About Busselton

Busselton is the largest town in the Margaret River region and one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations. Situated on the calm, turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, Busselton is famous for its 1.8km timber jetty – the longest in the Southern Hemisphere – and its pristine foreshore perfect for swimming, cycling, and family holidays.

As the gateway to the Margaret River wine region, Busselton offers easy access to world-class wineries, stunning beaches, ancient caves, and towering forests. The town has excellent facilities, accommodation options for all budgets, and a vibrant cafe and restaurant scene.

Busselton Quick Facts

  • Population: ~40,000
  • Distance from Perth: 220 km (2.5 hours)
  • Distance from Margaret River: 50 km (45 min)
  • Best For: Families, jetty, beaches
  • Famous For: Busselton Jetty (1.8km)
  • Airport: Busselton Margaret River Airport

Busselton Jetty

The Busselton Jetty is Busselton's star attraction and one of Western Australia's most iconic landmarks. Built in 1865, the 1.841km timber-piled structure stretches into Geographe Bay and features a unique underwater observatory at the end.

Jetty Highlights

  • Length: 1.841 km – longest in Southern Hemisphere
  • Train: Scenic ride along the jetty
  • Underwater Observatory: View 300+ marine species
  • Free entry: After 5pm and before 9am

Busselton Foreshore

The Busselton Foreshore stretches for several kilometres along Geographe Bay, offering calm, crystal-clear swimming, playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and grassy areas perfect for picnics.

Things to Do in Busselton

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Type Options Price Range
Resorts Abbey Beach Resort, Mandalay Resort $200-400/night
Hotels Busselton Jetty Resort, Quality Hotel $120-250/night
Caravan Parks RAC Busselton, Big4 Beachlands $40-150/night

Getting to Busselton

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Busselton better than Margaret River?
They offer different experiences. Busselton is better for families seeking calm beach swimming and the famous jetty. Margaret River is better for wine lovers and surf beaches. Many visitors stay in Busselton as a base and day-trip to Margaret River.
What is Busselton famous for?
Busselton is most famous for the Busselton Jetty – at 1.841km, it's the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. The town is also known for its calm Geographe Bay beaches and being the gateway to Margaret River.
How far is Busselton from Perth?
Busselton is 220 km south of Perth, approximately a 2.5-hour drive via the Forrest Highway. It's also accessible by air through Busselton Margaret River Airport.
Is Busselton good for swimming?
Yes! Busselton has excellent swimming on the calm, sheltered waters of Geographe Bay. The foreshore beaches are particularly good for families due to gentle, shallow waters.

Explore the Margaret River Region

Use Busselton as your base for exploring wineries, beaches, and more.

View Sample Itineraries