Busselton

Busselton, Western Australia. Voted WA's top tourism town in 1995 and 1996 and has sinced emerged as the premier sea-side resort town and is the gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region. Sheltered from the strong prevailing winds of Cape Naturaliste, it boasts over 30km of white, sandy beaches.

Location: 232km South of Perth

Brief History :
A French expedition by Nicholas Baudin in 1801, with his ships Geographe and Naturaliste saw the naming of Geographe Bay and Cape Naturaliste. He also named the Vasse River after one of his missing sailors.

Founded in 1832 as "Vasse" by settlers from Augusta, namely the "Bussel Family", the area was depicted as "a kind of paradise". The settlement grew as a result of the port facilities available in Geographe Bay and the fact that produce from the area, particularly horses, was being exported to India.

By 1835 people were starting to call settlement on the Vasse, Busselton, after John Garrett Bussell who was the first European settler in the area and in the same year the official name was adopted.

Climate : Mediterranean

Attractions :
Busselton Jetty & Underwater Observatory

Explore the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere! First beginning construction in 1865, the jetty took over 95 years to build. The jetty stretches a remarkable 2 kilometres into the ocean and is a mecca for tourists, fishermen and divers. The jetty also has a train running the entire length of the jetty and recently opened in December 2003 is the eagerly anticipated Underwater Observatory which dives down to the ocean floor two kilometres out to sea which allows visitors to observe the colourful corals and fish that live around the jetty pilons, all without getting wet! A must see for all visitors to South West Australia.

Geographe Bay

The tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, a noticable feature on the Western Australian coastline is an attraction within itself. The beautiful beaches which stretch endlessly in each direction are remarkable. Great for water skiers, windsurfers and especially snorkelling and diving.

Vasse River

Named after a French sailor, the river is a delightful mecca for birdlife and fish. The grassy banks provide a great walking trail and many parks lie adjacent to the river including Rotary Park, an excellent picnic area serviced with electric barbeques and children's playground. The river runs through the heart of Busselton until it reaches the Indian Ocean.

Nautical Lady Entertainment Park

Being a holiday town, there is no shortage of year-round entertainment for the whole family. Holiday experiences include the Yoganup Playground on the town foreshore for children and the Nautical Lady Entertainment Park, featuring a huge waterslide and go-carts. There is also mini golf, archery and a mini railway.

Useful Information :
Population 15,500
Nearest Town: Dunsborough
Nearest Airport: Busselton Domestic
Tourist Bureau :38 Peel Tce,Busselton.