Located on the protected shores of Geographe Bay, Busselton is a vacation destination town that attracts both Australians and foreign tourists. Our list of things to do in Busselton, Western Australia (WA), is provided below!
1. What is Busselton, WA, famous for?
In order to maintain its title as the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, Busselton’s 1.8-kilometer-long wooden-piled jetty has withstood a cyclone, storm, and fire. Visitors can learn about the past at an interpretive center at the beginning of the jetty.
2. Does Busselton merit a trip?
With its protected waters in the bay, Busselton also referred to as “Busso,” is the ideal location for water lovers. Busselton draws a lot of families and road-trippers looking for a destination with a variety of amenities and safe swimming beaches.
Busselton, located in Western Australia’s renowned Margaret River region, is a great starting point for exploring the region’s craft breweries, wineries, water sports, other land activities, and more.
You’re sure to enjoy yourself in Busselton because there are numerous attractions available for all interests.
3. How long should I stay in Busselton, WA?
You will have two to three days to spend leisurely exploring the town’s attractions. Busselton is a good place to stop for a midday break if you’re driving further into the South West region.
4. Things to do in Busselton, WA
Spend a day at the beach
This is one of the must-try things to do in Busselton. Give yourself a day off and relax on the beach if you’re worn out from all the traveling. Because the area is peaceful and abundant with marine life, be sure to pack your snorkeling equipment!
Snack time at the Busselton Foreshore
The foreshore along Geographe Bay is a beautiful place to watch a sunset and take in views of the famous jetty. You’re essentially guaranteed to have a swimming spot to yourself with a seemingly endless stretch of white sand beach.
Take a picnic and go to one of the picnic spots with chairs and public grills that are shaded. Bring your snorkeling equipment because dolphins can be seen swimming up and down the bay in the shallow, still waters.
Go to Dunsborough by bicycle
The Busselton Foreshore to Dunsborough is connected by a network of bicycle paths, making it a lovely way to explore more of the Margaret River Region.
The one-way, 24-kilometer ride is the ideal way to get some exercise and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery. This is one of the must-try things to do in Busselton.
Go on a tour of Nocturnal Animals
This one-of-a-kind excursion into the Australian bush takes you out at dusk to see a colony of Woylies in their natural habitat. Woylies, a rare, nocturnal macropod with personalities and tiny kangaroo relatives, are critically endangered.
On tour, you can also see quendas, possums, other wildlife, and endemic flora (click here to check it out). Additionally, you’ll be able to sample locally-made biscuits and bush food.
The excursion is held at a wildlife refuge that has permitted access to its colony of wandering woylies (brush-tailed betting). The tour is also appropriate for children, and a portion of the money earned from it supports the conservation sanctuary’s important work.
View the world’s largest remaining section of pure Tuart Forest
Visit Tuart Forest if you’re looking for amazing things to do in Busselton, Australia. The Eucalyptus gomphocephala trees, some of which are over 33 meters tall and over 10 meters in girth, are thought to be 300 to 400 years old.
Additionally, visit and take a stroll through Tuart Forest National Park to take in the tranquility and native flora of Western Australia.
- Address: Higgins Rd, Capel WA 6271, Australia
Visit a high-wire adventure
Get outside and spend two hours in the forest ziplining, climbing high ropes, and even riding a BMX or skateboarding through trees for the ultimate adrenaline-pumping and enjoyable adventure!
Starting at just 3 meters, you’ll climb to a height of 19 meters above the woodland floor! With each step you take, the activities get longer, more difficult, and wobblier.
The park has a designated zipline course with more than seven zips that culminate in a longer-than-150-meter final zip. This is one of the best things to do in Busselton for adventurers.
Travel the Busselton Jetty
The Busselton Jetty is 1,841 meters long, making it the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. The central Busselton jetty has been in existence for 148 years and has endured a cyclone, storm, and fire.
Visitors can learn about the jetty’s history at an interpretive center at the beginning of the jetty. After finishing there, you can either walk the length of the jetty or ride the jetty train all the way to the end. Don’t forget to pack some water and a hat for the trip!
Go to the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory and explore it
The Underwater Observatory is located at the end of the Busselton Jetty. The observatory ultimately opened in 2003 after ten years of planning and fundraising.
Up to 40 people can always be accommodated in the Underwater Observatory. Besides, 8 meters below the surface of the water, one of Australia’s most distinctive eco-tourism destinations and its best artificial reef can be seen by visitors.
In the 9.5-meter-diameter observation chamber, which has eleven viewing windows, you can see more than 300 different species of fish, coral, sponges, and invertebrates that are a part of this unusual ecosystem.
Visit markets to buy some local foods
Enjoy some of Busselton’s fantastic markets while you’re there. Spend the day shopping, enjoying the sunshine, and learning about the culture of the area.
The Lions Vasse Markets, held on the first and third Saturdays of every month, are among the best farmer’s markets for buying seasonal goods and delectable treats. Market hours are from 8 am to noon.
The Foreshore Market, which runs from 7 am to 1 pm on the first, third, and fifth Sunday of every month, is another popular attraction.
