Busselton
LOCATION
232 km south of Perth
ACCOMMODATION
An excellent selection of resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, guest houses, self-contained and caravan park style accommodation is available in the Capes region. A minimum of three nights is recommended to truly appreciate all that is on offer in the region. Advance bookings are highly recommended, particularly for school holidays and long weekends. The Busselton and Dunsborough Visitor Centres provide an excellent free accommodation and tour booking service.
POPULATION
24,000 (estimate)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Busselton has been judged WAs top tourism town three times (1995,1996 & 2005) and is the Western Australias premier seaside resort town. Sheltered from most prevailing winds, it has 30 kilometres of white sandy beaches and is an aquatic playground remarkable for the variety it offers in the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay.
The bay is enjoyed by fisherman, water skiers, snorkellers, scuba divers, windsurfers and sailors. In the last 30 years, a new industry has developed in the region with the establishment of many vineyards which produce award-winning table wines. This thriving industry supplements the traditional industries of dairying, beef cattle, sheep and other farming products. In Spring, the wildflowers are magnificent and such varieties as kangaroo paws, cats paws, pink vine, acacias and donkey and spider orchids are in abundance.
Busselton makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding areas including Dunsborough, Yallingup and the Margaret River Wine Region, which extends westward from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south.
Margaret River Wine Region
The Margaret River Wine Region is just a short drive away. Enjoy wine tasting from the cellar door and superb cuisine at the many winery restaurants and cafes. Visit forest and coastal national parks, walk trails, galleries and artisan studios.
Family Activities
A cycle path for all ages meanders along the stunning Geographe Bay foreshore. Stop at Yoganup Park to enjoy the imaginative play equipment for children of all ages. There is an entertainment park which has giant water slides, an archery park, mini golf, one of the states few remaining drive-in theatres, jetski hire, a par 3 Golf Course and much more.
Wining & Dining
From relaxed cafes and family restaurants to bars, alfresco and fine dining, there is something for everyone.
Port Geographe
Port Geographe is home to yacht charter, sail adventures, diving and fishing charters and a tavern and restaurant. Encompassing an impressive canal and marina development, the vision for Port Geographe is to maximise and enhance the great lifestyle for which Busselton is famous. Catering to both locals and visitors, Port Geographe has realised this vision and has added a fantastic new dimension to Busselton.
Located on the eastern side of the Busselton township, just 7km from the centre of town along Layman Road, you will find Port Geographe. It is adjacent to the sheltered shores of Geographe Bay. The Tuart Tourist Drive and Layman Road provide the perfect access to Port Geographe when travelling south from Bunbury.
Boat and yacht charter operators, diving and fishing tour operators, a tavern, restaurant, holiday accommodation, cycle paths, kiosk, marina, marine industry services, boat ramps, and much more can all be discovered in a days visit.
When next visiting the Margaret River Wine Region take a drive and discover one of Busseltons newest attractions. Enjoy the tranquility of the vessels moored at the marina or wine and dine at the tavern/restaurant. There is plenty to do, so make Port Geographe a must for your next trip to the South West.
ATTRACTIONS
Busselton Jetty
This is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and was built over a 95 year period beginning in 1865. Timber and whaling were the main sources of income for the area in earlier days. For this purpose jetties were built at Wonnerup, Busselton and Quindalup. Of these, only the Busselton Jetty remains. The jetty gracefully stretches almost two kilometres into Geographe Bay and is a mecca for snorkellers and scuba divers who are fascinated not only by the immense variety of fish and other marine species, but by a stunningly beautiful array of coloured soft corals. Stroll down the jetty to take in the tangy salt air and delight in the conquests of local fisherpersons, young and old, as they snare their "catch of the day". The striking boat shed style Interpretive Centre opened in April 2001 and a new $3.5million Underwater Observatory opened in December 2003.
Underwater Observatory
The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory is one of Western Australias must-see eco-tourism attractions. Located near the end of the 1.8km jetty, the Underwater Observatory enables you to view more than 300 species of marine life from the underwater chamber windows.
