Busselton is an exciting seaside city in the Margaret River region that is renowned for its old-fashioned wooden pier, which stretches 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometres) out to sea. Stroll or take the train along the extensive jetty and enjoy the seemingly endless beach views or visit the Underwater Observatory at the end. Drop a fishing line from the scenic jetty or swim, paddle and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Discover a string of waterfront cafés, kiosks, restaurants and boutiques, or go farther afield to find beautiful tracts of native Western Australian woodland.
The best introduction to this beautiful seaside city is undoubtedly its famous jetty, which has been a Western Australian landmark for over 150 years. Wander down the timber jetty, checking out the interpretive displays, swimming platforms and sculptures dotted along its length. If you would prefer not to walk, catch the sightseeing train.
At the end of the jetty, walk down the stairs or take the elevator 26.2 feet (8 metres) to the bottom of the ocean. Look through the large glass windows to the depths beyond and check out the man-made reef. You’ll see a garden of sub-tropical corals, sponges and marine creatures. In spring, join a whale-watching charter tour from the Port Geographe Bay marina to see more amazing underwater life.
Grab your fishing rod to see if you can catch a bite from the jetty. There are fish-cleaning bays at several points on the jetty. Grill your freshly caught fish at the picnic grounds on the beach foreshore, which is shaded by tall Norfolk Island pines. The soft, white sands and the gentle waters of Port Geographe Bay make Busselton’s main beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling, but beware of stingers in the water when swimming in summer.
Use Busselton’s network of beachside cycling trails to ride to Dunsborough or weave through the tuart trees in Ludlow Forest.
Busselton is a 2.5-hour drive from Perth. You can also reach the city by flying into the Busselton-Margaret River Airport. The Margaret River wine region is less than an hour’s drive from the pretty seaside city.
