Busselton is a regional town in the South West of Western Australia, situated approximately 220kms south of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. It is a popular holiday destination for both local and international tourists and is considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of the picturesque southern coastal region.

The City of Busselton and it’s surrounds contain a myriad of environments to explore and enjoy such as the vast number of pristine white beaches, world-renowned surf breaks, ancient forests, wineries and an array of beautiful caves and rock formations formed over hundreds of thousands of years.

The mandatory swimming, fishing and boating areas are provided to an extent that none ever seem over-crowded in a tourist crush while some notable local landmarks have also become renowned world-wide for their uniqueness. The Busselton Jetty is the longest timber piled structure in the southern hemisphere reaching almost 2kms out into the crystal clear waters of Geographe Bay. Walking the jetty, though recommended, is not compulsory with a small tourist train regularly making a 20 minute trek along the sleepers to the end and then, of course, back again. The point of the jetty contains an underwater observatory where visitors can track wild marine life in their natural environment through the observatory’s heavy-set viewing windows. These same experiences can then be re-visited through the comfort of home through live web-cam streams provided by the online interpretive centre. Fishing and crabbing off the jetty is a popular pastime and more often than not proves extremely fruitful. The attached gift shop also contains many interesting products from the region with all staff extremely pleasant and helpful.

A short drive east will take you to the coastal towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup both of which contain breathtaking coastal scenery. View the rugged coastline from the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse or the viewing points over looking Sugarloaf rock. explore the cracks and crevices of Canal Rocks while watching the Indian Ocean ebb and flow through the eroded rocky outcrops.

A must do is the Caves Road drive for a visit to the numerous tourist caves along the route. These caves, quietly hidden amongst the impressive Karri and Marri trees of the region, showcase spectacular subterranean structures and histories. Most of the caves on display maintain easy access with walkways and viewing platforms with local guides available to explain the history and discoveries from each, such as bones from Australia’s ancient extinct mega-fauna.

Another short drive south of Busselton, down the Bussell Highway, is the town of Margaret River. Margaret River is a renowned surfing hotspot and is dotted with award-winning wineries and farm front venues selling tasty local produce. Make a day of visiting cellar doors to try and subsequently buy whatever premium wine takes your fancy or branch out with the kids and visit the local Berry Farm or Margaret River Chocolate factory for some sweet and tasty treats.

I have, without doubt, had to leave out many places, events and activities that there is to do and see in an around Busselton. There is so much to do in fact that you can almost forget the holiday benefits of just relaxing on a flawless beach in perfect weather while occasionally taking a swim in temperate waters. One thing is certain however that whatever your holiday wish you will be sure to find something that takes your fancy in the south west of Western Australia.

The Busselton Jetty is the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.