BUNBURY & BUSSELTON
Bunbury and Busselton anchor the stunning Geographe Bay region, offering a perfect blend of ocean adventure and vibrant regional culture in Western Australia’s South West.
This area is famed for its iconic jetty, spectacular coastal scenery, and proximity to the premium vineyards of the Margaret River wine region. It’s a land of striking blue waters and relaxed, friendly towns.
Most Popular Attractions
City Core & Architectural Icons:
Busselton Jetty: The longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring an underwater observatory and a jetty train.
Bunbury Lighthouse: An accessible lighthouse offering panoramic views of the city, coastline, and Leschenault Inlet.
Busselton Foreshore: A vibrant waterfront precinct with parks, restaurants, and direct access to the famous jetty.
Bunbury’s King Cottage Museum: A preserved heritage cottage offering a glimpse into early Bunbury life in the late 19th century.
Bunbury Regional Art Galleries (BRAG): Housed in a striking former convent, it showcases local, state, and national contemporary art.
St Mary’s Church (Busselton): A historic stone church known for its beautiful stained glass windows and architecture.
Coastal & Nature Attractions:
Dolphin Discovery Centre (Bunbury): An award-winning center offering interactive dolphin experiences, including swimming with or viewing wild dolphins.
Marlston Hill Lookout (Bunbury): A former water tank now a distinctive landmark offering 360-degree views of the port, ocean, and inlet.
Tuart Forest National Park (Busselton): Home to the largest remaining pure stand of Tuart trees, ideal for scenic drives and walking.
Bunbury Back Beach: A popular stretch of coastline for surfing, swimming, and sunset views.
Koombana Bay (Bunbury): A calm, sheltered bay perfect for swimming, boating, and where dolphins often visit the shore.
Meelup Beach (Near Busselton): A stunning, tranquil bay with white sand and calm, turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling.
Bunker Bay (Near Busselton): A picturesque, sheltered beach known for its natural beauty and crystal-clear water.
Wonnerup House (Near Busselton): A National Trust property representing a complete 19th-century farm complex.
Wineries & Local Produce (Gateway to Margaret River):
Vasse Felix: Although strictly Margaret River, its proximity makes it a key draw for Busselton visitors; known for its premium wines and restaurant.
Capel Vale Wines: A vineyard with a cellar door just outside Bunbury, offering tastings of their diverse range.
Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. (Busselton): A popular craft brewery focused on sustainability and local ingredients.
Margaret River Chocolate Company (Carbunup Grove – near Busselton): A massive store and café offering free chocolate tastings.
Busselton Cultural Precinct (Old Post Office & Court House): Hosts markets, art, and local history exhibitions.
Family & Recreational Sites:
Gnomesville (Near Bunbury, Ferguson Valley): A quirky, must-see roadside attraction featuring thousands of garden gnomes.
Big Swamp Wildlife Park (Bunbury): A large nature reserve and sanctuary for native wildlife, particularly wetland birds.
Stirling Street Art Centre (Bunbury): A vibrant hub for local arts, crafts, and workshops.
Bunbury Wildlife Park: A sanctuary for native Australian animals, offering close encounters with kangaroos, dingoes, and more.
Activities & Experiences
Walk or Ride the Busselton Jetty: Explore the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere (1.8km). You can walk the entire length, take the Jetty Train, or descend into the Underwater Observatory to view the stunning artificial reef.
Swim with Wild Dolphins in Koombana Bay: Join the team at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury for a guided interaction or intimate swim experience with the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment.
Go Whale Watching: Take a cruise from Busselton or Dunsborough (nearby) during the migration season (typically September to December) to witness Humpback and Southern Right Whales in Geographe Bay.
Explore the Tuart Forest: Walk or picnic in the Ludlow Tuart Forest, one of the last remaining natural tall Tuart forests in the world, just outside of Busselton.
