10 Ways To Discover Busselton

Busselton’s music scene is ramping up with lively new bars offering entertainment, fabulous food and a good selection of wine, beer and cocktails. Bodega (meaning ‘cellar’ in Spanish) on Prince Street is a great example of great food, great drinks, great vibe. The menu includes tapas style food designed to be shared while you linger over a glass from their extensive wine list (keep an eye out for their happy hour), and after dark it morphs into a chic spot for dinner and cocktails. Another option is Hally’s, who boast the only rooftop bar in Busselton along with a relaxed beer garden where they host regular live music and events.

The Rocky Ridge Brewing Co cellar door is always a winner with it’s extensive selection of beers on tap, and Margaret River Burger Company keeping tummies full. Or settle into the family friendly space at Shelter Brewing Co, situated right opposite the Busselton Jetty and prime position for watching the sunset.

Busselton is the Events Capital of Western Australia, which means a lot goes on here. Large public spaces in and around the foreshore area are able to host popular events such as the South West Craft Beer Festival, King of Concrete, The Busselton Fringe Festival, CinefestOz, and weekly farmers’ and craft markets.

Fitness junkies from all over rush to hard-core comps such as the annual Busselton Jetty Swim, IRONMAN, Half Marathon and Fun Run, and the Festival of Triathlon. Time your visit with one of these major events and you’ll be blown away by the buzz that takes over this once quaint seaside town.

The Busselton Jetty is the city’s iconic focal point and a must-visit attraction. Walking the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere is one thing, but seeing what’s below the wooden planks is quite another (read: dazzlingly colourful schools of fish and extremely friendly octopus). Snorkelling or scuba diving around and under the jetty is a daring adventure worthy of every bucket list.

If you’d rather stay dry, journey eight metres under the ocean surface at the Underwater Observatory near the end of the 1.84 km jetty. It’s one of only six of its type in the world and the perfect place to discover what life looks like under the sea.

The sandy shores along Geographe Bay will guarantee Instagram-worthy sunrise and sunset photos, but they’re also ideal for clocking up your daily steps. Kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in the whitewash, feel the wind in your hair, and inhale the salt air for a rush of aliveness and splendour. It’s also the perfect setting for a romantic stroll on date night, or a family picnic with million dollar views.

Bring out your inner primate with a trip to Forest Adventures in the tall trees of the Tuart Forest. Challenge yourself to climb high above the ground and zoom through the air on the many zip lines zigzagging the eight-acre property. This is an adventure and a half and a total contrast to Busselton’s beautiful beaches. When you’re looking to venture out of your comfort zone or confront physical and mental limits, this will do it. And you’ll feel like a champion afterwards.

Busselton is a favourite spot for anglers and sea lovers. If you love to fish, cast a line out from the Busselton Jetty for a chance to catch squid, herring, or whiting with like-minded locals. Busselton and Southwest Rent-a-Car offer rod and reel rentals. There are a number of other fishing spots that might take you further off the beaten track, where you can find absolute solitude and stillness – until, that is, you’re (hopefully!) wrangling in dinner! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned seafarer, read more about family-friendly fishing before casting your line.

If you’d rather catch a glimpse of migrating whales, there are a number of whale watching charters that will get you up close and personal with the majesties of the sea. All Sea Charters guarantees sightings in season. From September to November, Captain Paul sets off from Busselton in search of Humpback and Southern Right whales, more than 35, 000 of which pass through Geographe Bay and even stop to nurse their young there every year. Seeing these giant and majestic creatures up close is an experience to last a lifetime.

Fly high above the gorgeous coastline with an adrenaline-producing flight with one of the region’s scenic flight operators. Tiger Moth Adventure Flights is just one example – their two-seater, open cockpit bi-plane will take you on a crazy-good, aerobatic ride of your life. Imagine steep descents, barrel rolls, and loops about five thousand feet above Geographe Bay! This heart-pumping adventure is an awesome way to rediscover Busselton – you’ll see the place from a totally new perspective.

The Good Egg, a much-loved café and eatery as much for its story (it was opened by co-owners Deb Hallyburton and Amy Ovans in honour of Ms Hallyburton’s late husband, donating 5 per cent of all profits to brain cancer research) as for its coffee. Offering a casual, yet warm environment to while an hour or two away, this place is perfect for anything from coffee and muffins with the fam to a few hours catching up on emails.

But don’t stop there. Coffee and breakfasts are also on offer at Rise & Co, while Baked is a favourite for pastries, cakes and other staples of the sweet and moreish variety, as well as excellent takeaway lunch options for all your group picnicking needs.

On your way to the Busselton Jetty, stop into the Lockup Coffee House located at the Old Court House on Queen Street. Here you can mix a little café culture with history as you explore the city’s original jail cells and courthouse. The café serves Yahava coffee, yummy cakes, homemade scones, sandwiches, and salads.

Busselton is blessed with flat ground, which means cycling is an easy and fun way to get out and about. Rent a bike from Fat Duck Cycles & Espresso Bar, then follow the paved footpath along the foreshore to Dunsborough (about 28km), or to Port Geographe Marina (4.8km) and take in the fresh air and beauty of the stunning coastline. There are plenty of spots to stop and refresh in the bay’s turquoise waters along the way, and be sure to remain on the lookout for dolphins and whales depending on the time of year.

If you’re game and want to go further afield, Busselton is an excellent jumping off point for some of the region’s more challenging cycling and mountain biking.