Our top tips to discover the best spots to eat, drink, explore and play.
Gathering intel for your next family holiday to Undalup (Busselton)?
In this vibrant beach town by Geographe Bay, you’ll find friendly locals, cute boutiques, tasty eateries, and a full calendar of events and happenings. The north-facing coastline and warm Leeuwin current make it popular with families.
Here are some of our top things to see and do in this glorious seaside city.
Header image:Â Busselton Jetty Underwater Aquarium / Tourism Australia
Kids of all ages can take their wheels for a spin on 2,000 m2 of epic skate space at Busselton Foreshore Youth Precinct & Skate Park. There’s free-flow street skating, with kerbing, a quarter pipe, and one of the largest bowls in WA. Plus, easy zones for young kids and anyone new to their wheels.
A nautically-inspired playground at the Foreshore, right near Busselton Jetty. Kids can explore a sinking pirate ship, climb a kraken and splash beneath a giant whale shower. There are playgrounds for toddlers and bigger kids, so everyone gets to have a go.
Say hello to friendly farm animals, including kangaroos, emus, cows, donkeys, alpacas, baby animals, and even talking parrots. Buy a bag of animal food and make them love you even more. Bottle feeding at Sunflowers Animal Farm happens every day at 10am and 4pm.
Discover ocean treasures, peer into a microscope and see marine marvels up close, then say hello to Kevin the eel and other sea creatures who call the The Mermaid’s Cave home. Make sure to check out the incredible seahorse aquarium.
A vineyard visit with a few extra characters to meet. At Lentedal Vineyard Estate in Marybrook, pick up an animal trail map and some carrots from the team, then say hello to Wilfred the Highland cow, a family of three camels, pigs and horses. The resident peacocks and guinea fowl have their daily feed each afternoon, too. Make an outing of it with a stop at the cellar door and café.
Stroll along the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere or ride on the iconic Jetty Train. Then, go below to the Underwater Observatory and take in the marine creatures that call it home. Head to the Marine Discovery Centre on the Foreshore, or jump in and explore the Underwater Sculpture Park with your snorkel or scuba gear.
Hire a stand-up paddleboard and glide along the calm, crystal clear waters of Geographe Bay. Learn the basics or up your skills with one of SUP Life Busselton’s accredited coaches, then head out for your very own ocean adventure. All skill levels are more than welcome.
Swan Dive does dive tours to Busselton Jetty’s underwater sculptures, as well as the ex-HMAS Swan wreck and amazing reef spots. Introductory scuba experiences and Open Water courses are available for ages 10+, with age and certification requirements varying by activity.
Charter your very own boat with Epic Marine Charters and explore Geographe Bay. Choose your own adventure, or pick a package; like cruising to Wonnerup Beach, anchoring up and snorkelling or fishing, enjoying a sundowner featuring delicious food and drinks onboard, or trying to get a glimpse of some frolicking dolphins. Epic times guaranteed.
Come for the golf, stay for a bite to eat. This Par 3 golf course is the perfect spot for hitting the green with older kids, or come with the family for wholesome mini-golf fun.
Busselton has loads of great bike paths, along the coast and through beautiful parklands. Bring your own bikes or hire a quality bike (or e-bike). Download the Walk, Ride & Discover Map from the City of Busselton website and cycle off into the sunset.
Head 10 kilometres north of Busselton for a high ropes adventure in the towering trees of the Ludlow Tuart Forest. At Forest Adventures, you get to ride giant zip lines, BMX on a wire, snowboard through trees or swing like Tarzan. Adventurers must be at least 7 years old and 110cm tall to have a go.
A chocolate wonderland on Busselton Foreshore, for kids and grown-ups, and everyone in between. Taste glorious chocolate and gelato, made onsite by the local families who run the show at Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop. Open seven days.
A stunning family-owned café set on manicured lawns, surrounded by giant tuart trees and other gorgeous natives. Enjoy high tea in the cosy café, eat lunch on the veranda or buy farm-picked flowers, Fat Hippo Chutney and other gourmet produce from the Hippo Lakes Farm Shop.
Busselton Pavilion is a friendly, spacious pub designed to make kids and grown-ups happy. Leaning into relaxed family dining without compromising on quality, the popular kids’ menu is just as impressive as the drinks list of WA wines and easy-going cocktails. Once the little tummies are full, a dedicated kids’ room complete with a TV, bean bags and games will keep your youngest entourage entertained for hours.
A local brewery just back from the Foreshore, famous for serving up craft beer, brewed onsite, and hearty pub eats, like burgers, wood-fired pizza and wings. Shelter also does coffee and toasties from 7am, so you can start and end your day there. Finish your hot or cold drink in peace as the kids will be busy playing on their little but mighty playground.
All the best small producers in the region, all under one giant roof – from craft brewers and indie wine labels to coffee makers, bakers, artisan wares and gourmet eateries. Your kids will talk about the live beehive and indoor playground for the rest of your stay. Plus, Origins Market hosts fun workshops for grown-ups and littlies, like crafts, paint and sips, and so much more.
Get fresh produce from local makers, like fruit and veg, eggs, bakery treats, homemade eats and coffee. Discover gorgeous wares by local artists while the kids explore fun activities, geared just for them. Happens on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of every month.
Take Tuart Drive just north of Busselton for a spectacular scenic road trip through one of the last remaining tuart forests. Park up and take a sign-posted walk beneath the ancient trees. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and other native wildlife that call the Ludlow Tuart Forest home.
Tours by South West Eco Discoveries are crafted by locals in the know – from nocturnal animal tours to coastal adventures that take in the wildlife in the region. Choose from a private, group or custom tour.
August to November is peak whale season at the northern end of the region, as humpbacks and blue whales migrate through Geographe Bay. The best way to see them in Busselton is on a tour like Naturaliste Charters. They make sure the whales are not disturbed while you marvel at them.
A 1.4 km loop that takes you through the majestic Tuart Forest, where a large population of possums live their best marsupial lives. Go after dark with a torch to spot them. Before the sun leaves, head to the Vasse Estuary Bird Hide for max serenity at the wetlands nearby.
On the banks of the Vasse River, in an old Butter Factory, is a little museum brimming with local history. You’ll find photos and memorabilia from Busselton’s past, a restored one-teacher school from the 1920s, horse-drawn vehicles, tractors, and so much more.
The Old Court House is a restored, heritage listed building constructed between 1860 and 1897. Inside, you can explore real jail cells and hear true tales of shipwrecks, prison escapes and hardship. There’s also a beautiful art gallery and store, which showcases local artists.
Check out the latest new release in Orana’s air-conditioned comfort, with all the tasty treats you can handle. After, head to Timezone on Prince Street (close by) to win cool prizes playing epic arcade games, driving simulators, air hockey and all the classics.
Take the kids for a play in the indoor kids’ pool, do some laps or head to the gym for a sesh. There’s also a spa and sauna, which are just the thing after a big day exploring Busselton.