Take a Zip-lining Forest Adventure: Get an adrenaline rush at Forest Adventures in the Ludlow Tuart Forest, which offers a range of high-ropes, flying fox, and zip-lining courses for all skill levels.
Visit a Craft Brewery or Winery: While officially the ‘gateway’ to Margaret River, the region has its own burgeoning craft beer and boutique wine scene. Enjoy a fresh brew or a local wine tasting at a spot with sunset views.
Hike to a Lookout for Panoramic Views: In Bunbury, climb the Marlston Hill Lookout or Boulters Heights for 360-degree views of the “City of Three Waters” (Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay, and Leschenault Inlet).
Discover Aboriginal Culture: Take a tour with Koomal Dreaming to learn about the Wadandi (Noongar) people’s ancient connection to the land (Boodja), their stories, and the six traditional seasons of the region.
Wander the Busselton Cultural Precinct: Explore beautifully restored heritage buildings like the Old Courthouse and gaol cells, which now house a vibrant arts centre, gallery, and local history museum.
Browse the Bunbury Street Art Trail: Take a self-guided tour using the CBD Mural Trail map to discover one of the largest collections of regional public and street art in Western Australia.
Relax at Meelup Beach: Head just south of Busselton to Meelup Beach (near Dunsborough) for its calm, protected waters, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, or kayaking.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: The Bunbury-Busselton area and the surrounding South West region are best explored with a rental car. Public transport is limited to main routes and does not service many of the key natural attractions like secluded beaches, lighthouses, or forests.
Getting to the Region:
- Driving from Perth: It’s a comfortable 2 to 3-hour drive. The main route is the Forrest Highway, but you can take the more scenic South Western Highway.
- Flying: You can fly directly into Busselton-Margaret River Airport (BQB) from major Australian cities, making it a convenient starting point for the region. Car hire is available at the airport.
Inter-City Travel: Bunbury and Busselton are approximately 50 minutes apart by road (54 km). Regional bus services (like South West Coach Lines and Transwa) offer affordable daily connections, but driving is the quickest and most flexible option.
Local Public Transport: Both Bunbury and Busselton have limited local bus networks (TransBunbury and TransBusselton), primarily serving main town routes and school schedules. Do not rely on these for extensive sightseeing.
Biking: Both cities are bike-friendly. In Bunbury, the path along the Leschenault Inlet is a great way to explore, while in Busselton, the path along the Foreshore is a scenic coastal ride. Bike hire is available locally.
Coastal Lifestyle: The culture here is relaxed, focusing on the outdoors, nature, and the ocean. Expect a laid-back pace. It is a family-friendly region, so casual dress is the norm.
The Wadandi People: The area sits on Wadandi Boodja (Wadandi Country). The Wadandi people are the Traditional Custodians (Saltwater people). Many local place names, like Yallingup (‘place of holes’) or Quindalup (‘place of the quenda’), are Noongar language. Acknowledging and respecting this ancient culture is a key part of the local experience.
Dining Times: Lunch is usually between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner service often begins around 5:30 PM to 6 PM, with many kitchens closing by 8:30 PM to 9 PM. Booking ahead for dinner, especially on weekends, is highly recommended.
Weather: The South West is known for its mild, Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry (Dec–Feb), perfect for the beach, while winters (Jun–Aug) are cool, wet, and ideal for forest walks and cosy pub visits. The best time for whale watching is Spring (Sep–Dec).
Hidden Gems:
- Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG): Housed in a striking heritage building painted bright pink, it’s the premier public art gallery in the South West.
- Wonnerup House: A National Trust property near Busselton, providing a fascinating glimpse into the early colonial settlement and farming life of the region.
- The Origins Market (Busselton): A new, vibrant indoor market featuring local produce, artisan goods, food stalls, and small-batch craft producers.
- Bunker Bay: A stunning, protected, white-sand beach near the tip of Cape Naturaliste, perfect for a peaceful swim.
