Busselton, Western Australia

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Holidaying in Busselton

Busselton, Western Australia

Busselton is a wonderful tourist destination only 2.5 hrs South of Perth, located in the cape to cape region. An idyllic gettaway where you can stay at exclusive resorts or camp on a budget and still get to enjoy all the beauty and tranquility of this small slice of paradise. A local once said to me, "this is a little piece of heaven that fell off and God looked down, smiled and said, "lets let them have a taste". And thats exactly what its like.

Whether its peace and tranquility or loads of fun and activity, Busselton in WA has it all, from the calm water of Geographe Bay that is perfect for swimming, fishing or boating, to rugged cliffs of the famous surfing coast of Yallingup and the Margaret River region, ancient caves, rambling pastures, world class picturesque vineyards, and magnificent tall timbers in the forest regions.

One of the most famous icons associated with Busselton is its jetty. Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden jetty (pier) in the southern hemisphere, stretching almost 2 km out to sea. This jetty is currently undergoing refurbishment work which when completed at the beginning of 2010.

When restoration is complete you will be able to ride a train out along the jetty to the Underwater Observatory at its end, this observatory is becoming one of Australia's premier eco-tourism attractions. Until this time the first 200m of the jetty is still open as is the interperative centre and museum. So you can still come and enjoy unique experiences situated in Western Australia's favourite playground!

Tuart Forrest 

The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the only remaining Tall Tuart Forest in the world.

The Tuart forrest at Busselton is one of the rarest ecosystems left on earth. It is known as the Ludlow Tall Tuart Forest: what makes this ecosystem particularly special is that tuart trees grow taller then anywhere else in the state.

The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the only remaining Tall Tuart Forest in the world and is therefore one of the rarest ecosystems left on earth.

The area is habitat for a number of rare and endangered and vulnerable species including the endangered Carnaby's Black Cockatoo, the Chuditch, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Western Ring-tailed Possum, Brush Wallaby and contains 1739 Tuart trees and their associated eco-systems.

You can actually travel through the Tuart Forrest to get to Busselton if you take the Tuart Forrest Tuart Drive about 15km before you reach Busselton.

This is a rare opportunity that is available right on our doorstep.

Whats on in Busselton 

Travelling to Busselton....Things happening now

COWTOWN FOCUS
Date: 14th November
Venue: Pioneer Park, Bussell Highway, Cowaramup

The day offers family entertainment and activities, live music, mixed stalls and gourmet food; the best Cowaramup has to offer - and everyone is invited. Organisers are celebrating the area's growing status as a food and wine destination with a Tasting Lounge, where wine, gourmet treats, produce and beer can be enjoyed in a licensed area. Live music will help create an atmosphere for people to relax and enjoy. The kids can take part in old fashioned games and activities, with plenty planned throughout the day to tire them out. Kids are invited to create a poster for CowTown Focus and bring it on the day. First prize is an 8BG iPod nano, proudly donated by South West Computable. CowTown Focus is organized by the community, for the community. CowTown Focus showcases its world-class food and wine and provides a great day out for people of all ages. It also gives people a sample of an event developed by a progressive rural community. Gates open from 10am. Tasting Lounge, 12pm-5pm. Live Entertainment, 4pm-8pm. Entry: $5 Adults and $2 for kids.

WALLCLIFFE HOUSE OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND
Date: Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November 2009
Venue: Wallcliffe House, Margaret River
Contact Details:
Jennifer Rupp
WA Co-ordinator - Australia's Open Garden Scheme
Phone: (08) 9295 0497

Date: Sunday 15th November
Venue: Quindalup Boat Ramp, Dunsborough
Contact Details:

Organiser: Mick Bray
www.geobayswim.com.au
E: info@geobayswim.com.au
F: +61 8 9751 1644

GEO BAY SWIM
The Geo Bay Swim is an ecological friendly 20 kilometre open ocean swimming race held in the pristine waters of the southwest of Western Australia's Geographe Bay. The race follows the coast line from a start at the Quindalup boat ramp near Dunsborough to a finish at the world famous Busselton Jetty. It is open to solo, duo and 3 to 5 member teams.
Further information and entry forms and conditions are available from our website - www.geobayswim.com.au

METRO BIG BAND at HIDDEN VALLEY FOREST RETREAT
Date: Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November 2010
Venue: Hidden Valley Forest Retreat, Haag Rd, Margaret River
Contact Details:
Ph: 9755 1066 E: stay@yourhiddenvalley.com

