Busselton Jetty shimmers in the early morning, Western Australia

Things to do in  Busselton

Fun above and below the water

Overlooking the calm waters of Geographe Bay, the not-so-sleepy seaside town of Busselton allows travelers to explore the connection between the ocean and the land, experience a whale’s-eye-view of the world, and enjoy a great family-friendly vacation. Best known for its vast wooden jetty—which extends 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) over the Indian Ocean and features Australia’s first underwater observatory—the sea may be the main attraction, but this southwestern spot has plenty of other things to do, including hiking, cycling, eating, shopping, and exploring local wineries and national parks.

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Top 5 attractions in Busselton

#1

Busselton Jetty

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At more than a mile (1.8 kilometers) in length, the Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Ships no longer dock here, and instead the historic jetty draws visitors to the Western Australia coast to stroll its length and take in the views both above and below the water.More
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#2

Jewel Cave

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Jewel Cave is the largest show cave in the Margaret River region and part of Western Australia’s Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Tucked beneath a forest of karri trees and filled with dramatic stalactites, helictites, and crystals, it’s also home to the largest straw stalactite in Australia—more than 17 feet (5.4 meters) long.More
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#3

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

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Perched on Australia’s southwestern tip, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse has been standing watch over the meeting point of the Indian and Southern oceans since 1895. The 128-foot-tall (39-meter landmark and its grounds provide scenic photo ops and the chance to spot dolphins and whales, depending on the time of year.More
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#4

Ngilgi Cave

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One of the most popular visitor attractions of Geographe Bay and part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Ngilgi Cave is an expansive natural wonder. The series of underground caves and tunnels are filled with dramatic stalactites, helictites, shawls, and shimmering deposits of calcite crystal.More
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#5

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

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Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in Western Australia stretches more than 100 miles (160 kilometers). It's a haven for nature enthusiasts, as it's home to rugged landscapes with hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean, where you can see whales and dolphins. The park also boasts beautiful beaches, surfing spots, forests, and limestone cliffs.More
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Explore Busselton by interest

Top activities in Busselton

Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour

Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour

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265
From
$63.76
Jewel Cave Fully-guided Tour (Located in Western Australia)

Jewel Cave Fully-guided Tour (Located in Western Australia)

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264
From
$16.11
Full Day Winery and Brewery Tour in a Classic Silver Spirit Rolls Royce

Full Day Winery and Brewery Tour in a Classic Silver Spirit Rolls Royce

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122
From
$113.42
Self-Guided Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience

Self-Guided Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience

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136
From
$21.48
Augusta Whale Watching Eco Tour

Augusta Whale Watching Eco Tour

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98
From
$63.76
Nocturnal Wildlife Tour from Busselton or Dunsborough

Nocturnal Wildlife Tour from Busselton or Dunsborough

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179
From
$57.04
Margaret River Wine and Sights Discovery Tour from Busselton or Dunsborough

Margaret River Wine and Sights Discovery Tour from Busselton or Dunsborough

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135
From
$73.82
Whale Watching Busselton

Whale Watching Busselton

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139
From
$63.76
Whale Watching from Augusta in Western Australia

Whale Watching from Augusta in Western Australia

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105
From
$63.76
Margaret River Coastal and Wildlife Eco Trip from Busselton or Dunsborough

Margaret River Coastal and Wildlife Eco Trip from Busselton or Dunsborough

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81
From
$97.31
Organic Vineyard/Farm Tour

Organic Vineyard/Farm Tour

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2
From
$65.18
Busselton Jetty and Underwater Sculptures Snorkel Boat Tour

Busselton Jetty and Underwater Sculptures Snorkel Boat Tour

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7
From
$66.44
Private Barrel Hall Wine Tasting in the Margaret River Region

Private Barrel Hall Wine Tasting in the Margaret River Region

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15
From
$34.42
Private Chardonnay and Cheese Tasting in Margaret River

