Western Australia’s southwest corner punches well above its weight, and Busselton is your gateway into one of the country’s great food and wine regions. A single shore day here can take you from a historic timber jetty to world-class cellar doors, with wild coastline in between. Come hungry, come curious — this region rewards both.
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Arriving by Ship
Busselton does not have a dedicated cruise terminal with a fixed berth, so most vessels anchor offshore and ferry passengers ashore by tender. The tender landing puts you close to the town centre, near the famous Busselton Jetty, so you won’t lose time getting oriented.
The town itself is compact and walkable, but Margaret River — the region’s wine heartland — sits roughly 65 km south. Pre-booking a tour or hiring a car is essential if you want to explore beyond Busselton’s immediate waterfront.
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Things to Do
You could easily fill two days here, but a sharp itinerary makes one day feel surprisingly generous. Prioritise what matters most to you — heritage, wine, beaches, or wildlife — and the region delivers.
History & Icons
- Walk Busselton Jetty — at 1.8 km, it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere; take the tourist train to the end for $22 AUD return or walk free.
- Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory — descend 8 metres below the Indian Ocean to view a remarkable coral ecosystem; entry costs around $40 AUD and tours run regularly throughout the day.
- Wonky Windmill Farm & Eco Park — a quirky family favourite 10 minutes from town with farm animals and a genuine 19th-century windmill.
Wine & Cellar Doors
- Margaret River wine region — home to over 200 wineries producing some of Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay; the Margaret River Wine and Sights Discovery Tour from Busselton covers key cellar doors in four hours from around USD 85 🎟 Book: Margaret River Wine and Sights Discovery Tour from Busselton or Dunsborough.
- Premium guided winery experience — if you want depth over breadth, the Tannin Road Premium Margaret River Winery Tour runs 6.5 hours and includes small-group access to boutique producers from USD 139 🎟 Book: Premium Margaret River Winery Tour with Tannin Road.
- Beer alongside the wine — the Margaret River Beer & Wine Adventure departing from Busselton or Dunsborough is perfect if your group has mixed tastes, starting from USD 132 🎟 Book: Margaret River Beer & Wine Adventure (departs Dunsborough/Busselton).
Beaches & Nature
- Meelup Beach — a sheltered, turquoise-water cove near Dunsborough considered one of WA’s most beautiful beaches; free to visit, 20 minutes from Busselton.
- Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse — a striking 1903 lighthouse with panoramic coastal views; tours run from $18 AUD and take about 30 minutes.
- Ngilgi Cave — a 350-million-year-old limestone cave near Yallingup with stalactites and stalagmites; entry from $22 AUD, tours run hourly.
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What to Eat
The Margaret River region is as serious about food as it is about wine — local produce dominates every menu, and the standard is genuinely high. Don’t skip lunch; this is one of the best day-trip eating regions in Australia.
- Woodfire pizza at a cellar door — many wineries bake pizza on-site; look for it at Vasse Felix or Voyager Estate, typically $20–30 AUD per pizza.
- Chocolate and wine tasting — the Wine and Chocolate Bonbon Tasting experience in Margaret River pairs handmade bonbons with local drops in just 45 minutes from USD 35; an excellent value stop 🎟 Book: Wine and Chocolate Bonbon Tasting in Margaret River.
- Marron — a freshwater crayfish native to WA, served grilled at regional restaurants; try it at The Larder in Margaret River town for around $40 AUD.
- Local cheeses — Cambray Cheese near Metricup makes handcrafted soft and hard cheeses; pick up a tasting plate for around $15 AUD.
- Fish and chips on the waterfront — Busselton’s Goose Beach Bar & Kitchen does solid fish and chips with Indian Ocean views for around $20 AUD.
- Craft sourdough and pastries — Wild Bakery in Margaret River draws queues for a reason; grab a passionfruit tart or almond croissant for under $8 AUD.
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Shopping
Busselton’s main shopping strip, Queen Street, has boutique stores selling local olive oils, wine, and handmade gifts — ideal for compact, packable souvenirs. The Margaret River Farmers Market (held Saturday mornings in Margaret River town) is the pick of the region’s markets, with local honey, preserves, and fresh produce worth browsing even if you can’t take everything aboard.
Avoid buying heavy or fragile wine bottles unless your ship allows them in cabins — stick to vacuum-sealed food products, locally made beeswax candles, or small-batch olive oil if you want easy, airline-friendly keepsakes.
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Practical Tips
- Currency — Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD); most places accept Visa and Mastercard, but carry some cash for markets and small producers.
- Tipping — not expected, but rounding up or leaving 10% at sit-down restaurants is appreciated.
- Transport — rent a car at the jetty or pre-book a regional tour; public transport to Margaret River from Busselton is limited and slow.
- Go ashore early — tenders can queue up mid-morning; aim to be off the ship by 8:30 am to maximise your day.
- Dress practically — light layers suit the mild coastal climate, but bring a jacket for cave and lighthouse visits.
- You need at least 6 hours — four hours barely scratches the surface; a full day is ideal for combining Busselton sights with a Margaret River wine run.
- Sun protection is non-negotiable — UV levels in WA are extreme even on cloudy days; sunscreen and a hat are essential.
Pack this day with the things that make you happiest — whether that’s a glass of Cabernet with ocean views or a slow walk under a 150-year-old jetty — and Busselton will absolutely deliver.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📍 Getting to Busselton WA, Margaret River, Western Australia
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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