This not-so-secret Western Australian coastal town will have you wishing you could linger longer.

West Aussies have been flocking to the South West town of Busselton for decades – where bedazzling beaches, world-class wine and immersive nature experiences are on the doorstep. Just 2.5 hours from Perth by car – and now with direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne – the gateway to the Margaret River Region is having a moment. Ready to dive in?  Here’s our list of things to do in Busselton.

1. Jump off the jetty

Walk, train or snorkel along the longest timber pile jetty in the southern hemisphere – 1.8 kilometres. An iconic Western Australian landmark, Busselton Jetty gracefully extends herself into the turquoise seas of Geographe Bay like the leg of a supermodel. At the end is an underwater observatory – one of only six in the world – where you can descend beneath the ocean without getting wet. Immerse yourself in the artificial reef with a fish-eye view of marine life and swaying seagrass. Keen scuba divers can explore the underwater sculpture trail – completed in 2024 – clinging to the ocean floor. Flick a fishing rod with locals at sunset.

2. Sample the region’s finest wine

Busselton is a fabulous launchpad to the renowned vineyards of the Margaret River Wine region. Yet, you’ll also find vino options closer to town. In the heart of town adjoining Busselton Pavilion, is The South West Wine Shop – an eclectic curation that leans into Western Australian wines. The space feels more like a fun wine library, with expert advice and a daily changing wine-by-the-glass list. Expect the unexpected.

Whicher Ridge, a twenty-minute drive, claims the position of closest cellar door to Busselton. This small-batch winery has a sensory garden for an immersive wine experience.

Flametree Wines, near Dunsborough, is a skip across the road from the sandy shores of Geographe Bay. With a relaxed Hamptons-style cellar door and deck, luscious lawns, plus James Halliday-approved, award-winning wines, what’s not to love? It’s kid and pet-friendly too. Aravina Estate in the Yallingup area is a 180-acre sprawling property of vines and gum trees. For a relaxed afternoon, spread out with a picnic blanket on the expansive lawns by the dam and order a pizza from their pizza bar. Or if attentive service is your thing, book the restaurant. Be sure to check out their renowned surf gallery – a partnership with Surfing WA – bursting with memorabilia, as well as a private collection of cool vintage cars.

3. Head to a brewery

There are plenty of top-notch breweries in the Margaret River region. Lapping the edge of the Busselton foreshore is Shelter. Plonk yourself down for an afternoon of award-winning beer, where the kids can play on the grass, the ocean shimmers like a sequinned backdrop and locals bommie off the jetty. Or don your sustainability cap at Rocky Ridge Brewing, Australia’s first certified sustainable brewery. Their taphouse is centrally located near the jetty in a refurbished 1930s house with over 40 frothies on tap and burgers to team them with. A short 30-minute drive away, on a working farm, is Eagle Bay Brewery. This ocean-view brewpub and winery attracts crowds, including families, for relaxed long lunches and produce from the kitchen garden.

Feeling spirited? Beyond Distilling produces a range of sustainable craft spirits, sourcing ingredients directly from WA farmers. It’s open daily for tastings. Or take a road trip to Cowaramup – Cow Town to locals – to try West Winds Distillers.

4. Wander on Wadandi Country

Immerse yourself in Wadandi Boodja Country with cultural custodian Josh Whiteland and Koomal Dreaming. Listen to the haunting sound of the digeridoo reverberating off limestone cave walls deep within Ngilgi Cave. Local bushtucker is also on the tour menu, along with learning about – and spotting – native flora and fauna. Go at your own pace with a semi-guided interactive tour on the scenic pathway of the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Caves Land Experience.

5. Go whale watching

Coined the humpback highway, migratory humpback, southern and blue whales meander along the south-west coastline from August to November. The calm waters of Geographe Bay off Busselton offer extraordinary opportunities to witness these gentle giants. Or head to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, on the tip of the cape, for sailor views from the observation platform. Take the Whale Lookout Walk Trail (2.4km long) from the lighthouse carpark for specky views. Listen for the deep, guttural echo and the misty whistle as they exhale, often very close to shore. If ocean-faring is more your style, book a tour with the region’s pioneers of whale tours, Naturaliste Charters.

6. Lap it up at the many  brilliant beaches

From protected waters to surging surf, Busselton is within cooee of some of the best beaches in Western Australia. Busselton foreshore boasts its own stretch of blinding white sand and brilliant blue water. With calm waters for swimming, a nautical-themed playground and the Aquatastic water playground, it’s the ultimate family-friendly beach. Or head to Castle Rock Bay at Cape Naturaliste and dive into the glass-clear turquoise water that is protected from the westerly breeze. Just around the corner is Meelup Beach where grass parkland and drooping peppermint trees make the perfect picnic spot on the edge of the sand. Fringed by Meelup Regional Park, take a walk on the spectacular coastal track for breathtaking views where the bush meets the sea. It’s a unique opportunity to hear both birds sing and whales blow.

7. Cool down with a treat from Simmo’s ice-cream

Something of a local legend, this ice creamery – just a few minutes from Dunsborough township – will keep any sized kid happy. Be prepared to procrastinate. Simmo’s whacky experiments can be something of a Willy Wonka experience, with 60 delectable flavour choices, including vegan options. With sprawling grass, a playground and 18-hole mini golf lick away the afternoon here. Hot tip: make it a double serving. 

8. Stroll the pristine beaches in Yallingup

The coastal hamlet of Yallingup is near a 30-minute drive from Busselton. Hugged by a national park, the appeal of this one-road-in township is its sandy-toed surfer vibe. Old-school beach shacks hold court with million-dollar mansions. Stroll the length of one of the most beautiful beaches in WA with ivory sand and thundering offshore swell. Take a dip in the pristine azure lagoon at the southern end, for safe swimming and snorkelling.

Yallingup pub, Caves House, is an emblematic venue in the South West. Wander up from the beach via the Ghost Trail.  With a rambling garden, this 1903 landmark venue has great pub grub and live music. Join locals – and maybe even a ghost or two according to legend – for the famed summer Sunday session.

Discover the best things to do in the Margaret River