Busselton’s top attraction costs just $4

You can get all-day access to the longest timber pile jetty in the southern hemisphere for the price of a coffee.

Busselton stretches along the crystalline waters of Geographe Bay, two-and-a-half hours’ drive south of Perth. 

More coastal casual than city chic, this much-loved holiday destination has a fabulous foreshore lined with Norfolk pines and is home to the iconic Busselton Jetty. A recent $45 million entertainment precinct means Busselton can now offer much more than a family beach holiday.

BEST JETTY

Busselton Jetty, 1.8km long, juts out into the ocean like a finger testing the water. It’s the longest timber pile jetty in the southern hemisphere and has a rich working history, dating back to 1865. Nowadays, she’s all leisure and you can jump, snorkel, or fish from this landmark. 

Stroll, or take the novel red electric train to the end to find an underwater observatory, one of only six natural aquariums in the world. Descend 8m below the sea to a world of delicate swaying telesto coral that clings to the jetty pylons. Watch resident fish species diving and darting in the Leeuwin current.

You may spot some of the 13 marine-inspired sculptures installed on the ocean floor to form an artificial reef. These are best viewed as part of an immersive diving or snorkelling tour. 

The Hilton Garden Inn opened in December and claims prime real estate on the newly redeveloped Busselton foreshore. Picture: Supplied.

BEST SWIM

Along the foreshore, where the water is translucent, join swimmers doing ocean laps in the shark net enclosure, or challenge the kids doing bombs from the jetty.

BEST SLEEP

The Hilton Garden Inn opened in December and claims prime real estate on the newly redeveloped Busselton foreshore. Check into an oceanfront balcony room for a commanding view of the twinkling, turquoise water. For a sand-free dip, head to the hotel’s heated pool. The bar, Together and Co, spills out to an al fresco area and features local wine and tap beer. Their breakfast buffet has a full spread, including a gluten-free station. A fitness centre, free wi-fi, free parking and an in-house restaurant round out the compendium for an ideal stay.

Gigantic vats are visible from the capacious dining area that sports long tables reminiscent of a European beer hall. Picture: Tourism Australia.

BEST BREWERY

Shelter Brewing Co, a beachside brewpub, is a mere hop and a skip from Busselton Jetty. 

Gigantic vats are visible from the capacious dining area that sports long tables reminiscent of a European beer hall. Order typical pub fare, or pizzas from the imported Italian pizza oven. Their award-winning craft beer has a diverse range to suit any beer lover, including seltzers, ales and lagers.

The industrial vibe of the building melds with a relaxed and jovial atmosphere that’s family- and pet-friendly. A favourite with locals, the place is humming in summer with live music and good crowds.

Order typical pub fare or pizzas from the imported Italian pizza oven at Shelter Brewing Co. Picture: Tourism Australia.

BEST BREAD

Inara restaurant brings Levantine fare to Busselton with a stunning menu of diverse ingredients, inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Their baked-upon-order traditional Bazlama homemade bread is warm and so pillowy soft you will think a cloud is dancing in your mouth. You can spot the restaurant by the olive trees swaying in pretty pink pots that line the al fresco area.

BEST NEW VENUE

Busselton Pavilion opened in January and has pub, wine shop and distillery under its 500-person-capacity roof. A yacht sail suspended from the roof above an island bar sets the nautical tone of the interior. Outside, sit among succulents and happy, yellow-striped umbrellas for a Los Angeles endless summer vibe. The food is more than your typical pub grub. Try the whole roasted squid or the crisp prawn toast. The cocktail menu is fresh and zingy. Order a botanica sour for a pleasing pop of fuchsia. Duck into the wine shop that feels more collectors’ cellar than retail space. Choose a bottle of something unique to take home or savour with your food for an additional corkage charge.

You can buy an all-day access pass to the jetty for $4. Picture: Tourism Australia.

DON’T FORGET

Family-friendly foreshore

Grab takeaway fish and chips and picnic where the grass edges the shore, under the shade of the huge fig trees. The kids can tumble down to the ocean to wash the ice-cream off, and play at the inflatable water park. There’s also an adventure playground for the littlies. 

Autumn autonomy

Visit in early or mid-autumn, when the days are still warm enough to make the most of the coastal lifestyle, and the notorious WA sea breeze drops out, along with some of the summer visitors.

The writer was a guest of Hilton Garden Inn, Busselton.

Originally published as Busselton’s top attraction costs just $4