Busselton WA 6280 (Pop 24 000)

Busselton is a delightful historic seaside resort town on the Vasse River and Geographe Bay 230 km south of Perth. European settlement began in 1832 and the town was named after a family of early settlers. The port facilities attracted much business including whaling ships while dairy, beef and timber production also helped maintain the local economy. Today Busselton is additionally a popular holiday destination. Festival of Busselton (Jan), Heritage Festival Day (Apr), Busselton Fine Wine & Food Fair (Oct), Busselton Agricultural Show (Oct/Nov) and Busselton Winedowner (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Busselton Jetty, Queen St one of the world’s longest jetties (almost 2 km) built in 1865 and closed to shipping in 1972 but very popular for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Old Butter Factory Museum, Peel Tce (1918) an excellent folk museum of local historic displays and memorabilia. St Marys Church of England, Peel Tce (1844) picturesquely situated on the Vasse River and said to be WA’s oldest stone church which features an historic graveyard (including first settler, John Bussell’s grave and the Rectory (1870s). Old Courthouse, Queen St restored goal cells and an arts complex. Ballarat Steam Train, St Marys Park, Pries Ave is WA’s oldest train (1871).  

Nearby:
Wonnerup House (10 km east) (1859) now a National Trust museum with many original furnishings, beautiful gardens and nearby, the Teacher’s House (1885) and School (1873). Tuart Forest NP or Ludlow Tuart Forest (12 km s-e) comprises over 2 000 ha and protects the world’s largest natural tuart forest. These magnificent giants reach up to 33m high and 10m wide and are only found 200 km either side of Perth.

Accommodation:
Busselton has 7 motels, 2 hotels, 5 resorts, about 10 B&Bs,  holiday apartments/cabins/lodges and a dozen caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 38 Peel Tce. Tel (08) 9752 1288.

Airport:
Busselton Regional Airport (BQB), Vasse Hwy, Yalyalup. Tel (08) 9781 0444.

Hospital:
Busselton District Hospital. Mill Rd, West Busselton.Tel (08) 9752 1122.