22 Best Things to Do in Busselton, WA
If you’ve driven across the Nullarbor, aiming for Perth, before you make the trek up north, do yourself a favour and head south first. Stop at a town called Busselton for a few days before. Whichever way you’re travelling, it’s worth at least a few days to explore the Margaret River region.
Busselton is a town that really stood out in our travels. It has a really, really long jetty, with the most unique underwater observatory, amazing forests, caves and more.
To make things easy, I’ve listed 22 of our favourite things to do in Busselton. Jump to the section that you’re most interested in, or read from the top. I know you’ll really enjoy Busselton, we enjoyed it so much that we’ve been back many times since!
Our Fav Busselton Resources
-Book your scenic snorkel tour here
– Need a place to stay? We use and recommend Booking.com
– Wondering how to get to Busselton? Check out DiscoverCars to hire your car.
At the Foreshore
If you only have time for one stop in Busselton, it needs to be the foreshore. This is where you can grab a bite to eat, kids can play in the playgrounds, walk along the jetty, swim, snorkel and much more.
1. Walk (or Ride) the Iconic Busselton Jetty
You can’t come here and not do this. Stretching 1.8km out into Geographe Bay, it is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. With 2 young kids, we’ve never walked to the end of the jetty. Instead, we’ve taken the train. This is highly recommended for everyone at least once!
- Our Tip: If you are visiting during school holidays, book your train tickets online in advance. It’s super popular and sells out fast!
2. Descend into the Underwater Observatory
Located right at the end of the jetty, this is one of only a handful of natural underwater observatories in the world. You descend 8 meters below the surface via a spiral staircase (or lift) to the ocean floor. This is where you can see colourful coral, all types of fish, and maybe even a mermaid (sculpture!) without getting wet.
It’s magical for kids who aren’t old enough to snorkel yet, and everyone else!
3. Go Fishing or Squidding
You’ll see plenty of locals with rods along the jetty. It’s a prime spot for catching squid. I can’t give you any advice on this. I can’t catch a fish to save my life, but chatting with the guys and girls who were having more luck than I would, said it’s an awesome spot to drop a line in.
In the ocean
4. Swim in the Shark-Proof Enclosure
Right on the foreshore, near the start of the jetty, is a brilliant swimming area. It’s enclosed, shallow, and generally very calm because Geographe Bay is protected from the big Indian Ocean swells. We’ve spent ages here relaxing in the water.
5. Snorkel or Dive the Jetty Pylons
Did you know the Busselton Jetty is regarded as one of Australia’s best artificial reefs? The pylons are covered in soft corals, sponges, and marine life.
If you can brave the cooler water (or hire a wetsuit), snorkelling around the pylons is amazing.
Book your underwater snorkel tour here!
6. Try the Undersea Helmet Walk (SeaTREK)
If you aren’t a diver but want the experience, try the SeaTREK. You wear a specialised helmet that lets you breathe normally while walking on the ocean floor beneath the jetty.
7. Swim in the Deep Sea Pool
At the end of the jetty, there is a designated swimming cage. It allows you to swim in the deep ocean water, with a little more safety features. Of course, it’s still the open ocean, so always take care and stay within your ability.
For the kids (and kids at heart!)
8. Explore the Busselton Foreshore Playground
If you’ve read our other guides, you know we love a good playground. The one here in Busselton is amazing. It features a giant Kraken to climb on, a shipwreck, and water play areas.
There’s even a skate park nearby for the older kids. You could easily lose half a day here (we did!) Bonus for Mums and Dads – there are a heap of great coffee shops within a short walk, so grab a cuppa and watch your kids explore.
9. Get Adrenaline Pumping at Forest Adventures South West
Located within the Tuart Forest, this is for the more adventurous. They have over 70 activities high up in the trees. The minimum age is 7, and kids need to be supervised by an adult who is willing to follow them into the ropes course!
I highly recommend booking before you go, as they cap numbers to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone. It is self-guided and go at your own pace, you can expect to be at the park for around 2.5 hours.
Book your adventure ropes climb here.
Nature and Wildlife
10. Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From September to November, Geographe Bay becomes a resting ground for migrating whales. While you can sometimes spot them breaching from the jetty, hopping on a dedicated tour gets you up close to these gentle giants. It’s one of those things you need to do at least once.
The Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour runs with its purpose-built boat, with inside seating and a spacious deck area.
11. Drive Through the Ludlow Tuart Forest
Just north of town, this is the only natural tall Tuart forest left in the world. The trees are majestic and massive. If you’re here in spring, the wildflowers are really colourful, and in winter, you’ll spot the different colored fungi growing.
Grab a picnic and explore the area. For more information, visit the Parks website here
12. Birdwatching at Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands
If you want a break from the beach, head to the wetlands. This area is home to many bird species such as sandpipers, ducks, swans, kites, osprey and many more. It is classed as ‘international importance’ due to its range of native and migratory birds.
The wetlands are free to enter, and slightly north of Busselton.
13. Join a Nocturnal Tour
For something completely different, look for the nocturnal wildlife tours. You can spot the critically endangered Woylie (a small marsupial that looks like a mini kangaroo).