CAROLS IN PROVENCE
Date: Tuesday 1st December
Venue: Georgiana Molloy School, Provence, Busselton

* 6.30pm to 8pm
* Bring chairs or a rug to sit on
* Hot food available
* Santa will visit

WA IRONMAN TRIATHLON - BUSSELTON
Date: Sat 5th Dec
Venue: Busselton Foreshore
Contact Details:

http://www.ironmanwa.com/

LUNAR CIRCUS SUMMER SCHOOL
Date: January 4th to January 15th 2010
Venue: Wilson Road, Karridale
Contact Details:
www.lunarcircus.com

SOUTHBOUND
Date: Friday January 8th to Sunday January 10th 2010
Venue: Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton
Contact Details:
www.sunsetevents.com.au

Please spread the word about recycling at southbound event. Volunteers needed 2 recycle. http://www.facebook.com/greenteam.recycling

46th FESTIVAL OF BUSSELTON - 2010
The 46th Festival of Busselton is on from Friday 15th January to Saturday 23rd January 2010.

AUSTRALIA DAY BREAKFAST
Date: Tuesday 26th January
Venue: Rotary Park, Busselton
Contact Details:

Don Harrington - mobile: 0417 914 859 email: harringt@iinet.net.au

Busselton....don't you wish you were here?

Top tourist town 

Bunbury

Busselton is only 40m mins further south than Bunbury, which has just been announced as the Top Tourist Town for 2009 and on your way to Margaret River which was also a finalist. This whole region is recognised for its beauty, tourism, friendliness and standing out from the crowd.
Bunbury is famed for the dolphins at Koombana Bay, its natural beauty and cosmopolitan downtown area but it still maintains its regional and historic character.

"With the opening of the new Forrest Highway it is 30 minutes closer to Perth, making it even more desirable as a destination."

Busselton itself has won top tourist town 3 times in recent years and Dusborough won in 2007.

GEOGRAPHE BAY HAS WA'S BEST BEACHES!

Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River have the best beaches in Western Australia according to a recent survey conducted with visitors to WA.

The Local Guru Travel Survey released by ZUJI.com.au recorded the favourite holiday experiences of 8000 travellers.

Respondents were asked to name their Top 10 experiences for their home state, with West Australians overwhelmingly selecting South West beaches as their favourite place to spend a day.

Things to do in Busselton 

Activities you may enjoy

There is a lot to do in and around Busselton. In this section I will list some of these and also add links on where you can find out more. (In no particular order)

1. Wildflowers

People flock to the areas surrounding Busselton to view the wildflowers, which include golden feather flowers, the vivid reds and pinks of boronia , orchids, striking, felty kangaroo paws in different colours, and many more. Usually the season is from Sept-Dec, depending on weather conditions.

2. Busselton Jetty

It is one the top 10 dive jetties in the world. Dive classes as well as dive trips are organized through The Dive Shed at www.diveshed.com.au/ as well as other operators in the area.

It is is a wooden structure that extends 2km out into Geographe Bay. It is heritage listed and at the moment is undergoing renovations as it was badly damaged in Cyclone Alby. The first 200m of the jetty is still open so everyone can enjoy the wonderful pastimes of fishing and swimming from the jetty. Restoration expected to be complete early 2010.

3. Lighthouses

There is the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which is situated on the most Southern Westerly tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.

Festival of Busselton - Bonfire on beach

More things to do in Busselton 

4.Fishing

Catch whiting, skipjack and herring off the beach. Blue manna crabs and squid can be caught in abundance during season. or fish by boat to reach the deeper waters and reel in fish such as dhufish, small sharks, crayfish, salmon, and other reef-dwelling fish.

The Blue Water Classic fishing competition runs during March and April and brings many international anglers to our shores.

5. Just laze in the sun or walk on the beach.

Geographe Bay is a very calm lagoon style area that makes up the direct coastline in Busselton, its shallows are great for small children and the clear shallows are perfect for snorklers. White beaches, calm waters and plenty of sunshine make it the perfect summer playground.

6. Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory

The Underwater Observatory is like a giant reverse fish bowl, with people on the inside, looking out at the fish and sea creatures in an underwater wonderland. Once the jetty refurbishment is complete a train will run the length of the jetty to take you to and from the Observatory.