Top Restaurants
The Rose Hotel [$15-$30] – A Bunbury institution since 1865, offering classic Aussie pub fare, hearty steaks, and a lively atmosphere, popular with locals for a reliable, well-priced feed.
The Hollow Beach Bar & Grill [$20-$35] – A popular, relaxed spot on Bunbury’s beachfront known for its traditional pub food, great ocean views, and a friendly, casual vibe.
The Deck Busselton [$20-$40] – Located in Port Geographe Marina, this spot is favored by locals for its relaxed atmosphere, hearty pub classics, and fresh seafood with lovely marina views.
Burger Bones [$10-$20] – Famous in Busselton for its commitment to simple, uncomplicated, and high-quality burgers and sides, focusing on excellent ingredients.
The Firestation [$15-$30] – A “funky and quirky” bar and restaurant in Busselton offering a relaxed atmosphere, great beer selection, and tasty, creative comfort food like burgers and bao buns.
Claudio Bakehouse [$10-$20] – A local Busselton gem known for its incredible range of artisan breads, French-style pastries, and high-quality savory items—perfect for a morning treat or light lunch.
Benesse Bunbury [$10-$20] – A highly-regarded Bunbury café, a favorite for locals seeking great coffee, fresh juices, and classic brunch/breakfast options like gourmet sandwiches and house-made granola.
White Elephant Thai [$15-$25] – A popular spot in Bunbury offering authentic Thai cuisine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, a long-standing favorite for a flavorful, casual dinner.
Vittoria Bay Restaurant [$25-$40] – A long-standing Bunbury restaurant known for its reliable, traditional Italian-style cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, located near the waterfront.
Curry Port [$15-$25] – An Indian restaurant in Busselton praised for its truly exceptional curries and a unique, eclectic atmosphere.
Everest Inn Nepalese And Indian Cuisine [$15-$25] – A popular Bunbury spot offering an authentic blend of Nepalese and Indian dishes, known for its warm hospitality and flavorful food.
The Goose Beach Bar + Kitchen [$20-$40] – A reborn local institution right on the Busselton foreshore, offering all-day relaxed dining with excellent views and a menu of beachside classics.
Shelter Brewing Co. [$20-$35] – Located by the Busselton Jetty, this massive brewery is a local hub for craft beer and a simple, shareable menu of pub food like tacos and wings.
Froth Craft Bunbrewery [$20-$35] – Bunbury’s version of a craft brewery/eatery, offering local brews and a casual, crowd-pleasing menu of modern pub food.
Nic’s on the Bay [$15-$25] – A beloved local Bunbury café known for its generous portions, great coffee, and a menu of classic breakfast and lunch dishes.
Little Vasse Precinct (Various) [$10-$30] – A vibrant hub in Busselton featuring various smaller, local vendors offering everything from coffee to light meals, perfect for a quick, authentic grab-and-go.
Park’s Tavern [$15-$25] – A straightforward, no-frills tavern in the Bunbury area known for its traditional, value-for-money pub meals and local patronage.
Fishers On Beach Rd [$15-$25] – A great local option for fresh fish and chips in the Bunbury area, offering simple, quality seafood takeaway.
The Happy Wife [$15-$30] – A popular Bunbury café offering a creative and delicious menu focused on fresh ingredients for breakfast and lunch.
The Wellington Hotel [$15-$30] – A historic Bunbury pub offering a classic pub experience with bistro dining and a reliable menu of standard Australian fare.
Market Eating House [$30-$50] – An award-winning Bunbury restaurant famous for its modern dining experience, wood-fired oven cooking, and a share-plate menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
Mojo’s Kitchen Bar & Bottle Shop [$30-$50] – A sophisticated Bunbury favorite focusing on contemporary Australian cuisine, ethically sourced local produce, and a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu.
Ooze and Tang [$35-$55] – A highly-regarded modern Australian-French bistro near Busselton, celebrated for its seasonal snack plates and share-style dishes, with everything made from scratch.
