Things to do in Busselton: Gateway to Margaret River Region

If you leave Perth in the morning, by lunchtime, you could have a brew in your hand on the Busselton foreshore overlooking Geographe Bay and the iconic Busselton Jetty. While this coastal town is often considered the gateway to the Margaret River Region, Busselton has recently re-emerged with a newly developed foreshore, art precinct, cinema complex, shopping centre, restaurants and the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton.

The Busselton Margaret River Airport keeps the bustle alive, with thousands of visitors arriving from the eastern states several times a week, with additional flights in the pipeline. There's definitely a buzz in the air, and we've only touched the surface with the best things to do in Busselton. We've already predicted the tree and sea change fantasies, so please check out our suburb profile of Busselton and our guide to the Margaret River Region.

Busselton Jetty

As one of WA's most popular tourist attractions, the Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere with a train taking you the 1.7 kilometre journey, unless you opt for a powerwalk. Once you're at the end, descend into the Underwater Observatory and admire over 300 marine species through the viewing windows. Dive or snorkel to explore the artificial reef in this world-class tropical and sub-tropical underwater wonderland, adorned by 13 underwater sculptures for the marine life to inhabit and mermaids swimming by the Underwater Observatory from December to March.

Geographe Bay

Cradled by Geographe Bay, Busselton makes the most of its coastal location protected by the blustery southerly wind. The calm bay is ideal for all ages for bathing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, cruising, sailing and exploring Busselton Jetty. We highly recommend driving up to nearby Dunsborough and taking an afternoon or sunset cruise out onto the bay with Sailing Charters.

Each year Geographe Bay hosts events such as the yachting regatta Geographe Bay Race Week, whale watching tours and the inaugural Geo Bay Coolwater Classic, which finishes at the Busselton Jetty, where the celebrations will be in full swing come November. The foreshore is also home to Shelter Brewing Co., the recently re-opened Goose Café, Equinox Restaurant and the new Hilton Garden Inn Busselton.

Delve into Busselton's art scene

Given the spectacular scenery, it's hardly surprising the region is a drawcard for creatives with the landscape as their muse. Celebrating its 10^th year, the Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) is bigger than ever with 166 artists and 48 new studios opening their doors to the public from 9^th to 24^th September. There are over 30 artists in Busselton to check out during MRROS and year-round exhibitions and workshops at the Art Geo Complex, Origins Market and Shelter Brewing Co. (Ian Daniel's whale mural is permanently on display) is joined by Rief Myers' humourous paintings and classes during MRROS. At any time of the year, stroll through the town centre among several life-size bronze sculptures created by artist Greg James for the Settlement Art Project. If you're an artist yourself, budding or already accomplished, then you won't be able to resist a splurge at Jacksons Drawing Supplies, a treasure trove of creativity.

Origins Market

This one-stop collective connects consumers with over 60 local farmers, producers, artisans and creators. Since the Origins Market's opening in early November 2021, thousands of visitors have experienced the culinary attractions of the southwest region and beyond under one glorious roof. As well as a shopping mecca and meeting place for locals and visitors, community and sustainability are at the heart of this unique market, designed as an incubation space for small businesses to test the market. Keep an eye on their socials for year-round workshops and events running among the fresh produce, eateries, artists and bars.

Power Centre, 86 West Street, Busselton

Movie magic

CinefestOz returns for its 16^th year in 2023 as Australia's richest film prize of $100,000 as movie royalty swan into town, including Hugo Weaving, who will promote his new film The Rooster. A premiere screening of Jules, starring Sir Ben Kingsley, EGO (the story around Michael Gudinski) and Bring Him to Me, starring Sam Neill and Rachel Griffiths, is one of the many films to be screened in the region's cinemas. Don't miss the glitterati sightings at Busselton's Orana Cinemas and events held at wineries, small bars and galleries from 29 August to 3 September. Naturally, movies are screened year-round at Orana Cinemas, and shortly, the opening of the new five-screen Reading Cinemas in the heart of town with state-of-the-art facilities and new eateries continues keeping the movie magic alive.

Inara

Inara is a vibrant and innovative Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the heart of Busselton. Drawing inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of the region, they offer a contemporary take on classic dishes, housed within a warm and inviting space.

Even if you consider yourself knowledgeable about Lebanese cuisine, Inara is ready to unveil a world of flavours beyond the surface.

One of the best new places to pop in for a bite to eat on your next visit to Busselton. 

Shop 43 Busselton Central, Busselton

Busselton Pavilion

Relish in some sensationally laid-back vibes, elevated pub fare, and a wildly impressive wine list at the south-west’s brand new mega-pub, the Busselton Pavilion. This incredible 500-person venue includes a relaxed gastro pub, private dining rooms as well as an outdoor area, and an attached wine shop and distillery. This breezy spot perfectly combines its heritage-style design with a modern, fresh aesthetic, making it ideal for soaking up the unique coastal charm of Busselton. 

Shop T46/30 Kent Street, Busselton

Banksia Tavern

Despite only opening in July 2023, Banksia Tavern is already a firm favourite for its retro vibes inviting you to sink into the booths and order an Old Fashioned cocktail while trying to decide what to order from the Soils, Ocean and Paddock menu. We suggest all of the above, and our picks include Char Grilled Golden Beetroot Skewers, Abrolhos Island Scallops, Wagyu and the hand-cut chips with duck gravy. It's a marathon, not a race, so you may as well order that second cocktail and savour the experience to the tune of the vinyl hi-fi system broadcasting vintage tracks.