7. Activities for the kids

Busselton is a great place for a family holiday, there is animal farms, archery parks and ice creameries. Right next to the Busselton Jetty is the child's fantasyland at the Nautical Lady Entertainment World. Featuring water slides, racing cars, a skate park, flying fox, mini golf, trampolines, a fantasy castle, a haunted hollow, and soft-play area for the tiny tots, it's fun for children of all ages.
There is mini-golf at Simmos, a flora and fauna park at Quindilup and the Bird park at Mettricup.

8. Dinning Out

After all this activity you will be looking for a break, there are many great coffee shops in and around Busselton and more in Dunsborough as well as many great restaurants. In Busselton there is the Equinox and The Goose right down at the waters edge or a great priced meal for the whole family at the Esplanade Hotel. Other hotels include the Vasse, Albies and The Pines. There are also many restaurants dotted around the countryside in the many wineries that call this area home.

9. Chocolate!!!

Who doesn't love chocolate, make a day trip to Margaret River and stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Providore right next door for all you jams, sauces and preserves. As well as many other places to stop, the Nut Factory, the Cereal Factory, The Olive Oil Soap Factory.

10. Movies

Visit the last Drive-In still operating in WA (link below) Bring back an era nearly gone, reminisce or show the kids what it was like.
Or Ace cinemas also has a cinema complex right in the heart of town.

11. Too many to list.....

As you can see there is just to many things to do in Busso to list them all so heres a list of a few more: swimming, boating, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkling, scuba diving, whale watching, kite surfing, golfing, camping, caving, bush walking, caving, horse riding, The Mythic Mazes, Whale watching.Experiences/Activities

* Beach:
* Caravan and Camping:
* Farm Stay:
* Fishing:
* Flora/Fauna:
* Food and Wine:
* Historic/Heritage:
* Indulgence/Luxury:
* Industry/Mining/Agriculture:
* Marine:
* Sport:
* Birdwatching:
* Bushwalking:
* Caravan and Camping:
* Cycling:
* Farm/Station:
* Fishing - Beach:
* Fishing - Deep Sea:
* Golfing:
* Horseriding:
* Jet Boating:
* Mountain Biking:
* Off Road Driving:
* Sailing:
* Sandboarding:
* Scuba-Diving:
* Seakayaking:
* Self-Guided:
* Shopping:
* Snorkelling:
* Surfing:
* Swimming:
* Tennis:
* Train Ride:
* Water Skiing:
* Wind Surfing:
* Wine Tasting: plus much more. (see monthly link below for more details on all these)

Upcomming Events in Busselton 

Be there or be squre!!!

Geographe Bay hosts many local and international events, such as the Western Australia Ironman, Busselton Beach Festival, Festival of Busselton, The Bluewater Classic, Geographe Bay Raceweek, The Busselton Jetty Swim, Leeuwin Estate Concert, Forest Rally, Festival of Triathlon and the Margaret River Wine Region Festival. Events are regularly updated on the regional tourism website:www.geographebay.com.
Ironman WA
Ironman Event in Busselton Sat 5th Dec 2009
Southbound
A music, camping and Arts Festival
Fri 8th - Sun 10th Jan 2010

* Yeah Yeah Yeahs
* Moby
* Wolfmother
* Hilltop Hoods......and heaps more
Cape to Cape MTB Western Australia
The world-famous tourist destination of the south-west corner of Western Australia is marked by the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at the southern tip and the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse at the northern tip. The Cape to Cape MTB Western Australia will run from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste along a network of bush tracks, forest trails, roads and old railway lines.
Horse riding
Equipark Trail Rides run for approx 2hrs through the beautiful forests of South West Western Australia. All horses are quiet and are suitable for complete beginners of all ages, who just wish to walk through the forest. The rides also cater to the experienced rider who wants to have a gallop and jump a few logs!
The Mythis Mazes
Mazes, sculptured gardens, gift shop, galleries
Busselton Avanti Plus (Bike Hire)
Your one stop shop for Busselton Tourist Bike Hire.

Current model mountain bikes and juvenile bikes for hire. A great range of brands available with all accessories for the beginner, casual tourist or riding enthusiast.

