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Busselton is a charming seaside city on the southwest tip of Western Australia. Perched on the glistening Indian Ocean, visitors flock here during summer to swim, surf, and sunbathe. However, there are endless things to do no matter what time of year you visit.
From some of the best vineyards and craft beer producers in the country to underwater exhibitions and high-flying adventures, there truly is something for everyone here.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed trip or a relaxing getaway, here are the 15 best things to do in Busselton.
1. See Marine Life at Busselton Jetty
Photo Credit: Galumphing Galah
Busselton Jetty is the city’s best-known attraction, so no visit is complete without spending a few hours exploring it. At 1.1 miles long, it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and is home to various attractions — including world-class marine life living underneath the structure!
Don’t miss these three activities at the famous Busselton Jetty:
- Take the jetty train – the electric, solar-powered train departs hourly and makes it easy to reach the very end of the jetty.
- Join an underwater observatory tour – marine life and the artificial coral reef that was once only accessible to snorkelers can now be witnessed much more easily through windows that sit eight meters below the ocean’s surface.
- Marine Discovery Centre – learn about the underwater world via a wide range of interactive exhibits.
2. Spend a Day at Busselton Foreshore
Busselton Foreshore is home to a long stretch of white sand beach and is one of the best places in the region to swim, sunbathe, and play. A seasonal swimming enclosure makes it a safe place for families to splash around, and kids will love the shipwreck adventure playground.
Amenities at Busselton Foreshore include shaded picnic areas, BBQ spots, toilets, and showers. There’s a skate park and a cycle path that stretches all the way to Dunsborough if you like to stay active on vacation, and dogs are permitted in certain areas if you don’t want to leave your furry friend at home.
Tip: Busselton Visitor Centre is also located here if you need any extra tips for fun things to do in the city.
3. Get to Know Margaret River Wines
Photo Credit: GagliardiPhotography
The Margaret River wine region accounts for less than 5% of Australia’s wine production but claims 20% of the country’s premium wines and the majority of its awards. Here, you can find some of the world’s best Cabernet grapes, as well as Chardonnays that rival even the most revered producers in France.
Several Margaret River Region wineries offer wine tours, including these three popular spots:
- Brookland Valley – as part of the top 3.5% wineries in the country, a wine tasting here is to sample the very best of the Australian wine. Various tasting packages are available and can be personalized according to your tastes.
- Peccavi Estate – Antarctic rainfall during winter and dry days during summer results in a microclimate that produces unique wines. Bottles are produced using traditional techniques and French oak barrels.
- After Hours Wine – this award-winning producer is located just 20 minutes from Busselton. Book a tasting room appointment to see why their wine is so highly respected.
4. Go Whale Watching
Depending on the season, it’s possible to see the annual humpback and southern right whale migration from all along the cape. Geographe Bay is a popular resting area and calving ground for these gentle beasts, and a whale-watching tour is the best way to see them in their natural habitat.
5. Take a Day Trip to Augusta
Photo Credit: Adwo
Augusta is a charming coastal town located just over an hour away from Busselton. It’s great for an easy road trip. Here’s what to see and do during your visit:
- Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – this historic lighthouse is located at the most south-westerly point of Australia, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. It’s also the tallest lighthouse in the country, so be sure to make the climb to the top for unbeatable views.
- Kayak or bike at Blackwood River – this river is the longest in Southwest Australia and is a great place for outdoor activities. Take to the water in a kayak or stick to the shores and explore by bicycle.
- Explore the Jewel Cave – this is the largest jewel cave in Western Australia, and you can see stunning examples of stalagmites, cave coral, and flowstones. The best way to visit is as part of a guided tour.
6. Sample a Few Local Busselton Brews
Australia may be best known for its wine production, but there’s a thriving craft beer scene to be explored, too. Check out these two spots for a refreshing brew after a fun day exploring in the Aussie sun:
- Shelter Brewing Co. – located at the foot of Busselton Jetty, this is an idyllic spot for craft beers with a beautiful ocean view. Brews are made on-site and poured directly from the tanks for the freshest taste possible.
- Eagle Bay Brewing – this family-owned brewpub is located on a working farm in Eagle Bay and has a fantastic restaurant, veggie garden, and vineyard on-site.
7. Soar Above the Trees at Forest Adventures
Photo Credit: alybaba
If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for the ultimate rush, head to Forest Adventures in Tuart Forest National Park. Located 20 minutes from Busselton and 30 minutes from Bunbury, there are six gigantic high rope and wire courses to tackle, plus zip lines that send you flying through the treetops. The courses are set up for various skill and fitness levels, so everyone can join in on this family-friendly fun.