43 Prince Street, Busselton

Amelia Park Lodge

You've probably heard of Amelia Park lamb and beef, and since you're in Busselton, it would be a shame not to try this world-class delicacy at the Amelia Park Lodge, washed down with an Amelia Park red, of course. The elegant tavern featuring soaring coffered ceilings, a cosy fireplace and alfresco dining is a local favourite for its pub fare, snack menu and extensive drinks list. The guesthouse ensures you don't have far to go to sleep off the inevitable indulgences on this grand historic property. 

5850 Bussell Highway, Abbey

Shelter Brewing Co

Since Geographe Bay is sheltered from the elements, it makes sense for the Shelter Brewing Co to encapsulate its prime location. Architect Paul Burnham (who also designed Little Creatures in Fremantle) worked in harmony with the elements within the soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a grain silo to save on wastage. You can learn more about the behind-the-scenes workings on a brewery tour and then enjoy tasting their latest crisp IPA release designed to be savoured over the sunset. Even if you're not a beer drinker, they also serve cider, coffee, cocktails and a range of local wines perfect with burgers, woodfired pizzas and seafood from the all-day menu.

11 Foreshore Parade, Busselton

The Goose

Almost as iconic as The Busselton Jetty, The Goose has re-opened with a woodburning grill at the heart of their culinary offerings. By adding fire to locally sourced ingredients, their seafood, grass-fed beef and pizzas crafted from 48-hour cultured dough taste even sweeter. All-day dining while overlooking Geographe Bay is the epitome of any seaside holiday.

15 Foreshore Parade, Busselton

Firestation

Serving a rotating selection of craft beers and small-batch organic wines, the Firestation is located in the heart of town. Built in 1936 as a fire station, this cosy spot continues to serve the community and their appetites with a menu drawing upon European and Asian origins. Crispy bao buns, tacos, pizza and croquettes are just a few of the tasty options to be shared among the passing fray.

68 Queen Street, Busselton

Willow Wood Glamping Retreat

While soaking in your copper bath beneath the milky way, you may begin to contemplate swapping bricks and mortar for canvas and zips – permanently. Husband and wife Kevin and Amber Kelly, the inspired duo behind Willow Wood Glamping Retreat, have seamlessly blended luxury and nature with fully-equipped ensuite bathrooms (with fluffy robes and Larn'wa products), cloud-like mattresses, sitting rooms, air-conditioning, decks and kitchenettes stocked with coffee machines and freshly baked bread, preserves and granola. Each of the ten stylish eco tents faces expansive rural outlooks on the 100-acre property and you could almost imagine you're the only guests in the world until you notice kangaroos grazing nearby fluffy highland cows serenading you with their moos. At some point, you'll be drawn towards the spa tent where Amber will be waiting with a Larn'wa treatment infused with Australian botanicals designed to rejuvenate and calm the body and soul.

381 Ambergate Road, Ambergate

Aqua Resort

Set among peppermint woodlands, Aqua Resort offers a choice of beach houses and configurations from one to five bedrooms, with gourmet kitchens, timber flooring and bi-fold doors opening onto alfresco dining. Even if you don't score a villa with a heated plunge pool, the 25-metre infinity pool should suffice with those sweeping ocean views. No wonder Aqua is so popular with wedding parties and groups seeking a resort experience on the shores of Geographe Bay, moments from Busselton.

603-605 Bussell Highway, Broadwater

Private Properties

Private Properties pride themselves on selecting properties in unique locations, and Busselton's beaches certainly qualify for the Busselton Beach House, Summer of 81, Busselton Beach Bungalow and Out of the Blue. All four properties channel coastal vibes, open-plan living, well-appointed kitchens and alfresco dining. You're going to want to organise a group to make the most of the entertaining options in these beachside properties set in idyllic landscaped grounds.

Hilton Garden Inn Busselton

The new Hilton Garden Inn Busselton has already received bookings even before opening in November 2023. Overlooking the Busselton foreshore, those million-door views of Geographe Bay and the iconic Busselton Jetty probably have something to do with the buzz of its pre-opening, a brand synonymous with understated elegance and seamless hospitality. A rooftop function room, outdoor heated swimming pool and the Together & Co Restaurant and Bar with ocean views are a fantastic addition to the foreshore and only a stroll from the town centre.

4 Jetty Way, Busselton

Flo 

A seaside Scandi-home near the jetty, Flo is a beautiful weekend stay you need to add to your list of things to do in Busselton.

Freshly renovated, this casual and calm home boasts cosy designer furnishings that were selected with comfort and quality in mind, as well as plenty of natural light. 

There's a huge playground outside in the backyard, so it's the perfect accommodation for the whole family. Kick back in the expansive alfresco or fire pit area while the kids play on the nature playground, enjoy a glass of red by the living room fire while watching a movie on the smart TV, or cook up a storm in the kitchen.

As the day winds down from a big adventure 'round Busselton, you'll face the delightful dilemma of choosing between the front porch to watch the sun go down, or the expansive alfresco and backyard for your evening’s entertainment.

It’s ideally located opposite the Busselton tennis club, only a few minutes’ walk to the beach, and a 10 minute walk into town or to the iconic Busselton jetty. 

Busselton is an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Perth via the Kwinana Freeway and the Forrest Highway. Or you can take a short flight from Perth or the east coast via Jetstar to the Busselton Margaret River Airport, a short drive from Busselton's town centre.

Have you enjoyed our guide to the best things to do in Busselton? Let the adventures continue past this vibrant beach town with our wine lovers and restaurant guides to the Margaret River Region.