We suggest you call or email to book in advance to avoid disappointment. School holidays and the Chrismas break are always very busy. Although we are closed Sundays and public holidays, often arrangements can be made for return of hires that suit you.
The Dive Shed
The Dive Shed - Busselton caters for all levels of divers. It is an instructor training facility and can teach from entry level scuba courses through to instructor training programs. The Dive Shed provides dive charters, equipment hire, air fills, retail sales and an extensive service centre for all brands of dive gear. Many dive sites including the famous Busselton Jetty and Swan Dive Wreck are covered in marine growth and surrounded by many species of fish. Other spectacular sites are at our finger tips such as - 4 Mile Reef, Artificial Reef and Wright Bank. Group enquiries are welcome.
Cape Dive
Cape Dive runs regular diving trips to many dive sites including the former HMAS Swan, Busselton Jetty and many local reefs. We are spoilt for choice and it is very rare that we can't fine a place to dive. Whether you're an experienced diver or a novice snorkeler, we can cater for your needs.

We also offer a range of PADI diving courses, from Open Water to Dive Master. The Swan Wreck is also a perfect training ground for speciality courses as well.
South west Yacht Hire
Yacht Hire
Whale Watching
Experience nature with Naturaliste Charters, a West Australian charter boat company based in the pristine sou-west of the state, conducting Dolphin and Whale eco-tours. During our eco-cruises, witness the behaviour of migrating Humpback, Southern right and Blue whales, in the pristine bays of the specatular south-west of Western Australia. Or interact with wild Bottlenose dolphins in the protected waters of Koombana Bay in Bunbury.
Southern Skydivers
Skydiving, sky surfing, tandem jumps....and much more
Cape Kyaks
Explore the awesome landscape of the Cape Naturaliste region, Dunsborough. Paddle the pristine waters of Geograph Bay or the tranquil inland river systems.

View the abundance of marine and birdlife. Pause in secluded bays, have a snorkel or just relax and enjoy the simply spectacular vistas.
Cape Criseader Fishing Charter
Cape Cruisader Fishing Charters / Cruises WA

Western Australia's premier deep sea fishing charter and cruise service.

We offer deep sea sea fishing, whale watching and corporate/family cruise charters departing from Port Geographe Marina in the Busselton region in the South West of Western Australia.
****MONTHLY ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN BUSSELTON****
CHECK THIS ONE OUT

If you are thinking of travelling to Busselton, be it for holidays, a long weekend or even for business, then check out this site, it tells you what activities are on month by month....plan you trip for when there are things on you want to participate in.
Busselton Drive in
The Drives as we used to call them, the days of the outdoor drive in cinema are almost gone, but you can recreate your youth or give your kids the experience right here in Busselton!

Whilst in the South West Region of Western Australia why not experience a movie night out at the Busselton Drive-In Outdoor Cinema.

Enjoy a night under the stars at WA's only remaining country Drive-In%u2026"Come as you are in the family car!". The Busselton Drive-In Outdoor Cinema is heritage listed and features include: Great blockbuster movie doubles. Tune your car radio into 92.5FM or 1350AM for superb in car sound, or use the traditional in car speakers. The snack bar is open every screening!

Weather 

Whats the weather going to be like

Busselton has a mediterranean climate with warm to hot Summers and cool winters. Rainfall comes during winter from the cold-fronts which cross the South-West. For much of the year, clear, blue skies prevail, ideally suited to this resort town. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 30°C with an average minimum temperature of 16°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 17°C with an average minimum temperature of 8°C.
Busselton Weather
Check out the forecast before you come, up to a week in advance with detailed info so you can plan your activities.
Surf forcast
Going surfing, want to know what conditions are going to be like. Click here

Places to Eat or Stay 

Accomodation and Food

Places you can eat or stay both in Busselton and also in surrounding towns as you enjoy your travels to see all the great attractions this region has to offer.
Visitor Information
Where to stay
What to eat
Whats happening
O-B-H (Old Bake House), Cowaramup
Best place in Cowaramup for the Traditional Meat Pie, as well as many other yummy stuff to eat.

The Old Bakehouse (O-B-H) Cowaramup is located in the heart of the Margaret River region offering modern bed & breakfast style accommodation with a personalised touch.

The O-B-H is one of Cowaramup's oldest historic buildings orginally the town's bakehouse built in the 1930's that has been restored to bring back its originality and character.The Old Bake House offers all the modern comforts for a truly relaxing stay.
Equinox
Great restaurant, coffee house or just for Tappas, right on the beach. Great food, good prices.

