Bustling Busselton
There is no shortage of turquoise waters and outstanding natural landscapes in the WA seaside town of Busselton. Still retaining a lot of its settler history, even a daytrip to Busselton from Perth can leave you feeling refreshed and just a little charmed.
Busselton Pier is the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere. While you’re on it, take a gander out to the horizon and contemplate the concept of eternity (heavy, man) before visiting Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Then enjoy an afternoon picnic on the calming shores of the Yass Riverwith your beloved – or, at the very least, a beloved piece of brie.And of all the sunsets you’re ever likely to see, we’re betting watching the ol’ yellow ball in the sky go to sleep over stunning Geographe Baywill take some beating…
10. Happs and Three Hills Winery Pick up some preservative-free plonk at one of the finest wineries in the Margaret River region.
|
5. Ludlow Taurt Forest You will feel all kinds of insignificant standing next to the 300-year-old giant tuarts.
|
9. Wonnerup House Step back in time and check out some true-blue local history at this 100-year-old settlement.
|
4. Ballarat Engine The oldest steam engine in WA is still kicking (as a display – don’t get too excited!) and is a great slice of Aussie history, particularly of the timber industry.
|
8. Metricup Bird Park You’d be a galah if you didn’t drop into this fantastic bird park just south of town.
|
3. Busselton Museum Housed in an old butter factory, this collection is both quaint and curious.
|
7. Heritage Trail For a brush up on your local history, look no further. This trail and park has oodles of info dotted here and there.
|
2. ArtGeo Cultural Complex Once the courthouse (you can still see the crumbling cells) and now a contemporary art gallery.
|
6. St Mary’s Anglican Church The oldest stone church in WA, St Mary’s has a small but quite beautiful graveyard featuring headstones of some of the original settlers.
|
1. Underwater Observatory Like a fishbowl in reverse. Take a peek through the looking glass out to the brilliance of the Busselton undersea.
|
BUSSELTON’S EVENTS
For the most laid-back music festival in southwest Oz, party on down to the Southbound Festival each January.
Kick back on the coast with a stubby or two as you watch the Geographe Bay Yacht Race float on by in February.
For a corker of a combo, the CinefestOZ Film Festival brings together the best of Aussie and French film every August.
See one of Australia’s annual natural wonders at September’s Busselton Wildflower Exhibition.
Realise how unfit you are by watching the participants at the Ironman Western Australia Triathlon in December.
WHEN TO GO
• Much like the rest of WA, you are looking at sunshine all year round.
• If you’re after long hot days with cooling sea breezes, head to Busselton in summer.
• June is when you will cop the most rain, but the temps are usually still quite mild for winter.
Visit our partner page Busselton hotels by Hotel.com.au
GETTING AROUND
• There is an excellent and expansive bus service running through Busselton.
• There is plenty of parking around the joint, so for a daytrip or the weekend, the best way to explore Busselton is to drive.
