Summary
At the base of the elongated curve of Geographe Bay, the town of Busselton is distinguished by its record-breaking jetty.
Dating back to the 1860s, this structure is the longest in the Southern Hemisphere, and after outliving its industrial purpose, it has become a significant draw for visitors.
From September to November, one may observe humpback whales migrating along the coast, while in winter, the ocean is warmed by a tropical current, facilitating coral growth further south than anywhere else in the world.
Geographe Bay is bordered on the west by Cape Naturaliste, resulting in many north and east-facing beaches near Busselton boasting clear, pool-like waters that are ideal for safe swimming.
Visitors can enjoy remarkable days exploring the bay, encountering patches of rare woodland, breathtaking granite rock formations, and secluded beaches.
1. Busselton Jetty
The centerpiece of Busselton is the longest timber-piled pier in the Southern Hemisphere.
Established in the mid-1860s, Busselton Jetty stretches 1,841 meters and originally functioned solely as a commercial structure for the loading of timber onto large cargo ships.
The jetty extends into sheltered waters, where visitors can board a train to the Underwater Observatory at the far end to observe the diverse tropical marine life residing among its wooden piles.
At the landward end is the Interpretive Centre, featuring interactive touch-screens narrating the extensive history of the jetty and the unique ecology observable at the Underwater Observatory.
The jetty is host to a calendar filled with seasonal events such as yoga, themed walks, diving, jet-boat tours, art classes, and whale-watching.
2. Jetty Train
In 2017, the historic railway traversing the length of the jetty was upgraded to renewable energy and is now equipped with solar panels.
The train departs from the Interpretive Centre hourly throughout the day for a leisurely 45-minute journey.
The carriages are fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges and include transparent blinds for comfort on warm days, along with audio presentations detailing the jetty’s over 150 years of history.
During the ride, passengers can relax and gaze upon the sparkling ocean, observing fishermen at work and playful dolphins surfacing nearby.
3. Underwater Observatory
Busselton may be located at a relatively southern latitude, yet the marine life resembles that found in tropical regions.
This phenomenon is attributed to the Leeuwin Current, which transports a narrow band of warm water into Geographe Bay during autumn and winter.
Coral thrives here at 33° south, in contrast to other continents such as South America and Africa, where it only forms above 5° south.
Upon reaching the end of Busselton Jetty, a tour guide will greet you and lead you to one of only six underwater observatories in the world.
Guests will descend eight meters below the surface to witness the fascinating species that inhabit the manmade reef generated by the jetty’s piles.
The observation chamber boasts eleven large viewing windows, providing glimpses of up to 300 distinct marine species, including tropical and subtropical fish, invertebrates, sponges, and corals.
4. Meelup Beach
If you are willing to venture a short distance, there are some idyllic beaches in close proximity to Busselton.
Among these, Meelup Beach stands out, situated within a regional park.
This locale offers an excellent setting for a family outing by the ocean: it features soft white sand, indigenous trees along the foreshore providing ample shade for picnics, and its east-facing orientation protects it from wind and ocean currents.
It is no surprise that Meelup Beach has been a beloved destination for families for generations, with a touch of luxury as private yachts can often be seen anchoring in the gentle surf nearby.
During early spring, it is common to spot humpback whales migrating along the coastline, and should you wish to stretch your legs, light walking trails bordered by wildflowers bloom around October and November.
5. Busselton Foreshore
Busselton has dedicated significant effort towards the enhancement of the coastline surrounding the jetty, driven by a decade-long regeneration initiative that has introduced extensive public amenities and open spaces.
Commencing at the jetty, visitors will find a wide paved pathway that stretches several hundred meters to the west, nestled between the beach and ocean on one side, with lawns dotted with Norfolk pines on the other.
Here, amenities such as children’s barbecues, picnic tables, and shelters can be found.
As you stroll along the pathway, take note of the streetlights, which are outfitted with small wind turbines.
The Busselton Foreshore Playground is exceptional, resembling a whimsical theme park, featuring a large climbable sailboat poised as if tipping from a whale’s tail and a giant squid resting in the sand.
6. Busselton Museum
Located in a picturesque setting adjacent to the Vasse River is the Heritage Butter Factory, constructed in 1918. This facility endured the Great Depression and reached its zenith in the immediate post-war period before closing in the 1970s.
Visitors can explore the history of the building and delve into various aspects of the town’s heritage, encompassing agriculture, forestry, and maritime history.
The museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts including antique clocks, dishware, sewing machines, cameras, uniforms, educational tools, and notable items related to the whaling industry.
A particular focus is given to the 1920s Group Settlement Scheme, which established a model for development in the South West, and there is an authentic replica of the Jetty Rotunda on display.
7. Wonky Windmill Farm & Eco Park
Geographe Bay offers a notable level of refinement, with its upscale shopping options, serene beaches, and the vineyards of the Margaret River Region.