Dinner at the Esplanade

Links to Julia Harwood Photography 

Images, stock photos, landscape, nature

If you are looking to buy images, this is the place be it for stock images, landscape pictures, nature photos, christmas photos, photos of people, health, beauty, beach, ligthouses, pets, birds, horses, dogs, boats, families plus much more, or if you are after gifts for your home or for presents for christmas, birthdays anniversaries, or just to bring some beauty into your own life....then you are at the right place.
Looking for istock, check out my stock photography instead at my website listed below, high resolution images available and exclusive license if required. If your sick of seeing the same stock images everywhere, then buy a reasonably priced stock photo and stand out from the crowd.
If you want to purchase ready to hang art for interior design, decoration or for a special present then check out my Red Bubble link below. You can purchase greeting cards, matted prints, laminated prints, mounted prints, photos on canvas, or posters
Julia Harwood Stock Photography
Stock images available to licence, for web design, advertising, brochures, flyers, buisness cards, editorial, or helping to illustrate your latest novel. Whatever you need a photo for ask and see if I have it available. You can save images to a lightbox or download images for comping or email me with direct requests. This site also links to OzImages where you can request the image you are looking for and their photographers will search their collections for you. Saves you time, and time is money.
Julia Harwood at red Bubble
This is the place you can browse some of my art and purchase ready to hang products, either for yourself or as gifts. Their are black and white images, fine art photography, and much more, so do a photo search to find what you are after. Have your gift delivered direct to the person you are buying for and save the cost and hassell of sending it yourself. Just order online and its done.
Facebook fan page
if you like my photography then check out my website and become a fan and I will update you on when I upload new images for sale.
Julia on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a network of proffessionals, see my profile on LinkedIn
twitter
Follow this link and click on Follow to keep up to date with what is happening at Julia Harwood's Photography.
Another lens on Sqidoo
Don't forget to rate this lens.

Sample of my images 

Take a break

Some of my images for you to look at. More at www.juliaharwood.com

Julias Sideshow 1 by juliaharwood

This is a sample of my photos, please check out all my images at http://www.ozimages.com.au/PWS.asp?MemberID=2537 All images are available to purchase....Enjoy
 

Your thoughts, ideas and inspiration 

Tell me what you think of the site and of Busselton

Tell readers about the fun things you have done in Busselton or let me know what you think of this site or of my pictures.

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Camping, diving or just having fun 

These are some things you might need

Items up for sale on ebay that may be helpful on your holiday

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Books to inspire you 

Books that may enhance your trip

Often when we go somewhere we find out after the fact all the good things about an area, this is your opportunity to be prepared, whatever your interest, be it wildflowers, diving, lighthouses, wineries or anything else that takes your fancy...
Perth & Western Australia (Regional Guide)

Perth & Western Australia (Regional Guide)

by: Terry Carter, Lara Dunston

Amazon Price: $17.09 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $11.00

State Handy Map, Western Australia: Easy to Use, Camping Areas, Rest Areas, Outback Fuel, National Parks, Fully Indexed, Points of Interest, Distance

State Handy Map, Western Australia: Easy to Use, Camping Areas, Rest Areas, Outback Fuel, National Parks, Fully Indexed, Points of Interest, Distance

by: Hema Maps

Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price:
Used Price: $14.77

Shipwreck Archaeology in Australia

Shipwreck Archaeology in Australia

Amazon Price: $30.58 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $40.00
Used Price: $32.00

Fishing Western Australia

Fishing Western Australia

by: Anonymous

Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price:
Used Price: $39.51

Wildflowers of Southern Western Australia

Wildflowers of Southern Western Australia

by: Margaret G. Corrick, Bruce A. Fuhrer

Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $39.95
Used Price: $56.92

Travel extras 

Hire car, flights, hotels, accomodation, check it all out here

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Busselton 

Directions

How to get to Busselton and where to find places when you do. Tourist Bureau is highlighted as the first stop on your travels for all the latest maps and local information.
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Lonely Planet 

Top Ten destinations for 2010

South West Western Australia has been named on the "blue list" a list of the top ten world destinations to visit. To read more http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/southwest-cracks-lonely-planet-top-10-20091102-hseq.html

by juliaharwood

Hello world. This is my bio. I am a photographer in Busselton Western Australia. I love taking photos and my images are posted on my website and are a... (more)

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