Busselton
Oceania · Australia
See also
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Perth
Australia31.95°S 115.86°E · 2 m
Overview
Busselton is a relaxed coastal city on Geographe Bay, 220 km south-west of Perth, famous for its 2-km heritage jetty—the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. The city was voted Western Australia's top tourist town in 1995, 1996, and 2005, and receives 8-12 cruise ships annually.
Languages: English
Why Go
Busselton is a relaxed coastal city on Geographe Bay, 220 km south-west of Perth, famous for its 2-km heritage jetty—the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. The city was voted Western Australia's top tourist town in 1995, 1996, and 2005, and receives 8-12 cruise ships annually. It's an excellent base for exploring the South West region, with flat terrain ideal for cycling and easy access to Margaret River wine country.
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Understand
Busselton was an early farming and timber port established in Geographe Bay, just south of Bunbury. The town developed around its historic jetty, which once connected to Perth via railway until 1957. Today, car-based travel dominates, though buses serve the region. The flat, spread-out town centers on the original jetty area, with Dunsborough to the west and wetlands to the east. Bush flies can be bothersome in past years—hats with corks or nets are recommended.
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Climate
Busselton has a Mediterranean climate: cool, wet winters and warm to hot dry summers. Summer daytime highs average 29°C with overnight lows around 17°C. Heat waves can push temperatures to 34°C or higher with nighttime lows near 21°C. Winter brings 120-134 mm monthly rainfall between June and August.
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Get In
Busselton is 220 km (140 mi) south-west of Perth via highway. Jetstar Airways flies to Busselton Airport up to three times per week depending on season. The town is accessible by wider, faster highways connecting to Perth and the Margaret River region to the south.
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Get Around
The pier and beach are about 200 m apart—easily walkable. Busselton has a local bus service extending south to the Margaret River region and north to Bunbury. However, car-based travel is the dominant mode in this car-oriented location. The flat terrain makes cycling an excellent option for exploring the area.
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When to Go
Summer (December-February) offers warm, dry weather ideal for beach activities and jetty walks, though heat waves occur. Winter (June-August) is wet with 120-134 mm monthly rainfall but milder temperatures. Cruise ships visit 8-12+ times annually, peaking in warmer months.
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Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn overlooking the jetty to the luxury Abbey Beach Resort on Bussell Highway with hotel and apartment options. Budget travelers should check for hostels near the foreshore area.
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Food and Drink
Busselton has abundant licensed cafes and restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine along the main street. The Goose, east of the jetty, offers beautiful views and popular local dining. For quick bites, KYST on the foreshore has takeaway fish and chips. Gelato shops in town make homemade ice cream with chocolate spoons and bowls. Shelter Brewing Co. south of the jetty and Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. at 10 Marine Terrace offer craft beer and dining.
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Things to Do
The iconic Busselton Jetty stretches nearly 2 km; a tourist train runs to the end where an underwater observatory operates (may close on windy days due to silt visibility). Swimming is available at the swimming pier near shore, and snorkeling is good around the main pier. The Augusta-Busselton Heritage Trail retraces the 1800s Pioneer Route over 100 km from the jetty to Augusta. XCape at Cape Fun Park on Caves Road between Busselton and Dunsborough offers a water park and laser tag.
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Go Next
West: Yallingup and Dunsborough are beachside towns with surfing and caves. South: Cowaramup, Margaret River (wine region), and Augusta. South-east: Nannup. The bypass road now allows travel to Margaret River without entering Busselton proper.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Abbey Beach Resort
Resort near the beach. Luxury hotel and apartment accommodation with a complete range of facilities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hilton Garden Inn Busselton
4-star hotel with views over the jetty and town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
KYST
On the Busselton foreshore. You have the option of a cheap and easy take-away counter or restaurant dine in. Great place to pick up some fish and chips to eat on the beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
The Goose
Popular local restaurant east of the jetty with beautiful views and good food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Busselton Jetty
The most famous feature of Busselton is the jetty. It long - very long; nearly 2 km in length. It was required by the shallowness of the bay, but fell into disrepair following the cessation of commercial shipping. The jetty has been restored for heritage and tourism purposes. Its railway used to be part of Western Australia's rail network, connecting to the main line to Perth. These days, a small tourist train will take you to the end of the pier. There is an underwater observatory at the end of the pier. Silt in the bay can be whipped up by winds, and on windy days the observatory can close for poor visibility.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Busselton Visitor Centre & Railway Museum
Information center with maps, gift shop, and Australia's one of first locomotives.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Ithaca
It was built by Frank Backhouse in 1896. Ithaca is listed on the state's Register of Heritage Places in recognition of its significant historical and community values. Ithaca has a two-storey tower and was built as a private residence; in 1904, Ithaca was acquired by Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions for use as a Catholic convent. It has been a school and a hotel, and now is a motel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Old Butter Factory/Busselton Museum
The Old Butter Factory was built in 1918 by the government Department of Agriculture to replace a previous privately owned dairy, Western Australia's first butter factory and creamery, that was established in 1898. The factory also operated as an ice works for local residents and fishermen before the widespread availability of mechanical refrigeration. It ceased butter-making operations in 1952 and became a cream depot and dried milk plant, then a truck depot. In 1974 it was sold to the Shire of Busselton, which leased most of the building to the Busselton Historical Society; they opened the Busselton Museum there in 1975. In 2018, the building was heavily damaged by fire. the outside areas were re-opened in 2019 and the rest of the building was re-opened in 2020.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Options range from Hilton Garden Inn (4-star) to Abbey Beach Resort luxury apartments. Budget hostels available.
Activities
The 2-km jetty is the star attraction with underwater observatory. Swimming, snorkeling, and fishing are popular.
Food
Main street has many cafes and restaurants. Budget options include fish and chips from KYST on the foreshore.
Packing
Bring hats with corks or nets—bush flies can be bothersome in past years.
Transport
Busselton is car-oriented; rent a vehicle for full region access. Local buses connect to Bunbury and Margaret River.
Weather
Summer is warm and dry (avg 29°C); bring sun protection. Winter is wet (120-134 mm/month June-August).