Breathtaking family-friendly swimming beaches, loads of top eateries and easy access to all the good stuff Margaret River's food and wine region has to offer make Busselton/Undalup a beaut spot for a cruisy weekend away.
Pack the car, queue the road trip playlist and brace yourself for the arbitrary pitstop at Bunbury's Farmers Market, at Urban List, we've hit the road to bring you the latest and best things to do in Busselton.
Take A Dip At The Beach
Image credit: Busselton Jetty | Instagram via Shelter Brewing Co
First things first, you're gonna wanna take a dip. There’s no shortage of amazing beaches in Western Australia, and most of them can be found right here in the southwest. For something close and easy, Busselton Beach and the many patches along Geographe Bay are excellent for swimming—you'll find loads of people jumping right off the jetty. If you’re up for an adventure, jump in the car and head down the coast past Dunsborough to explore stunners like Meelup Beach, Castle Rock Beach or Eagle Bay Beach.
Hit Up The Revamped Busselton Central
Image credit: Busselton Pavilion | Georgia Hansen
Busselton Central has had a serious glow up this year, transforming into a hugely impressive one-stop shop for all your dining, drinking and shopping needs. You could spend the whole day at this expansive retail space and still have plenty more to see on your next visit. We recommend starting with a coffee at Benesse, grabbing lunch at Inara or Busselton Pavilion and then doing a touch of shopping before catching a film at Readings.
Start Your Day With A Good Breakfast
Image credit: Meelup Farmhouse | Instagram
There's nothing like a good brekky to get you out of bed in the morning and thankfully there are some awesome cafes in Busselton to start your day at. You could head to Baked for a flakey ham and cheese croissant, swing past Mano Wraps for a giant loaded crepe or head to Hummingbird for a banging breakfast gnocchi. For something super special, though, make the drive to Meelup Farmhouse in Eagle Bay and enjoy a charming farmhouse breakfast in the most serene setting.
Sit And Steam At Alchemy Saunas
Image credit: Alchemy Saunas | Instagram
You’re probably familiar with the many mental and physical benefits of saunas by now, but did you know the Busselton Beach Foreshore is now home to Alchemy Saunas? Busso is the fourth location in WA from the Perth-based company, with the saunas within the converted shipping container available for the public to rent. For an enormous endorphin kick, take a cold plunge in the ocean before jumping into the sauna. Your body and mind will thank you later.
Get On The Beers At A Local Brewery
Image credit: Shelter Brewing Co | Instagram
It’s a well-known fact of life: the fresher the brew, the better the beer. Luckily, some of the south-west’s very best frothies are brewed in Busso, meaning you can taste the local ales, lagers, sours and stouts right where they are made. Pull up a pew at the massive Shelter Brewing Co on the waterfront, have one off the wood at Rocky Ridge Brewing Co, and settle in for one of Australia’s top wheat beers at Mandoon Estate’s Homestead Brewery.
You might also like:
Sink A Hole-In-One
Image credit: The Par 3 | Instagram
Take a swing within the peppermint trees on the historic Old Broadwater Farm at Par 3. There’s a 9-hole par 3 course for the more serious golfers, or an 18-hole minigolf course for those who are still working on their drive. You won’t find any frustrating novelty windmills at Par 3. Instead, expect manicured, shady turf pastures surrounded by natural Busso bushland, with a cafe and bar on site for refuelling.
Stroll Along The Busselton Jetty And See The Underwater Observatory
Image credit: Underwater Observatory | Tourism Western Australia
Stretching a whopping 1.8km into Geographe Bay, a stop at Busselton Jetty is an absolute must. The heritage-listed attraction holds the record for the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, so it's a great spot to stretch the legs.
At the end of the jetty, you'll find the Underwater Observatory, where you can descend under the waves and spot some cool marine life. And don't worry, if you're not up for the walk, you can hitch a ride on the solar-powered train all the way to the end.
