LOCAL GUIDE

A local guide to Busselton and Geographe Bay

Busselton sits on the calm, protected waters of Geographe Bay, at the northern gateway to the Margaret River region. It is a relaxed beachside town built around its famous jetty, its long sweep of sheltered beach and an easy, unhurried pace, and it makes a comfortable base for exploring the wider region.

THE LANDMARK

The Busselton Jetty

The Busselton Jetty is the town's landmark and the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching 1.8 kilometres out over Geographe Bay. It was built from 1865 to serve the timber and goods trade and after a century as a working port it is now looked after by the local community as the heart of the town's foreshore.

You can walk the full length for free or ride the small solar powered train out to the end. At the far end, an underwater observatory descends eight metres below the surface, with windows onto the artificial reef and the marine life that has gathered around the old piles. It is one of only a handful of underwater observatories in the world.

THE FORESHORE

A calm bay and an easy foreshore

Because Geographe Bay is sheltered by Cape Naturaliste to the west, the water at Busselton is unusually calm, which makes it safe and easy for swimming and a favourite with families. A cycle and walking path runs along the foreshore, so it is an easy place to stretch your legs, take a morning ride or walk off a long lunch. The beachfront is the centre of town life, with grassed areas, cafes and an unhurried, holiday feel.

FOOD AND DRINK

Breweries, cafes and the foreshore

Busselton has a relaxed food and drink scene built around the beach. Shelter Brewing sits right on the foreshore, with an open park and an outdoor stage alongside it that hosts live music and concerts through the warmer months. For breakfast, the Good Egg is a popular local cafe and there are plenty more places to eat along the foreshore and through the town.

A LITTLE HISTORY

How Busselton got its name

The town takes its name from the Bussell family, who settled in the area in the 1830s and named their farm Cattle Chosen. The growing settlement on Geographe Bay was named Busselton, Bussel's town, in their honour.

EVENTS

A town that hosts

Busselton has hosted Ironman Western Australia every December since 2004, one of the best known triathlons in the country, with the swim leg out in the calm water of Geographe Bay beside the jetty. Its flat courses have made it a favourite for athletes chasing a personal best and it brings a real energy to the town each summer. It is one of several events that make Busselton a lively place through the warmer months.

Exploring the region from Busselton

If you would like to explore the wine region from Busselton without driving yourself, Busselton is one of the areas I run private wine tours from Busselton, collected from your door and built around what you enjoy.

More local planning guides

Where to go next

Margaret River guide

For guests deciding between staying in Margaret River town or closer to the coast.