Funkee Monkee Eatery and Bar [$25-$45] – A trendy Bunbury spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and a bold fusion menu that draws inspiration from Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Banksia Tavern [$30-$50] – A stylish Busselton venue with a retro-whimsy fit-out and a menu that perfectly balances elevated counter classics with inventive dishes, particularly focusing on local seafood.
Basalt by the Sea [$35-$60] – Located in Bunbury with ocean views, this restaurant focuses on modern Australian dining, celebrating the freshest local produce, especially seafood, with refined flavors.
Inara [$25-$45] – A bright, contemporary all-day diner in Busselton Central, known for serving up the bold, vibrant flavors of Levantine (Middle Eastern/Mediterranean) cuisine.
The Side Door Restaurant [$30-$50] – A Bunbury spot known for its focus on modern cuisine and an intimate atmosphere, often featuring seasonal menus with a creative flair.
KYST [$35-$60] – Located on the Busselton foreshore, offering a Modern Australian menu that celebrates the Margaret River lifestyle, with a focus on high-quality local ingredients and stunning views.
Waters Edge Bistro & Function Centre [$25-$45] – Located in Bunbury, offering modern bistro dining with an exciting selection of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and beautiful views.
62Thirty Cafe & Bar [$20-$40] – A popular spot in Bunbury offering Modern Australian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, known for its stylish setting and creative dishes.
Tonic by the Bay [$25-$45] – A Busselton restaurant offering Modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and beautiful bay views.
The Happy Snapper [$20-$40] – Located in the Dalyellup area near Bunbury, this spot is highly recommended for its fresh seafood and modern Australian take on casual dining.
Busselton Pavilion [$30-$50] – A large gastropub focusing on local seafood and produce, curated by a highly-regarded culinary director, offering a sophisticated pub dining experience.
Mano Wraps [$15-$25] – A Busselton favorite offering unique, fresh wraps with a modern, healthy twist on various international flavors.
Together & Co. [$25-$40] – A modern Busselton eatery known for its collaborative approach to food, offering inventive dishes that blend local produce with global inspiration.
The Goose (Dinner Service) [$35-$55] – While also a casual lunch spot, their dinner menu elevates to a more refined Modern Australian experience, taking full advantage of the fresh local seafood.
Basalt by the Sea (Dinner) [$40-$70] – The evening service often features more elaborate, expertly crafted dishes, emphasizing the chef’s creativity with premium, local West Australian produce.
KYST (Dinner Experience) [$50-$80] – The restaurant menu offers a premium dining experience that celebrates the South West region’s produce, ideal for a memorable, upscale meal with stunning foreshore views.
Market Eating House (Tasting Menu) [$50-$75] – While offering a la carte, their “Feed Me” option allows the kitchen to showcase their best seasonal work, providing a high-quality, fine-dining-level experience through share plates.
Mojo’s Kitchen Bar & Bottle Shop (Winery Focus) [$40-$65] – The focus on ethically sourced ingredients and an excellent, curated wine list offers a high-end experience without the stuffiness of traditional fine dining.
The Goose Beach Bar + Kitchen (Premium Dinner) [$45-$70] – While relaxed, the quality of the ingredients and the execution of their main courses, especially the seafood and steaks, place it in the higher-end category for a beachside setting.
Vasse Bar Cafe (Dinner) [$30-$50] – This alfresco café in Busselton often transitions to a more refined dinner service, offering well-executed modern dishes in a central location.
Lost Bill’s [$15-$30] – A popular Bunbury small bar known for its craft beers, delicious cocktails, and simple, high-quality bar snacks and share plates.
Busselton Jetty Bar [$20-$40] – A unique spot offering drinks and casual fare right at the start of the iconic Busselton Jetty, perfect for a sunset meal with unparalleled views.
Mondo Fresco Bunbury [$15-$30] – A passionate Italian eatery that honors the tradition of gathering around a table, known for its authentic Italian pizza and pasta in a friendly environment.