If you enjoy farmer’s markets, you might also want to consider The Shed. It features a variety of vendors selling delectable fresh local produce and gourmet foods and is open every Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. There is something for every taste, making it a great place to eat lunch while perusing the booths.
Reserving a Whale-Watching Tour
Get on a cruise leaving from Busselton to enjoy some of the best whales watching in Western Australia! Even dolphins, seabirds, and seals might be visible! This is one of the must-try things to do in Busselton.
Since you obviously want to see humpback whales or southern right whales up close, make reservations as soon as possible. It’s a truly amazing day out.
Time travel at the Wonnerup
The house Wonnerup was constructed in 1859 by George Layman, who passed away the same year after being speared by an Aboriginal worker. It is located 10 minutes outside of town.
The area’s first heritage-listed farm precinct is located on the property, which is a significant surviving illustration of early farm pioneering.
Visitors can wander through the grounds, which also feature a stately, restored homestead and an earlier house (built in 1837) that was later transformed into a dairy, as well as a kitchen, stables, a blacksmith’s workshop, teacher’s quarters, and a school.
The house and building are well-preserved, full of interesting historical information, and a great way to travel back in time and experience life then.
Check out the Vasse Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention has designated the Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands as “Wetlands of International Importance,” making it a must-see location for bird and environment enthusiasts.
The wetlands provide a haven for more than 30,000 waterbirds each year, representing 90 different species. This is one of the best things to do in Busselton for nature lovers.
Secure a seat at the South West Craft Beer Festival
The South West Craft Beer Festival, which lasts just one day each year, takes place in the summer at Signal Park on the Busselton Foreshore.
You’ll have the ideal opportunity to sample some crazy, delicious, and new-release brews being showcased by each brewer, with over 120 craft beers to try from 20 local breweries and cideries.
Add to that Margaret River-based DJs and amazing live performances. You have a fantastic Beerfest.
Explore the Old Courthouse Arts Complex
The Old Courthouse Arts Complex, Busselton’s oldest structure, is a popular destination for history buffs wondering what to do in Busselton.
The original courtroom, bond store, police station jail cells, and horse stables are all part of the 160-year-old complex that has been listed as a heritage site.
You can also go on a guided tour to hear stories about escapees, infamous people, daily prison life, well-known court cases, and more.
Scuba diving at the Busselton Jetty
Scuba diving near the Busselton Jetty is one of the most awesome things to do in Busselton for those who love the water.
Don’t worry if you’ve never tried scuba diving before; Busselton is the ideal location, and you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of marine life!
Attempt underwater walking
Why not meet in the middle and try undersea walking if diving seems a little too much, but snorkeling isn’t enough? One of the coolest Busselton attractions is the Busselton Jetty Undersea Walk.
A SeaTREK helmet will be on your head as you dive into the water, allowing you to wear contacts or glasses with a prescription and breathe normally through your nose. You’ll spend 20 to 25 minutes underwater viewing Geographe Bay’s diverse marine life.
Check out the Busselton Museum
On a one-hectare parcel of land along the lovely Vasse River, the Heritage Butter Factory and Busselton Museum are located. The museum has ten exhibit rooms filled with artifacts, equipment, and pictures that chronicle Busselton’s history.
There are sections on everything from agriculture to whaling, crockery, clocks, and cameras to sewing machines, travel, and transportation, with a particular emphasis on the renowned Group Settlement Scheme of the 1920s that influenced the development of the area.
Don’t miss Busselton Fringe Festival
Live lighter Busselton Fringe takes place in February and presents a variety of artistic forms, including cabaret, stand-up comedy, dance, circus, musical theater, burlesque, and more.
The energetic festival unites brilliant acts over the course of four weeks at various locations in and around Busselton, and opening night is always a treat with live music, a pop-up bar, delectable cuisine, and a fire show!
Taste some wines
Why not treat yourself to some wine tasting at nearby wineries, given your convenient location in the southwest? You don’t even need to travel to Margaret River town because there are numerous highly regarded wineries right in the middle of Busselton!
Take an Eco-Wildlife Coastal Tour
Set off on this early-morning excursion to discover the Cape Naturaliste region’s breathtaking scenery and fauna. This tour offers a live underwater video feed that is broadcast directly to the tour vehicle for those who enjoy marine life but do not want to be in the water.
You’ll see Geographe Bay’s expansive views and discover its ecological and historical significance.
From there, you can drive to Bunker Bay via a route that passes by rock pools and the limestone cliffs of Cape Naturaliste before passing through the woodland of Meelup Regional Park.
By the time the tour is over, you’ll be satisfied with the breathtaking scenery, the wildlife, and your free glass of wine or specialty beer!
Consume some delectable cuisine locally
What results from combining a coastal community with delectable, fresh produce? Amazing restaurants can be found all over the city, serving some of WA’s best cuisine.
Go on a culinary adventure and sample a variety of foods. The restaurants might rank among the top attractions in Busselton! One of the must-try things to do in Busselton, without a doubt.