Get Stretchy At An Anything-But-Basic Pilates Class
Image credit: Pilatays | Instagram
Forget about the typically sterile, stale and stuffy Pilates studios you might be used to and do a feel-good class at Pilatays, Bussleston’s brand new pilates studio. There’s five all-inclusive classes available in the vibrant, welcoming space—Burn, Vibe, Hype, Push and Melt—each designed to be a fun-focussed workout that will still get you sweating. Make the most of the newbie teaser with one week of unlimited classes for just $40.
Visit The Farmers Markets
Image credit: Tora Sushi at Origins Market | Instagram
If you’re in Busselton on a Sunday morning, you need to pop down to the Farmers Market at Signal Park to scope out the best local produce, including handpicked fruit and veggies, fresh eggs, homemade honey, preserves, and baked bread. Local artisans will be parked alongside, meaning you can pick up some groceries and a gift or two while you’re there.
Head over to the other side of Bussel Highway, and you’ll find Origin Markets, one of Busselton’s best-kept secrets. Open from Thursday through to Sunday, this vibrant community hub showcases the best the southwest has to offer from makers, growers and local creatives. With over 70 makers, it’s a rabbit warren of cool stuff that will make you drop your credit card.
Browse The Best Boutiques
Image credit: Axell Rose Boutique | Instagram
Busselton is home to some amazing artisans and boutiques, perfect for a cheeky shopping spree.
If you’re after some fresh beachwear, then check out the much-loved Hillzeez, a family-run surf and skate shop that’s been going strong down south for over 30 years. Just around the corner in Fig Tree Lane is Desert To Ocean Clothing, a stunning boho clothing brand big on sustainability.
If you've got more bucks to spend, check out other boutiques like Axel & Rose, Lust or Marine & Co.
We always love to pop into Viva Books too to pick up a juicy new beach read.
Shoot Your Shot At Primal Archery
Image credit: Primal Archery | Instagram
Put your skills to the test at Primal Archery, Busso’s family-friendly archery range. Whether you’re an archery apprentice who has never picked up a bow and arrow before or a straight-shooter with a tonne of experience, the friendly team will make you feel confident and safe from the moment you arrive. Choose one of the three courses or play a game of archery tag. Katniss Everdeen eat your heart out.
Learn Some History
Image credit: Koomal Dreaming | Instagram
It's so important to get to know the country you're on whenever you're travelling around Australia, so we'd definitely recommend setting time aside to learn about the area’s rich Indigenous history and cultural importance with an Aboriginal food, cave and didgeridoo tour with local Wadandi man, Josh, from Koomal Dreaming.
If you’re keen to learn more about the settler's history of Busselton afterwards, then follow the Busselton Heritage Trail run by the local Rotary Club. Starting off at the Busselton Museum in the old heritage Butter Factory, you will be transported to the past with their collection of photos and memorabilia.
Set Off On A Treetop Adventure
Image credit: Forrest Adventures Park | Klook
If you've got kids in tow or just a bit of a big kid yourself, hit up the high ropes and zipline courses at Busselton's Forrest Adventures Park in Ludlow Tuart National Park. Set on eight acres of natural bushland, you'll find six challenging courses of high ropes, wires and flying foxes to tackle all while soaking up the stunning native flora and fauna.
Go Whale Watching
Image credit: Whale Watching | David Ashley
The West Australian coast sees plenty of whales throughout the year, but if you're keen for a bit of whale-watching in Busselton, you'll need to time your trip over Spring. The humpback whale and south right whale migration seasons run from late September til early November. You can catch glimpses of them from the shore or see them from above if you happen to have a drone. Otherwise, book one of these whale watching cruises if you wanna see them up close.
Explore The Tuart Forest National Park
Reconnect with nature by going for a peaceful walk amongst the towering trees at the Tuart Forest National Park, just east of Busselton. These majestic trees make for the perfect place to host a picnic, nature walk or bird-watching expedition.
The park is the last remaining forest of pure Tuart trees in the world, with some trees clocking in at a crazy 33m high. If you head over at night, you can follow the Possum Night Spotlighting Trail to catch a glimpse of the endangered western ringtail possum.
Now check out:
- Best Restaurants In Margaret River
- Best Things To Do In Margaret River
- Best Wineries In Margaret River
Main image credit: Busselton Jetty | City Of Busselton Instagram
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.