Voted top tourist town in WA in 1995 and 1996, Busselton is the gateway to the out-of-this-world South-West region of WA - one of the most attractive, interesting and diverse regions in the entire country.
Busselton, 228 kms south of Perth, sits at the centre of the deep indentation that is Geographe Bay and the Vasse River and it is a haven for surfers, sun lovers, fisherfolk, sailors and boaties.
Jarrah forests are still logged for the timber industry and vineyards, dairy and beef farms are spread throughout the hinterland. Fishing for salmon and crayfish (marron) is another boom industry.
There is just so much to be said for this region which is graced with great beaches, the famous Margaret River and its myriad, multi award winning wine-growers, the singular scenery, the Mediterranean climate, the wildflowers, the dining, the whales, the caves and an absorbing history.
Festivals - Naturaliste Bluewater Fishing Classic (March), Heritage Festival Day (April)
Things to do
Busselton Jetty - the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere with and Interpretive Centre. Popular for fishing. Newly opened Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory down to 8 metres below the surface
Old Butter Factory Museum - with displays of old cheese and butter making equipment
Geographe Bay - swimming, boating, dolphin watching and diving
Visitor Information Centre - 38 Peel Terrace, Busselton
In the area
Vineyards - and wineries of the famous Margaret River Wine Region
Tours - of wildflowers, whale-watching, deep-sea fishing cruises, diving and scenic flights
August-Busselton Heritage Trail - information from the Visitor Centre
Whistle Stop - a miniature railway display
Tuart Forest National Park - the only natural tuart forest (a kind of eucalypt) in the world with walks and picnic area. Some trees are 33 metres high and 10 metres in girth. Take a night walk and you might spot a brushtail possum or the western ringtail possum - 15 km north
Australia - plan it, book it
