Old Court House

Situated within the Busselton Cultural Precinct at the jetty end of Queen Street, the Old Courthouse Complex buildings are among the oldest in Busselton.

Today, these beautifully restored heritage-listed buildings serve as a hub for art lovers and history buffs. 

Free to enter, the Old Courthouse Complex is owned and managed by the City of Busselton. 

History 

The Old Courthouse Complex was constructed between 1860 - 1897, marking the establishment of Busselton as an important regional centre and port during the colonial era. During this time, the Courthouse operated as a judiciary, government administration centre and land agency to service the growing settlement's need for law and order, customs and telecommunications. 

Heritage Exhibitions 

Immerse yourself in the harrowing tale of the S.S Georgette shipwreck as you take in the fascinating heritage exhibition in the New Courtroom, before heading to the Old Busselton Gaol to learn about the misdemeanours and lived experiences of notorious prisoners and other locals from a bygone era in the audio-visual display in the gaol cells.

Explore the cold, dark gaol cells and imagine being locked up behind a heavy wooden door. Walk through the cell block into the exercise yard to discover stories from the prisoners who vandalised the metal-clad door that once locked them in the exercise yard. 

Outdoor Areas

Within the Old Courthouse Complex, the Community Courtyard features an elevated stage for a variety of performances and festivals held here throughout the year. It’s also a peaceful place to sit quietly and enjoy a picnic or let the kids entertain you with an impromptu performance.

Meanwhile, on the northern side of the Old Courthouse, the Merenj Boodja Garden features bush food plants of the six seasons of the local Wadandi Saltwater people. There's information about the plants in the garden and how they were used by Aboriginal people who have lived in the region for over 60,000 years. 

Art Hub 

In 1976, WA Police relocated from the complex to new premises and the transformation from law enforcement headquarters to art hub began!

Now the Old Courthouse Complex showcases regular art exhibitions in the Bond Store Gallery. 

Gallery Store

The Gallery Store presents a meticulously curated collection of quality local art by South West artisans. Beautiful works displayed here have been selected as inspired expressions of the environment in which they originated.

Browse the selection of jewellery, pottery, glasswork, cards, photography, paintings and woodwork.  

The Old Post Office Cafe 

After exploring the buildings, heritage exhibitions, art, grounds and gardens of the Busselton Cultural Precinct, why not visit The Old Post Office Café within the Old Courthouse Complex to recharge?

Take a seat in this charming building or relax on the veranda overlooking Queen Street with a cup of coffee or tea alongside delicious sweet and savoury treats crafted with seasonal, locally sourced produce. 

Settlement Sculpture Walk 

Continue your walk down memory lane outside of the Old Courthouse Complex, as you stroll along Queen Street's Settlement Sculpture Walk, which features six bronze sculptures by well-known Western Australian artist Greg James. 

Venue Hire 

The Old Courthouse Complex offers spaces for hire. The Bond Store, The Courtroom, The Courtyard, The Fodder Room and the Merenj Boodja Bush Garden can be booked for functions, workshops, exhibitions, performances, corporate or private functions. 

Saltwater Busselton 

Located opposite the Old Courthouse Complex, the City of Busselton’s new multi-purpose venue, Saltwater, is now open.

Saltwater is home to a Convention Centre and a 640-seat theatre, offering a vibrant new hub for events, performances and events.

While final works are being completed in the auditorium, a selection of shows will be presented in the upstairs theatre. Tickets can be purchased online or from the Box Office, open daily from 10am to 4pm.

The Saltwater Gallery features regularly changing exhibitions, showcasing regional art and national touring exhibitions. Open daily and free to enter, the gallery offers a welcoming and versatile space for everyone to enjoy.

Saltwater Busselton is a sophisticated venue offering versatile spaces for business events, meetings and functions.