Journey to the heart of Australia’s Southwest at one of WA’s most beloved holiday getaways – Busselton. An enchanting coastal playground brimming with treasures, bathe in the beauty of this sun-kissed city that perfectly blends family fun, the great outdoors and endless entertainment. With events list longer than the Busselton Jetty, you will find comfort in knowing you’re in safe hands at this little slice of Arcadian paradise.
Explore the Lands Less Travelled, In and Around Busselton
Renowned for its laid-back vibes and gorgeous scenery, Busselton’s claim to fame lies in the world’s longest wooden jetty, reclining in the shallows of Geographe Bay. A West Australian icon, the 150+-year-old titanic pier is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the west, extending an astonishing 1.8 kilometres long from the Busselton City Foreshore. Wander along its storied timber decking or ride the eco-train seamlessly to the ends of the Earth. Join a snorkelling tour, cast a line, or test the waters with Australia’s first SeaTREK undersea walk. The 8-metre-deep Underwater Observatory at the jetty’s tip is just the icing on the cake – one of only 6 natural aquariums residing in the world.
For a slight change of scenery, get in your Hertz rental car and explore the soaring Tuart Trees at one of the world’s rarest forests. The last of their kind to reach maturity, the Tuart Forest National Park now houses the largest remaining example of pure Tuart Forest. Immerse yourself in the history and ecology of these majestic trees on the Tuart Discovery Trail. Or take things up a notch by climbing, swinging and ziplining through the canopies at Forest Adventures Southwest.
Spy the birds at the Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands – one of WA’s most significant waterbird environments. More than 30,000 water birds flock to the wetland’s nutrient-rich waters every year including WA’s iconic Black Swan. Nature lovers rejoice, with several walking trails and bird hides dotted throughout the wetlands, perfect for watching the birds in action as the days roll by.
Other awe-inspiring activities well in reach with your rental car include – swimming at Geographe Bay, cycling the Geographe Path, a picnic along the Busselton Foreshore, a brush with Busselton’s colonial history at Wonnerup House, Busselton’s state-of-the-art ArtGeo Cultural Complex, Busselton Museum, Busselton Archery Park and in season whale watching.
Indulge in Busselton’s Eclectic Culinary Scene
A budding culinary culture has been brewing in Busselton for decades, often taking a back seat to the city’s smorgasbord of outdoor entertainment. A cosmopolitan of eateries inspired by fresh local produce; staying true to their roots is what makes this beautiful little city so special. Be it fine dining or a cosy cup of coffee, a no-frills pub or dinner under the stars – Busselton caters for all that and more.
In recent years, Busselton’s alluring natural décor has created a surplus of quaint cafes, marrying some of WA’s most divine flavours with the city’s sparkling coastal vistas. Warm the palette with a gourmet coffee from local favourite The Good Egg or a big hearty breakfast down at Alan’s Café. Have a crêpe time at Bistro Breton with their heavenly French classics or experience the great allrounder that is the Hummingbird.
Equally as impressive is Busselton’s dazzling array of high-quality restaurants. A sensory overload, marvel at the extensive range of offerings that’s bound to suit any palette. Wine and dine on timeless Italian classics at Al Forno or spice things up a touch at Curry Port. Enjoy a succulent steak from Pan & Grill or the best Pad Thai in town at Thai Lemongrass. Appreciate a glass of red and some creamy garlic prawns on the waterfront at The Equinox or Busselton’s latest brainchild – The Shelter Brewing Co.
Yet for the ultimate Busselton experience, you cannot go past an old-fashioned serving of Cod Rocks fish n chips while watching the sunset at the Busselton Foreshore.
As the gateway to the famed Margaret River Region, Busselton is only just the start. Explore million-year-old caves, award-winning wineries, lush forests, natural spas and so much more on the adventure of a lifetime in your Hertz rental car through Australia’s Southwest.