Busselton, a coastal city in Western Australia’s southwest, is a popular tourist destination year-round. However, winter is a particularly special time to visit, as the city and its surrounding region come alive with a variety of activities and attractions.
Here are the best things to do in Busselton in winter:
Visit the Busselton Jetty
The Busselton Jetty is the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere, stretching for over 1.8 kilometers into Geographe Bay. In winter, the jetty is a great place to take a walk, enjoy the views of the bay, and spot whales as they migrate along the coast.
You can also take a train to the end of the jetty and visit the Underwater Observatory, where you can see marine life up close through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Go whale watching
Winter is the best time of year to go whale watching in Busselton, as humpback whales migrate along the coast on their way to their breeding grounds in warmer waters. There are a number of tour operators that offer whale watching tours from Busselton, and you can also spot whales from the shore at certain locations.
Explore the Margaret River region
The Margaret River region, located just south of Busselton, is a world-renowned wine region and is also home to a variety of other attractions, including:
Caves: The Margaret River region is home to a number of impressive limestone caves, including Jewel Cave, Ngilgi Cave, and Lake Cave. These caves offer visitors a chance to see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations.
Forests: The Margaret River region is also home to a number of beautiful forests, including Ludlow Tuart Forest, Boranup Karri Forest, and D’Entrecasteaux National Park. These forests are great for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Beaches: The Margaret River region has a number of stunning beaches, including Yallingup Beach, Smiths Beach, and Meelup Beach. These beaches are great for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Visit a winery
The Margaret River region is home to over 200 wineries, so there’s plenty of choice for wine lovers. Many wineries offer cellar door tastings and tours, so you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region’s award-winning wines.
Enjoy a craft beer
The Margaret River region is also home to a number of craft breweries, so there’s plenty of choice for beer lovers. Many breweries offer tastings and tours, so you can learn about the brewing process and sample some of the region’s unique beers.
Visit the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands
The Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands are a system of interconnected lakes and wetlands that are home to a variety of birdlife and other wildlife. You can take a walk or bike ride around the wetlands, or take a boat tour to learn more about the ecosystem.
Go on a nocturnal animal tour
The Margaret River region is home to a variety of nocturnal animals, including kangaroos, possums, and owls. There are a number of tour operators that offer nocturnal animal tours. So you can see these animals in their natural habitat.
Visit a farmers market
There are a number of farmers markets held in the Margaret River region each week. These markets are a great place to buy fresh produce, local produce, and other goods from local producers.
Enjoy a meal at one of the region’s many restaurants
The Margaret River region is home to a number of excellent restaurants, serving everything from casual pub meals to fine dining. There’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Visit a spa
The Margaret River region is home to a number of world-class spas, where you can relax and rejuvenate. Many spas offer a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
Here are some additional tips for planning your winter trip to Busselton:
Book your accommodation in advance: Winter is a popular time to visit Busselton, so it’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Pack for all types of weather: The weather in Busselton can be unpredictable in winter, so it’s important to pack for all types of weather. Be sure to pack layers of clothing, a raincoat, and an umbrella.