8. Visit Wonnerup House
Wonnerup House is a fascinating historic attraction located between the Tuart Forest and Vasse Estuary wetlands. Here, you’ll travel through the 140 years that followed the colonization of greater Busselton in the 1830s.
This exhibit is an important reminder of the struggles and dangers faced by those who called Busselton home during the early days of colonization and is a must-see for anyone who wants to better understand the region’s complex history.
9. Check out Fremantle
Photo Credit: Benny Marty
Fremantle is a port city located 2.5 hours from Busselton. As part of the metropolitan Perth area, Fremantle is known for its coastal nature, maritime history, and vibrant culture.
Here’s what to see and do during a day trip to Fremantle:
- Fremantle Prison – this former prison is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating place to learn about the area’s darker past. For an extra fright, join a torchlight or tunnel tour after dark.
- Rottnest Island – this rugged island is off the coast of Perth and is home to the quokka — a small marsupial similar to a wallaby. Go for the nature and the pristine white sand beaches.
- Fremantle Weekend Market – this bustling market has been operating since 1897 and is where you can shop for anything from fashion and art to hot food and fresh produce.
10. Cool off in Quindalup Falls
There’s no better place than Quindalup Falls for a break from the Aussie heat. The walking trail is pretty tough, but you should arrive at the falls after 45 minutes of hiking as long as you have a decent level of fitness. If you’d prefer to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the falls without the trek, there’s a viewing platform close to Moses Road carpark.
11. Hike the Cape Naturaliste Trail
Photo Credit: Joppi
Cape Naturaliste sits at the north point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and is an incredibly scenic walking trail that visitors love to explore. A major draw is the family-friendly half-mile section of raised boardwalk that’s suitable for wheelchair users. There are plenty of places to sit and take in the scenery along the way, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
Tip: You’ll find the pick-up points at the parking areas by the lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock if you plan on taking a taxi to the trail.
12. Discover Busselton’s Rich History
Once you’ve visited Wonnerup House, head to Busselton Museum to learn more about this city’s fascinating history. Located in the old butter factory on the banks of the Vasse River, this museum opened in the 1970s and is run entirely by volunteers from the Busselton Historic Society.
Exhibits include:
- A fully restored one-teacher school from the 1920s
- Horse-drawn vehicles and machinery
- Restored butter-making equipment
- A paddle steamer from the 1890s
13. Dine on Fresh Seafood
Due to its seafront location, it will likely come as no surprise that Busselton is home to some fabulous seafood restaurants. From high-end eateries to casual restaurants and takeaways, seafood lovers will be spoilt for choice.
Take your pick from these three much-loved spots:
- The Deck – this place is highly popular for its fresh seafood, expertly mixed drinks, and Instagrammable oceanfront location.
- Blue Manna Bistro – seafood with an Asian twist. Ingredients are sourced locally and are always as fresh as possible.
- Groupers Fish and Chips – enjoy classic Australian fish and chips from a locally-owned business.
14. Spend an Afternoon in Busselton Cultural Precinct
The Old Courthouse Complex was built in the 1860s and now serves as Busselton’s cultural precinct. There’s lots to do here for kids and adults alike, including the must-visit ArtGeo Gallery. This is one of the only galleries in the southwest completely devoted to showing works by up-and-coming regional and state artists.
15. Lounge on Western Australia’s Prettiest Beaches
Photo Credit: Kim Louise Wadsworth
Anyone who’s been to Australia will tell you that it’s home to some of the very best beaches on the planet, and Western Australia is the proud owner of many of the most special spots. Whether you’re looking for powdery white sand, epic waves, or tranquil waters, you’ll find all that and more right here.
Check out these three beaches:
- Yallingup Beach – swim in the sheltered lagoon or head out to tackle big waves offshore. Surf schools are operating here for those who want to give the sport a try for the first time.
- Meelup Beach – a picturesque beach with stretches of white sand and calm, clear water. There are plenty of shady spots, too, making it a popular spot for family days out.
- Middleton Beach – located in Albany, this is a much-loved spot for swimming, picnicking, and BBQing. It’s also a popular area for windsurfing.
Explore the Best Things to Do in Busselton
Whether you have a few days or a couple of weeks in Busselton, you’ll have no trouble filling your days with fun, interesting, exciting, and educational things to do. What will you tick off first on your next trip to this Western Australian gem of a city?
