The best of Vasse

Vasse local and Busselton Visitor Centre Supervisor Helen Hosken says the region is a hidden gem, with something special for everyone.

“I love exploring Vasse, walking through the paths and trails with the locals, slipping in for a coffee or a cheeky evening bevy,” she says. “There are evenings when the sunset turns everything a blazing pink and orange.”

We asked Helen to share some of her all-time Vasse favourites.

Header image: Vasse Bakery

Vasse is perfect for lazy holiday strolls, which take in the beautiful nature that makes the region so special. Heritage Park is a wonderful spot for walkers and joggers to explore. You’ll find several long pathways that wind past picturesque bushland and wetlands. Along the way, stop in at Bohemian Brew, a café nestled in an old-timey heritage building, known for serving up top-notch coffee and cake in their lush garden. If you’re looking for more of a hike, a section of the Wadandi Track (also known as Rails to Trails), passes through the Vasse where train lines once went.

There are plenty of bike paths around Vasse, including a 1.6km cycle path to the beach, which starts at Napoleon Promenade and goes all the way to the RAC Busselton Holiday Park just across the road from Abbey Beach. The path takes you past a beautiful river and safely through an underpass beneath the Busselton Bypass. If you need a bike for your next Vasse visit, head to Humble Bicycle Co in the light industrial area.

Dawson Estate Nature Playground is much-loved by Vasse families with little ones. The natural playground is tucked away, just off the Vasse Bypass on Napoleon Promenade. Kids will love the climbing forts, logs and play equipment, made from massive recycled Marri trunks. The park has an impressive 30 metre flying fox, swings, a water play station and a half-court basketball court. There are also great walking and biking trails around the park, as well as barbeques and lovely, shady spots to enjoy a picnic.

If a cold brew is just what the holiday ordered, then The Sophisticated Beast is the spot for you. This seriously small micro-brewery crafts unconventional yet totally awesome small-batch beers that are loaded with flavour. While you’re at it, check out Cheeky Monkey HQ Taphouse, another Vasse brewing hero known for their easy-drinking session ales and tasty IPAs. They also serve a range of cider, ginger beer and hard seltzers, which pair just right with their amazing pizza and pub nosh.

Vasse is home to a trove of incredible food spots. For breakfast, head to The Vasse Bakery for freshly baked pies, pastries and bread, as well as delicious cakes and coffee. Bobcha Korean Restaurant serves up authentic Korean fare, with a full drinks menu and mouth-watering seasonal specials. Once a month from October until March the Lions Vasse Twilight Markets take over Napoleon Promenade, with food trucks, market stalls, live music and plenty of fun activities for kids and grown-ups.

Coffee Heads is a badly kept secret amongst Vasse locals, who covet the drive-through caffeine hit provided by these roasting legends. They also do cheese toasties, roast chicken rolls, treats, smoothies and fancy cans of soda for anyone who needs fuel for their journey. If you’re looking to enjoy a brew sans car, then Magpie Coffee Café is a cult Vasse classic. Yahava Kwik Koffee Drive Thru is another fan favourite for those making the trip to and from Perth. These South West roasters know how to make a seriously good brew.

Vasse has become a hub for incredible street art, tucked away and adored in plain sight. There’s even a Public Art Trail, which takes you past some of the best street art in the region. Artist Tom Ansell recently created a giant humpback whale mural, which can be found just off Bussell Highway on a concrete wall by The Clean Spot car wash. Then there’s the statue of a long-limbed sinking sailor, by artist Russell Sheridan. That’s Thomas Timothée Vasse, the French seaman who seemingly disappeared during a wild storm in 1801.

There are many incredible artists who live and create in Vasse. Nathan Day Design crafts beautiful bespoke contemporary furniture that can be admired from his Commerce Road studio. If you’ve always wanted to give jewellery-making a go, then book a workshop with Flux and Facet. They’ll show you how to create a special piece of jewellery for yourself, or a loved one. Classes are for anyone aged 14 years and over, and all tools and materials are provided for you.

Visitors to Vasse love staying in town, where they can ride or walk to the beach, then hop in the car to explore other special spots in the region. The RAC Busselton Holiday Park and Abbey Beach Resort are also great places to stay. Both are around five minutes from Vasse, right by the ocean. For more accommodation tips, head here.