Busselton

An aerial View of the magnificent Busselton Jetty. PIC: Tourism Western Australia

Blessed with glorious white beaches and set on the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, it is no surprise that savvy Perth residents have long been drawn south to the spectacularly attractive township of Busselton. The wonders of this gem of the south west has inevitably attracted the attentions of fun-loving grey nomads, as well.

A comfortable three-hour drive from Perth, Busselton boasts some 30 kilometres of sheltered sandy beaches with calm, clear and safe waters.

Many nomads use the township as a base from which to explore the region’s numerous other attractions. The wonders of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Ngilgi Cave and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse are only a short drive away.

For all the amazing natural attractions in the area, it is its 1.8-kilometre timber jetty which is the town of Busselton’s main claim to fame. Reputed to be the longest structure of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the 140-year-old-plus jetty has become something of an icon for tourists to the region.

Visitors can now choose to enjoy a stroll along the impressive structure or take a small train to the end. The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory opened for business several years ago now and became an instant sensation. In the first year alone, 86,000 visitors were amazed by the unique underwater experience on offer. More than 300 individual marine species have been recorded under the jetty.

The Underwater Observatory at Busselton Jetty. PIC: Tourism Western Australia

While Busselton, which was founded in 1832 by the Bussel family, is now a busy tourist hub, it still – for the most part – retains a relaxed and casual atmosphere. There are several excellent caravan parks, plenty of good shops to browse, and an interesting of enclave of fashion and beauty outlets can be found along Fig Tree Lane.

The Busselton Museum and the Old Courthouse are worth a visit and remind visitors of the town’s early history. The same can be said of St Mary’s Church, which was built in 1844-1845, and claims to be the oldest stone church in Western Australia.

For all Busselton’s heritage and its naturally beautiful beaches, sooner or later, all grey nomads will be eager to explore the surrounding area … and they are in for a real treat.

All along the coastline visitors will discover spectacular craggy scenery and some sheltered tucked-away beaches. Spots like Eagle Bay and Meelup Beach in the national park are just beautiful. On the western side of the Cape surfers revel in the larger waves and rougher seas, while sure-footed fishermen clamber over the rocks in search of salmon.

For the bushwalkers, there is an impressive array of walking trails throughout the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with views of the powerful sea, wildflowers and wildlife. Another must-visit is the Ngilgi Cave which lies beneath the limestone ridge which forms Cape Naturaliste. It offers a stunning display of stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations. And, between here and the fabled winery district of Margaret River half an hour away, there is a myriad of small and not-so-small wineries dotting the landscape.