Old Court House

Star 4.6 (42 Google reviews)

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Old Court House

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Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM
The Old Courthouse Complex is located in the Busselton CBD within the Busselton Cultural Precinct at the jetty end of Queen Street.
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Stroll through Busselton’s heritage-listed Old Courthouse Complex and take a deep dive into rich local history. Discover tales of hardship and escape within the gaol cells and uncover true stories of tragedy and heroism surrounding the infamous S.S. Georgette shipwreck. Explore the Gallery Store’s curated collection of local art and unwind with a coffee at the charming Old Post Office Cafe.
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 now 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 - servicing 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. 

From Gaol to Peaceful Outdoor Areas - Picnics & Performances 

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 presents regular art exhibitions in the Bond Store Gallery, is home to an artist in residence and hosts creative workshops.

Gallery Store

The Gallery Store presents a meticulously curated collection of quality local art by more than 50 South West artisans. Beautiful works displayed here have been selected as inspired expressions of the environment in which they originated.

From Georgia Zoric’s ceramic windswept characters peering through portholes and Anton Blume’s captivating coastal aerial images to Emiley Rose’s ocean-inspired resin platters, Western Australia’s maritime history and spectacular coastline is celebrated here. 

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

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. 

 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. 

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 

In 2025, the City of Busselton will introduce a new art gallery, performing arts and convention venue in the Busselton Cultural Precinct. Positioned to become a destination for the performing, creative and business event sectors, Saltwater Busselton will host a wide range of entertainment, exhibitions and conferences across three levels of innovation and artistic inspiration. Saltwater will present a number of exciting shows in the opening year, including comedy, theatre, circus and dance tours, as well as some iconic Australian musicians and bands. 
 
Opening hours:

Open daily from 10am - 4pm 

Amenities

Location

Old Court House

4 Queen St, Busselton WA 6280, Australia

Reviews

Star 4.6 (42 Google reviews)
Caroline Goessler 24 February 2023

It was great to wander through the old gaol and get the feel of what it was like. It's awesome that it has been restored and put use. The Courthouse itself is now a painting gallery.

Tim Monahan 15 November 2018

Very nice small gallery, I live locally and visit every month or two too see exhibition. Particularly like August / September when they have the Busselton art prize on. The caliber is impressive and they always get a good mix of sculpture, painting and other media Recommend a visit

Riley Kernaghan 07 January 2023

I enjoyed walking through the old cells and learning about the history of early Busselton. The rest of the complex is very much an art gallery/store of the contemporary type which wasn't my cup of tea at all. Free entry.

shae norris 10 October 2021

Beautiful exhibition. Really enjoyed.