This is something both kids and adults will love, and a chance ot learn about native Australian animals (homeschool parents… hint, hint!)
Book your nocturnal tour here to find the Woylie!
Dining Out
14. Eagle Bay Brewing.
📍Eagle Bay Rd, Busselton
This brewery is awesome for many reasons. It has great beer, but it also has great pizza and other meals. It also has a fantastic playground to keep the kids happy.
15. Dinner at The Fire Station
📍68 Queen St, Busselton
This is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an old fire station converted into a trendy bar and restaurant. They do fantastic craft beer and great pizza. You’ll also find some memorabilia on the walls and a little bit of the history.
16. Wise Wise
📍237 Eagle Bay Road, Busselton
Wise Wise is a restaurant that has amazing views, great food and one that we would have loved to visit. Many of our friends recommended it, hence why I’m adding it here. It is more of a fine dining occasion, and with 2 ADHD kids, it’s not somewhere we frequent… for now!
This restaurant has won so many awards for both the food and the wine, if you visit please let me know how it went! 🙂
History
17. Visit the ArtGeo Cultural Complex
Take a wander through the old courthouse and jail cells to get a sense of the region’s history. It’s a mix of heritage buildings and modern art galleries and a great spot to wander through if the weather turns a bit grey.
To find out what’s on today, visit their website here
18. Admire St Mary’s Church
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this one. St Mary’s is possibly the oldest stone church in WA, built in 1844. The architecture is beautiful, and it gives you a glimpse into the early settler history of the town.
You can walk around the gardens and take in the history, or stay for a service. Find out more here
19. Step Back in Time at the Busselton Museum
Located at the Old Butter Factory, this museum is packed with quirky local history. From old farming machinery to stories of the timber industry, it’s something that the whole family will love.
The museum is only open a few days of the week, so please check their website here for any changes
20. Day Trip: Ngilgi Cave
Just a short drive towards Yallingup, this cave is fantastical. The stalactites and stalagmites are stunning, and the semi-guided tours share the rich Aboriginal legends of the cave.
Read more here:
Where to Stay in Busselton
Top Rated
Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. This conveniently located hotel is a short walk from the famous jetty, has a swimming pool, restaurants and more.
Budget but Great
Paradise Motel Busselton. This lovely, neat motel is a 10 minute walk to the beach, around the corner from Queen Street with shops, cafes and restaurants. It even has a pool, open seasonally (which may not coincide with whale watching time!)
Boutique Hotels
Busselton Holiday Home If you’re looking for a holiday home with bedrooms, a kitchen, and space, then check this out. Located a 15-minute walk from the beach and 2km from the jetty.
Best Time to Visit
Busselton is a lovely place to visit year-round, however, there are better times of the year to visit depending on what you’ll like to do.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): The water is perfect for swimming, but the town is buzzing and busy. If you’re visiting at this time, book ahead.
- Spring (Sept-Nov): This is our favourite time. The wildflowers are out, the whales are migrating, and the weather is warming up. It is also less busy than during the summer periods
- Winter: Perfect for fewer crowds. Busselton takes on a new feel during winter. Bring a jacket and walk along the beach, it’s peaceful and quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I spend a day in Busselton?
If you only have one day, keep it simple. Start with breakfast at a cafe on the Foreshore, then take the train (or walk) to the end of the Busselton Jetty to see the Underwater Observatory.
Spend your afternoon browsing the ArtGeo Cultural Complex or grab a late lunch at Shelter Brewing Co. Finish the day with a sunset swim or a walk along the calm waters of Geographe Bay.
Is Busselton, WA, worth visiting?
Absolutely. Many people mistakenly skip it for Margaret River, but Busselton offers warmer, calmer swimming beaches, world-class diving, and a relaxed vibe. We love visiting and know that you will also.
Why is Busselton famous?
Busselton is most famous for the Busselton Jetty. At 1.8km long, it’s a timber giant that has survived cyclones and fires.
It’s also famous for the Underwater Observatory, one of the few places you can walk on the ocean floor without getting wet, and for being the northern gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region.
Is it better to stay in Margaret River or Busselton?
We think it’s best to do both! But, if you’re short on time, here is a rundown:
- Stay in Busselton if: You want warmer, calmer beaches, you have young kids (the foreshore and swimming enclosure are amazing), and you want a more “resort-town” feel where you can walk to dinner.
- Stay in Margaret River if: You want to be surrounded by tall Karri forests, you prefer surfing and wild oceans, and your main focus is visiting as many wineries as possible.
Our Thoughts
Busselton is a surprising little town that has a bit of everything. It is well worth the trip from Perth, or as part of your big lap. The beach is lovely, but the jetty is something else! It was the first time that I’ve been underwater observing the fish without snorkelling!
Just don’t underestimate the length of the jetty! If you’re imagining a quick stroll to the end, as let’s face it, that’s what jetties are made for, it will take you a while! Enjoy your time in Busselton, whether you’re relaxing, adventuring or exploring!
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