Discover Saltwater Busselton

From its name to its design, Saltwater is deeply connected to the place it calls home.

Named after the Wadandi People (Saltwater People), in consultation with the Saltwater Aboriginal Advisory Committee, visitors are welcomed into the space by a statement recognising this connection, while a striking artwork etched into the travertine foyer, created by local Wadandi Elder Sandra Hill, reinforces the venue’s strong sense of place.

That connection continues throughout the building. Inspired by the surrounding waterways and bushland, Saltwater’s elegant interiors reflect the colours, textures and landscapes that have shaped this part of the South West for thousands of years.

Designed as a true creative hub, Saltwater brings together business events, live entertainment and visual arts under one roof.

“As the largest performance and convention centre in the Margaret River Region, Saltwater introduces a vibrant new cultural destination that enriches the City’s renowned tourism offering and strengthens its reputation as a place to live, visit and experience,” describes Deputy Mayor Kate Cox.

Together, the spaces will host everything from community gatherings and conferences to concerts, touring productions and private events.

A standout feature is the Saltwater Gallery – Busselton’s first A-Class gallery. Open daily and free to enter, the curated space presents an ever-changing program of local artists alongside nationally touring exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Positioned between the foreshore and Busselton’s CBD, Saltwater also forms the heart of the town’s growing Cultural Precinct, sitting opposite the heritage-listed Old Courthouse Complex and just moments from cafés, restaurants and the waterfront.

While Saltwater has only recently opened its doors, it’s already attracting impressive audiences.

Its first foyer concert, the WAAPA Gospel Sundowner, sold out, while tickets to both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow and Luke Kidgell’s Good Intentions were snapped up well in advance – and the momentum is only building.

“Saltwater is creating opportunities to bring nationally touring productions, major exhibitions and acclaimed artists to Busselton on a scale never seen before in the region,” says Deputy Mayor Kate Cox. “This new venue is attracting visitors throughout the year, enriching the cultural life of our community and further cementing Busselton’s reputation as a premier arts, culture and events destination.”

Upcoming highlights include Cabin Fever’s The Cabin, which will transform the Saltwater foyer into one of the annual festival’s signature spaces; the launch of a free Community Music Concert Series showcasing local performers; and Confluence, a major group exhibition celebrating artists from across the Margaret River Region.

For visitors, it means there’s now another reason to plan a trip, and stay a little longer in the South West – whether it’s to see a favourite comedian, discover an exhibition or simply spend an afternoon immersed in local creativity, before heading out to explore Busselton’s wineries and coastline.