Nicola’s Ristorante [$25-$40] – A Bunbury favorite for traditional Italian food, offering a classic menu of pasta and main dishes in a comfortable setting.
The Plant Organic Cafe & Market [$10-$25] – A unique Bunbury spot for healthy, organic, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly options, also serving as a market for local produce.
Jo’s Curry House [$15-$25] – A long-standing local favorite in Bunbury for authentic Indian cuisine, praised for its traditional recipes and friendly service.
Shahi Dawat Indian Restaurant [$15-$25] – Another well-regarded Indian restaurant in Bunbury offering a wide menu of classic North Indian dishes.
Simply Thai [$15-$25] – A reliable Bunbury choice for fresh and flavorful Thai food.
Noodlers Noodle Sushi Restaurant [$15-$25] – A casual, local Asian eatery in Bunbury, popular for its wide range of noodle dishes and fresh sushi.
China City Garden Restaurant [$20-$35] – A traditional, well-established Chinese restaurant in Bunbury, favored by locals for classic Cantonese and other regional dishes.
The Bunbury Farmers Market (Food Stalls) [$10-$25] – Not a single restaurant, but a highly popular daily market featuring numerous local producers and food vendors selling fresh, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and gourmet items.
The Burlington Hotel Bunbury [$15-$30] – Offers modern Australian fare in a casual setting, known particularly for its craft beer selection and laid-back vibe.
The Vasse Bar Cafe (Alfresco) [$15-$30] – Known for being the first alfresco café in the heart of Busselton, perfect for people-watching and a casual meal.
The Ship Inn [$15-$30] – A casual pub in Busselton offering standard, reliable pub fare in a relaxed setting.
The Good Egg [$15-$25] – A popular Busselton breakfast and brunch spot, known for its high-quality coffee and creative, seasonal menu.
Vasse Tavern [$20-$35] – A newer tavern in the Busselton area offering a modern take on pub classics and a great place for locals to gather.
Spice Journey [$15-$25] – A local favorite near Bunbury for flavorful, authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre Cafe/Bar [$15-$30] – Offers simple, high-quality cafe food with stunning views overlooking Koombana Bay, especially nice at sunset.
Busselton Central Revamp Eateries [$15-$35] – The recently redeveloped Busselton Central area hosts several independent, local food operators worth checking out for a fresh, casual meal.
The Goose (Breakfast/Brunch) [$15-$30] – Famous for starting the day right on the beach, offering a fantastic breakfast and brunch menu with great coffee and mimosas.
Dome Cafe (Bunbury Waterfront) [$15-$25] – While a chain, the Bunbury Dome location on the Marlston Waterfront is locally popular due to its unbeatable views over the bay.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Lost Bills: Found in the heart of the Bunbury city center on Victoria Street, this “badass tiny bar” is famous for its craft cocktails, chilled beers, and local wine list, offering a cosy spot for a quiet nip or a lively Saturday night.
The Banksia Tavern: A stylish cocktail bar and restaurant located in the Busselton city center on Prince Street, known for its creative cocktails, excellent dining, and good times soundtracked by vinyl DJs.
Brooklyn 32 Rooftop Bar: This venue in Bunbury offers two distinct experiences: a relaxed rooftop space with easy beats for summer vibes, and an elegant, downtown Brooklyn-inspired lounge bar downstairs for year-round enjoyment.
The Vasse Tavern: Located on the site of the original 1906 Vasse Hotel in Busselton, this tavern offers an extensive range of local wines, craft beers, and a large selection of cocktails in a perfect relaxing environment for sundowners.
The Market Bar: Situated inside Origins Market in Busselton, this bar focuses on showcasing the tastes of the South West with local wines, spirits, and a fun cocktail menu, offering a friendly, family-inclusive vibe.
Tonic By The Bay: Located on Geographe Bay, just 10 minutes from central Busselton, this beach bar offers a stunning view of the ocean, a laid-back beer garden vibe, and a selection of local Margaret River region beers, wines, and artisan gins.