However, children are not overlooked at attractions such as this expansive working farm located nearby in Yelverton.
Wonky Windmill Farm spans 130 acres, bordered by vineyards, grazing sheep, dairy farms, and undisturbed bushland.
Visitors, especially children, will delight in meeting various farm animals, including goats, ponies, pigs, emus, ostriches, llamas, and alpacas, with opportunities to bottle-feed lambs according to the season.
The farm cultivates an array of fruit and nut trees, and from April to December, you can engage in a pick-your-own experience with the assistance of the farm’s amiable staff.
The café serves scones accompanied by homemade jam, and the farm shop offers a selection of products, including preserves, jams, olives, and olive oil.
8. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Geographe Bay is bordered to the west by the stunning Cape Naturaliste, where an operational lighthouse has guided maritime traffic since 1904, standing 20 meters tall.
This site attracts visitors for tours and features a scenic observation platform, while serving its ongoing function as a working beacon utilizing its original Fresnel lens manufactured by the Chance Brothers in England’s West Midlands.
At the tower and its adjacent cottages, you can learn about the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred along this perilous stretch of coastline, as well as the challenging routines undertaken by lighthouse keepers in earlier times.
From September to November, visitors can observe migrating humpback whales along the coast, with informative displays about their journeys and the influential ocean currents offshore.
9. Bunker Bay
The rugged outcrops of Cape Naturaliste shelter this stunning beach situated just east of the lighthouse.
Typically shielded from the wind, Bunker Bay features a crescent of white sand embraced by clear waters and gentle waves.
The location proves ideal for snorkeling or simply enjoying time by the ocean.
Along the shoreline, you will find undeveloped bushland, though a luxury Pullman resort is located just a short distance behind.
Nestled among the vegetation on the western side is the sophisticated Bunkers Beach House, offering refreshments and meals on a spacious shaded terrace.
10. Ludlow Tuart Forest National Park
Bordering the coastline in a narrow strip between Busselton and Capel is the world’s largest surviving area of pure tuart forest.
This species of eucalyptus, valued for its rarity as it has been extensively felled in the 19th and 20th centuries and is now threatened by pests, represents one of Southwest Australia’s six forest giants, growing to heights between 10 and 40 meters.
One of the most unforgettable experiences one can have in the national park is along the Possum Spotlighting Trail.
Arriving at night with a flashlight increases your chances of encountering the rare western ringtail possum, as well as the more prevalent brushtail possum.
11. Castle Rock
Nestled within the eastern side of Cape Naturaliste is a picturesque sandy beach bordered by a fortress-like granite formation known as Castle Rock.
Protected from the Indian Ocean, the beach serves as an excellent location for swimming, fishing, and relaxing on the soft sand.
Surfers are also drawn to this area for its exceptional break just offshore, which is considered safer than other locations due to its orientation.
Regarding Castle Rock, it is a favored viewpoint for whale watching during the migration of humpback whales from September to November, while this period also showcases an impressive display of wildflowers along the coastal path leading to the rock, featuring various orchids and native flora.
12. Old Court House Complex
Just a short walk from the jetty and beach lies a captivating piece of Busselton’s heritage, now part of a thriving arts district.
The Old Court House, which was completed in the early 1860s, marked Busselton’s emergence as a significant regional settlement and port.
Today, this stunning Victorian structure operates as an art gallery and performance venue, featuring artists’ studios and a shop dedicated to contemporary arts and crafts.
The broader ArtGeo Cultural Complex encompasses the jetty-end of Queen Street, hosting the Weld Repertory Theatre, a tranquil courtyard, a bush food garden, and an expanding collection of outdoor public art.
13. Fig Tree Lane
While exploring Busselton’s central business district, visitors will likely discover this shopping arcade connecting Kent Street and Prince Street.
This locale serves as a sanctuary for independent retailers, including a gallery, bakery, café, and specialty shops offering books, fashion, gifts, jewelry, home decor, toys, and kitchenware.
The name of the complex derives from the historic fig tree located at the Kent Street end, where patrons can enjoy a moment of relaxation under its branches at the café.
14. Aquatastic
Operational during the peak of summer, and located just west of Busselton Jetty, is Australia’s largest inflatable floating water park.
Aquatastic typically runs from December to March, providing excitement and entertainment for both teenagers and younger children with its large trampolines, slides, and climbing walls.
The park is situated in calm, shallow waters, and life jackets are provided for safety.
A designated area is also available for younger children to engage safely in play.
15. Sugarloaf Rock
From Cape Naturaliste, visitors can traverse a segment of the long-distance Cape to Cape walking track to improve their view of this iconic granite island.
Sugarloaf Rock, named for its conical shape, lies just a few meters from the shore, separated by a channel with potentially hazardous currents.
The rock has appeared on the cover of Australian Geographic magazine and presents a captivating scene when the sun sets behind it.
Remember to bring binoculars, as the granite formations are home to nestling seabirds such as the red-tailed tropicbird.
