Busselton (or ‘Busso’ as the locals affectionately call it) and its surrounds are home to some super cool historical icons, restaurants and natural attractions. It may be a beachside utopia but there’s actually heaps to do in winter too – check out our top 10!
1. Stroll the Busselton Jetty
Busselton Jetty is the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. The Underwater Observatory is weather dependent during winter, but the jetty train is open every day – or stretch your legs and walk the 1.9km out to the end. Keep your eyes peeled for whales at this time of year!
2. Get on ya bike
The gently meandering 31km coastal Busselton to Dunsborough bike path is one of the most scenic cycle trails in the region, linking the two towns of Busselton and Dunsborough. Cruise past holiday parks, cafés and sheltered beaches.
Tip: Consider leaving your car at the other end in case your legs go on strike.
3. Nom on delicious food
Busso houses some rad eateries – our faves are the Fire Station for craft beer and tapas (try the cheddar and jalepeno croquettes), and Laundry 43 (pictured) for sophisticated share food, suitably hipster waiters and laundry themed cocktails (‘rinse cycle’ anyone?). The Goose Beach Bar and Kitchen is also a top spot if you’re chasing that sunset vista over the ocean.
4. Bliss out in Yallingup
The nearby areas of Yallingup and Dunsborough are home to a range of relaxing day spas, so unwind with a massage or body treatment after a big day of, well, let’s be honest, eating and drinking – or maybe doing active stuff if you’re that way inclined.
5. Climb the lighthouse
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in nearby Dunsborough is perfect to satisfy that subliminal nautical curiosity (come on, we’ve all got it!). If you’re not fascinated by stories of shipwrecks and ghosts, hopefully the magnificent views over Geographe Bay will satisfy.
6. Hug a tuart tree
Pack a picnic and take the leisurely scenic tourist drive through the Ludlow Tuart Forest, with 300-400 year old trees towering 33m high with girths of a massive 10m.
The forest is bordered by the Wonnerup wetland which has an abundance of waterbirds, frogs and reptiles.
7. Be a heritage geek
The magnificently restored Wonnerup House in Busselton is a National Trust home of Australia, set on several acres of farm land with lush lawns and gardens. Or check out the Artgeo Cultural Complex (pictured) for a mish-mash of art, heritage and culture, as well as the Heritage Butter Factory and Busselton Museum.
8. Go caving
Ngilgi Cave in nearby Yallingup is exquisitely decorated, and was Western Australia’s first tourist attraction. Explore at your own pace on the popular semi-guided tour or delve deeper with one of the adventure tours.
9. Buy some stuff
Busselton has some pretty cool shopping – check out the boutique stores on the main street, and don’t miss Fig Tree Lane (pictured) for quirky knick-knacks and hand-made clothes and jewellery.
10. Grab some fush and chups
We just like saying it a kiwi accent, but for real, grab some takeaway fish and chips from the Equinox on the foreshore and lay out a picnic on the grass (weather permitting). It gets dark pretty early in winter so head down around 5pm to make the most of the sunset.
Did you know? The Busselton area offers the largest range of beach side accommodation in Your Margaret River Region.
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