Local Information | Busselton | Underwater Australasia

Busselton

Busselton, judged WA's top tourism town in 1995 and 1996, is the State's premier seaside resort town. Sheltered from most prevailing winds, it has 30 kilometres of white sandy beaches and is an aquatic playground remarkable for the variety it offers in the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay. The bay is used by fishermen, water skiers, snorkellers, scuba divers, windsurfers and sailors.

A landmark feature of the town is the almost 2 km jetty which is actually the longest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The jetty lies in the path of warm ocean currents resulting in stunning coral formations growing on the submerged piles and a haven for prolific fishlife. It has become a renowned snorkelling and scuba diving site and favourite spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the jetty scenery by making the 2km walk or riding the tourist train that operates daily (weather permitting). The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory was opened in December 2003 and has become a major tourist attraction

In the last 20 years, a new industry has developed in the region with the establishment of many vineyards which produce award winning premium table wines. This helps to supplement the traditional industries of dairying, beef cattle, sheep and other farming products. In Spring, the wildflowers are magnificent and such varieties as kangaroo paws, cats paws, pink vine, acacias and donkey and spider orchids are in abundance. Busselton makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area, in particular, the Margaret River Wine Region, which extends westward from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south.

View the Cape with one of the many half or full day tours available and choose to travel by classic car, 4WD or coach! Whether you're interested in nature based activities, photography, wineries, canoeing, caves, camel rides or adrenalin pumping adventure activities - there is a tour to suit your needs.

In the Directory

Photos

: Beachfront

: Local bar

: View from the port

Underwater Recommendations

Of course Busselton Jetty is a must -
Busselton has the second longest jetty in the southern hemisphere, which is 1.8 kilometres long. The last 50 metres or so offers the best diving. Due to the shade provided by the jetty and its distance from shore, you can see many deep water species in only eight metres of water. Pylons near the end of the structure are covered with masses of telesto coral, which are coated with brilliantly coloured sponges. Busselton Jetty offers wonderful night diving, as the corals display a profusion of brilliant white polyps, the density of which has to be seen to be believed.