The northernmost town in the southwest Cape Region, Busselton is steeped in local history and makes the ideal base from which to visit the attractions of the Cape Region.
Although nowadays a thriving community, the town was one of the first areas settled in WA, and like much of the region, takes it's name from the early settlers. The history of the area reads like an adventure story, with tales of whaling, forestry accidents, fires, shipwrecks, heroic rescues and even some of the early settlers being speared to death by local aborigines.
The Busselton Jetty
One of the outstanding features of the town is the old wooden jetty, about one and a third miles in length (approx. 2km). The first stage was built in 1865 and further extensions were made until 1965. Abandoned by the government in 1972 and damaged by fire and cyclones through the years, the jetty is now cared for by a local Jetty Preservation Society and provides a pleasant place to take a stroll, enjoy the fresh clean air, relax, or just dangle a fishing line in the water and hope that no fish come along to disturb your reverie. Click here for More details.
St Mary's Church
Built of limestone and local jarrah timber and with it's shingled roof of sheoak, St Mary's is the oldest stone church in Western Australia. Consecrated in 1948, the church was built with donations from the congregation of St Mary's church in Portsea England where pioneer settler John Bussel's father served as a curator. It's worth photographing.
The Old Butter Factory
To view much of the history of the region, visit the old butter factory in Peel Terrace. Now the home of the Busselton Historical Society, this is the place to see old photos, farm machinery clothing etc. and soak up the atmosphere of the region.
Wonnerup House
Tragic circumstances surround this historic homesite which has been restored by the National Trust, with spearings, drownings and fires featuring in the early history of the property which dates from 1834. Wonnerup House is open for visitors.
Old Courthouse Complex
The place to go for some of the best art and craft work in the district.
"The Ballarat" Loco
For loco enthusiasts this is a must see. Built in 1871 at a cost of 800 pounds, the loco hauled timber from the forests in the early days.
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Opened in 1904, the old lighthouse still serves the maritime community with it's warning beam shafting out to the horizon 26 nautical miles distant. Floating on a 210kg bed of mercury, the prism crystal lens originally cost some thirty thousand pounds (A$60.000), today it's value is approx. A$5,000,000.
The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
Travelling south, the picturesque town of Busselton has one backpackers’ hostel along with several guest houses, caravan parks and hotels. Once again there is a good choice of takeaway food, restaurants and cafes while as usual, the local hotels can be relied on for economy priced counter meals.
Busselton is a holiday mecca and has loads of fun things to do. It has golden beaches with great fishing from the town jetty which is 2km long. The jetty sustained heavy damage during cyclone Alby in 1978 but a fundraising campaign saw its restoration to become the town’s major fishing platform. A small maintenance fee is now charged.
In wildflower season, August to October, the hinterland becomes a mass of colour as thousands of WA’s wildflowers come into bloom.
For the water enthusiast, local operators have hire facilities for jet skis, sailing, canoeing, paddle boats and aqua bikes. There is also an archery and mini gold centre, along with a nine hole par three golf course with equipment available. While at Nautical Lady Entertainment World there are a heap of fun things to do – skating, trampolines, bumper boats and racing cars are but a few of their operations.
There is 4WD Walkabout Tour operating out of town while the Tourist Bureau can give full information on, along with many other tours.
The Tuart Forest, seven kilometres east of town, is the only natural stand of tuart trees in the world. There are picnic areas, walk trails and public toilets in the area.