The Firestation: A “funky and quirky” bar in Busselton on Queen Street with indoor and outdoor seating, known for its live music on Saturdays (including bands and DJs) and an excellent selection of specialty beer and wine.
The Bayview Bar: An absolute waterfront venue in Bunbury offering spectacular harbour views, it’s a premier spot for enjoying drinks and cocktails while looking out over the water.
Froth Craft Bunbrewery: While a craft brewery, this popular spot in Bunbury on Victoria Street is a lively venue that offers a unique range of drinks (over 20 in-house creations on tap), live music, and a vibrant setting for a fun night out.
The Hollow Beach Bar & Grill: Situated right on Ocean Drive in Bunbury, this bar provides patrons with tables that overlook the waves, offering a casual spot to enjoy a beer or cocktail until late.
The Boundary Pub (Rooftop Bar): Under new ownership and bringing a fresh vibe to Busselton on Albert Street, this pub features a welcoming rooftop bar with great views, perfect for a relaxed evening drink.
Rose Hotel: A state-heritage-listed building in Bunbury on Stephen Street, the hotel’s bar has been renewed and refreshed to offer a relaxed and modern atmosphere, serving drinks to locals and visitors since 1865.
The Prince of Wales Hotel (Lounge Bar): Located in Bunbury, this historic hotel is famous for its lounge bar, which has hosted quality live entertainment for over 20 years, making it a reliable spot for a vibrant night out with good drinks.
Wellington Hotel: Located in the heart of Bunbury on Victoria Street, this historical bar has been restored as a traditional pub, offering a cheerful atmosphere that is a great starting point for a night out in the city center.
The Burlington Hotel (Bar51/Elliot Street Bar): A heritage-listed hotel in Bunbury on Victoria Street, which often hosts jazz and blues in the Elliot Street Bar, offering a classic, laid-back vibe for an evening drink.
EXIT Late Night Bar / Nightclub: Western Australia’s South West Premier Clubbing Venue, this dedicated nightclub in Bunbury on Victoria Street operates late on weekends and is the central hub for high-energy dancing and clubbing in the area.
Fitzgerald’s Irish Bar: Located in the Bunbury city center, this is a dedicated late-night pub/club that is known for its high energy, making it a popular destination for those looking to dance late into the weekend.
The Prince of Wales Hotel (Dance Floor): Beyond its lounge bar, this famous venue in Bunbury hosts high-energy live band entertainment and rock acts, turning into a lively spot for dancing, often featuring themed nights.
The Vasse Tavern (Late-Night Events): While primarily a tavern, this large venue in Busselton hosts special late-night events and bands, such as the “Velvet Edge rock,” that cater to a party crowd looking for a lively atmosphere and dancing.
The Firestation (Fusion Groove Dance Experience): This Busselton bar occasionally hosts themed events like the “Fusion Groove Dance Experience,” providing a designated spot for dancing and a more energetic crowd.
Rose Hotel (Late Bar): The bar section of this iconic Bunbury pub is open late until late, providing a buzzing, social environment that acts as a popular late-night gathering spot in the city center.
Froth Craft Bunbrewery (Live Music & Comedy Venue): This Bunbury venue frequently hosts live bands and comedy nights, creating a high-energy atmosphere that can transition into a lively late-night spot, popular with a younger and alternative crowd.
The Boundary Pub (Late Events): Known for aiming to bring something fresh to Busselton, this pub and rooftop venue is expected to host late events and functions that create a lively, dance-friendly environment.
Burlington Hotel (Late-Night Vibe): Known as a local legend in Bunbury, this heritage pub has a great vibe and is open late, serving as a social cornerstone for meeting locals and continuing the night.
Hollow Beach Bar & Grill (Late Weekend Hours): Located right on the beach in Bunbury, this venue stays open “till late” on Friday and Saturday, making it a casual, high-traffic destination for late-night drinks and mingling near the water.