Courthouse Arts Centre
Built between 1854-1856 and extended in 1873, the building has been utilised as a courtroom, jail cells, stable, post office and bond store (for customs). The historic building has been imaginatively restored and whilst the original jail cells remain as part of the museum, other parts of the building are now used as a gallery and cafe. The building also houses artists working on a variety of crafts.
St Marys Anglican Church
St Marys is the oldest stone church in WA. Built of limestone and jarrah with a sheoak shingle roof, the early settlers, with financial assistance from friends in England, built the church under the leadership of John G Bussell. The foundation stone was laid in 1844 and the church was consecrated on 4 November 1848. The churchyard has many pioneer graves, including that of John G Bussell.
Ballarat Engine
The first steam locomotive in WA which ran between Yoganup and Wonnerup, was used from 1871-1886 hauling timber over 20km for the primary purpose of constructing the Busselton Jetty. The engine is on display in the park opposite the Busselton Visitor Centre.
Busselton Historic Museum
Housed in the Old Butter Factory (1918-1974), the building was originally constructed as a creamery and also supplied ice to the town and local fishermen. Production of butter ceased in 1954, and the building is now open to the public as a museum. Displayed are many items of historical interest such as photographs, furniture, clothing, farm machinery, butter and cheese making equipment, an old Group house, fully furnished, and a school. It is well worth a visit. Open daily 2-5pm (closed Tuesday).
Pioneer Cemetery
Situated on the corner of Marine Terrace and Stanley St, the cemetery contains over 1000 graves of many of the districts early settlers.
Wonnerup House
10km north of Busselton is the Wonnerup House Settlement. First settled by the Layman family in 1834 it is an important surviving example of early farm pioneering. There is a magnificent homestead (1859), and earlier house (1837) which was later converted into a dairy, plus a kitchen, stables, blacksmiths, teacher house and school. These buildings have all been restored with many original items and furniture on display. Dont miss this National Trust property with its beautiful gardens. Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Closed during month of July and on the day of the Busselton Iron Man. Entry fee applies. Tel: (08) 9752 2039.
Heritage Park and Trail
To learn more about the rich heritage of the town, take the time to visit the Heritage Park and Trail which starts at the corner of Peel Terrace and Causeway Road, opposite the Busselton Visitor Centre. The trail includes a range of contemporary sculptures which aim to link the past and present and includes the acclaimed "Aboriginal Interpretive Garden" as well as a number of historic landmarks such as the Ballarat Steam Engine, Saint Marys Church and Pioneer Cemetery. A free map is available from the Busselton Visitor Centre.
Ludlow Tuart Forest
On your journey to Busselton, be sure to take the leisurely tourist drive through the Ludlow Tuart Forest and capture the beauty of these rare giants of the forest. This is the only natural stand of Tuart left in the world, so enjoy the many picnic areas and forest walk trails and soak up the relaxing and peaceful setting.
Galleries, Arts & Crafts
If you enjoy fine woodcraft, pottery and other works of art, dont miss seeing the regions finest! Busselton Art Society, ArtGeo, Geographe Gallery and Christian Fletcher Photo Images are but a few of the many galleries which abound in the region.
Sporting Facilities
For visitors who enjoy sports - golf, bowls, tennis and squash are available. The Geographe Leisure Centre offers gymnasium facilities, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and sauna.
Tours
View the region with one of the many half or full day tours available and choose to travel by classic car, 4WD or coach! Whether youre interested in nature-based activities, photography, wineries, canoeing, caves, camel rides or adrenaline pumping adventure activities - there is a tour to suit your needs. There is an excellent free booking service available through the Dunsborough and Busselton Visitor Centre for a range of tours in the region.
For Further Tourism Information:
Tune into Western Tourist Radio, for up-to-date information on the region.
96.5 FM in Busselton, 98.4FM in Dunsborough, 96.5FM Cowaramup & 95.3FM Karridale.
Busselton Visitor Centre:
busselton@geographebay.com
Dunsborough Visitor Centre:
dunsborough@geographebay.com
For Further Shire Information:
Shire of Busselton
www.busselton.wa.gov.au
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