Happy TravellerWelcome to Busselton, a picturesque city located in the South West region of Western Australia. With a rich history dating back to pre-European settlement, Busselton has evolved into a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike. The closure of the Busselton Port in 1972 and the establishment of the nearby Margaret River wine region have seen tourism become the dominant source of investment and development, supplemented by services and retail. The city is best known for the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
History:
Before white settlement in 1832, the Busselton area was home to the Noongar Aboriginal people from the Wardandi and Bibulman language/ancestral groups. The colonisation of Western Australia in 1829 had a major impact on the life of the Noongar people. Many towns in the Busselton area, such as Wonnerup, Yallingup and Carbunup River, still hold their original Noongar names. The Wonnerup massacre of Wardandi Noongar people by European settlers occurred in the vicinity of Wonnerup in 1841. Busselton was one of the earliest settlements in Western Australia. It was first settled by the Bussell family, George Layman, and the Chapman brothers, who relocated there from their location on the Blackwood River.
Things to do:
The Busselton Jetty is a must-visit attraction, stretching 1.8 kilometers out to sea and offering stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the jetty or take a train ride to the end. The Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty provides a unique opportunity to view the marine life of Geographe Bay. The city also boasts a number of beautiful beaches, including the popular Busselton Foreshore, which offers a range of activities such as swimming, fishing, and water sports. For those interested in history, the Busselton Museum provides a fascinating insight into the early days of the settlement.
Climate:
Busselton has a borderline warm/hot summer Mediterranean climate, with the warmest months having mean temperatures around 22 °C. Summers are generally warm to hot with afternoon sea breezes, with average daily maxima of 28 °C at the shire station and 30 °C at the airport station, and a winter that delivers cooler temperatures of 7 to 18 °C and wetter weather.
Demographics:
The 2021 Australian census recorded Busselton’s population as 27,233, with Australian-born residents making up 75.9% of the population. The most common industry for employed people in Busselton was listed as accommodation at 3.7%, compared to the national average of 0.9%.
Transport:
Bussell Highway links Busselton with Bunbury and Augusta, while Vasse Highway goes from Busselton to Pemberton and beyond. Busselton has a town bus service run by Swan Transit South West (TransBusselton), with three routes. South West Coach Lines and Transwa provide coach services for connections to other south west towns and Perth. Busselton is served by Busselton Margaret River Airport.
Economy:
The main industries of the Busselton area are services (e.g. retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and recreation). The economic focus of the city has shifted towards tourism, with the Busselton Jetty and the Margaret River wine region being major attractions.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, Busselton has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and charm of this hidden gem for yourself
