Busselton Jetty
Every town has a claim to fame that puts it on the world map, and in Busselton it’s the jetty. At 1.8 kilometres long, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Dating back to 1865, the now-decommissioned jetty serviced more than 5000 vessels in its day. Today foot traffic outnumbers boats. Walk to the end of the jetty and descend eight metres below the surface to admire the marine life at the underwater observatory. If the 3.6 kilometre return trundle is too taxing, take the Jetty Train ($12 adults, $6 kids).
Tuart Forest
It’s not just the wooden boards of Busselton’s jetty that are remarkable, the living specimens in the Tuart Forest National Park are world famous too. The park contains the world’s largest remaining section of pure tuart (a species of eucalyptus). Wander through the forest during the day, admiring trees that soar up to 33 metres high, or visit at night to spy the rare western ringtail possum by torchlight.
Margaret River
Considered the capital of the Margaret River region, Busselton is a great launch pad for exploring the area’s abundant wineries and gourmet offerings. More than 95 cellar doors, nine micro-breweries and a handful of cideries and distilleries dot this fertile patch of land, which has earned international recognition as a prime wine producer. Grab yourself a tasting glass and sample the region’s finest drops, call in at a farm-gate style cafe for a bite to eat and keep an eye out for live music and gourmet events.
Whale Watching
Western Australia is prime whale-watching territory, and between June and December the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay are a playground for these beasts of the blue. During the latter six months of the year, an estimated 35,000 whales migrate north from Antarctica. You can often see these majestic mammals from the shore, but for a close-up encounter join a cruise and spot humpback, southern right, minke and blue whales frolicking in the water. The region enjoys one of the longest and most prolific whale-watching seasons in the world.
Artgeo Cultural Complex
When you’ve had your fill of whales, wine and wildlife head to the Artgeo Cultural Complex for a bit of culture. The complex is where art, heritage and culture collide. Visit the Courthouse Gallery, home to handcrafted local artworks housed within a mid-nineteenth century colonial building. Opposite you’ll find the striking Artego Gallery, where local and national exhibitions are held behind the building’s white arches. Before you leave be sure to stop by the Old Post Office Tea Rooms for a feast to match the treats your eyes have devoured.
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