busselton combines a spectacular coastline, the famous Busselton Jetty, family attractions, food and wine and easy access to the wider Margaret River region.

Two to three nights is a good starting point for experiencing Busselton and taking a day trip into the Margaret River region. Longer stays work well if you want to explore the South West at a slower pace.

Yes. The Jetty can be visited throughout the year, although specific attractions such as the train and Underwater Observatory operate subject to operating schedules and weather or ocean conditions.

The Busselton Jetty, Underwater Observatory, Jetty Train, Busselton foreshore, Geographe Bay, food and wine experiences and tours into the Margaret River region are among the major experiences.

Yes. Busselton is an excellent base for day tours into the Margaret River region, including wineries, caves, beaches, forests and coastal attractions.

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Discover more of our amazing tours throughout Perth and Western Australia:

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👉 Book your Whale Watching Tours →

For more information on travelling to or staying in Busselton,or any of our tous, call us now:

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