Private Chardonnay and Cheese Tasting in Margaret River

From
$16.78
Whale Watching Dunsborough

Whale Watching Dunsborough

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24
From
$63.76
Luxury Estate Private Picnic at Brookland Valley

Luxury Estate Private Picnic at Brookland Valley

From
$36.91
Brown Hill Winemaker's Walk
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Brown Hill Winemaker's Walk

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$83.89
Premium Temper Temper Chocolate & Red Wine Tasting

Premium Temper Temper Chocolate & Red Wine Tasting

From
$20.13
Taste Of The Bays Cruise - CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
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Taste Of The Bays Cruise - CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

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14
From
$220.79
Margaret River Wine & Beer Tour + Lunch: A Journey In The Vines
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Margaret River Wine & Beer Tour + Lunch: A Journey In The Vines

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301
From
$110.73
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All about Busselton

When to visit

The most popular time to visit Busselton is during the summer months (December to February) when the temperature is perfect for beach days and the holiday town’s holiday spirit is in full force. If you don’t mind slightly cooler weather, spring and autumn are also great times to visit Busselton, especially if you want to see whales or wildflowers. The whale-watching season runs from September to November, coinciding nicely with the wildflower season on the shore.

Getting around

While Busselton's town center and foreshore are easily walkable, the best way to get around Busselton is by car or bicycle, with cycle paths running as far south as Dunsborough. Local buses also run routes between Busselton and Dunsborough, so travelers without wheels don't have to miss out. If you prefer to stay local, Busselton Jetty also has a train shuttling travelers back and forth to the end of the jetty and the observatory.

Traveler tips

While many of Busselton’s best-known activities and attractions lie around the jetty and foreshore, there are many other things to do in Busselton, both in and out of the water. Active travelers can enjoy sailing, fishing, scuba diving, cycling, and hiking—with the beautiful Blackwood State Forest just a 30-minute drive south. Busselton’s drinking and driving scene is also something to write home about, with great beach-front breweries and markets bringing together a bounty of delights from around the southwest.

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Reviews
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People Also Ask

Is Busselton worth a visit?

Yes, Busselton is worth a visit. While this beach-front town may sometimes be overlooked in favor of Dunsborough and Margaret River, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye—quite literally, with a jetty so long you can’t see its end or the observatory below the wave line.

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How many days do you need in Busselton?

Two or three days is a reasonable amount of time to spend in Busselton. While you can still enjoy a flying visit, a weekend trip is ideal for ticking off all the highlights, relaxing on the beach, and squeezing in a quick trip to Dunsborough or Margaret River.

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What is Busselton known for?

Busselton is best known as the home of the Busselton Jetty, which first opened in 1865. At 1.1 miles long (1.8 kilometers), the wooden jetty is the longest in the southern hemisphere and even has a train to ferry visitors back and forth. It’s also home to Australia’s first underwater observatory, which offers a fish-eye view of the ocean floor.

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Can you swim in Busselton?

Yes, you can swim in Busselton. While you can swim on the beaches, you can also swim, snorkel, and dive from the Busselton Jetty. There are ladders, platforms, and a ramp for wheelchair access to the water. If you want to head further afield, Dunsborough is another popular swimming spot, as is Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

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Is it better to stay in Busselton or Bunbury?

Most visitors to the southwest prefer the chill vacation vibes and beachfront location of Busselton compared to the busy port city of Bunbury. However, as the third biggest city in the state, Bunbury is better for shopping and gathering supplies—with the Bunbury Farmers Market a must-visit on any trip down south.

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Is it better to stay in Busselton or Dunsborough?

Busselton and Dunsborough are great on-the-beach vacation destinations, with plenty to see and do and great shopping, eating, and drinking scenes. While Busselton is a little closer to Perth, making it great for a weekend, Dunsborough is closer to some of the region’s popular attractions, like caves, wineries, and surf beaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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