Major city · Australia
Busselton
Give Busselton 2 nights: jetty and foreshore on day one, a Geographe Bay beach or winery loop on day two. Skip it as a base if you want Margaret River's caves and surf.
Busselton is a flat, car-oriented beach town on Geographe Bay, 220 km south of Perth, built around a 2 km heritage jetty with an underwater observatory at its end. It works as a two-night stop on a South West loop, or as a cheaper, quieter alternative to staying in Margaret River itself. Most travellers arrive by car; the airport has limited seasonal flights.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (warm, dry, calm bay); Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov for mild weather and fewer crowds
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, 120–135 mm rain in the wettest months)
- Airports
- BQB · PER
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Busselton000 ▾
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)000
- Police non-emergency131 444
- Health advice line (24 h)1800 022 222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Busselton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA calm, low-crime beach town; the real risks are sun and surf, flies in summer, and wildlife on country roads at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 emergency (police, fire, ambulance) · 131 444 police non-emergency · 1800 022 222 Health advice line (24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBQB Busselton Margaret River Airport (About 10 min drive inland from town; limited Jetstar services to Melbourne and Sydney…
- Getting aroundA car is the practical default: the town spreads along the bay and the region's sights sit 20–60 min apart.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Museum or sight ticketWonnerup House entrycheckAdult A$10 (≈ US$7), student A$7 (≈ US$5), child A$5 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomA$210 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BQB Busselton Margaret River Airport (About 10 min drive inland from town; limited Jetstar services to Melbourne and Sydney, up to three times a week depending on season (check current schedule).) · PER Perth Airport (Main gateway: about 2 h 30 min–3 h drive south, or coach to Bunbury with onward connection.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jul (19 rain days), driest Feb (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Busselton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
19 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
17 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
15 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Nov
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical default: the town spreads along the bay and the region's sights sit 20–60 min apart. A local bus runs north to Bunbury and south toward the Margaret River region (check timetable). The jetty and town centre are about 200 m apart, so the foreshore itself is walkable, and the flat bay-side paths suit bikes.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Margaret River
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bussell Highway south, about 50 km (31 mi)Bussell Highway south, about 31 mi (50 km)
Wineries, caves and surf breaks; a full day or an overnight.
Bunbury
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bussell Highway north, about 50 km (31 mi)Bussell Highway north, about 31 mi (50 km)
Larger town with a dolphin discovery centre; easy half day.
Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Caves Road west, about 25–35 km (16–22 mi)Caves Road west, about 16–22 mi (25–35 km)
Calmer beaches, lighthouse walks and the XCape fun park on Caves Road.
Collie
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive via the South Western Highway
Inland timber and mining town; only worth it if you are heading that way.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Foreshore and jetty precinct
Walk to the jetty, beach, cafés and the visitor centre; best for a short stay without a car.
Bussell Highway strip
Motels, resorts and the shopping centre along the main road; car parks at the door, 5–10 min drive to the jetty.
Abbey and Dunsborough side
Beach resorts west of town toward Dunsborough; quieter, needs a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × A$210 | A$420 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$170 | A$680 |
| Busselton Jetty train and underwater observatory ticket2 × A$40 · check current price | A$80 |
| Car hire, one day1 × A$80 · check | A$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$131 |
| Trip total≈ A$360 per person per day, bed included | A$1,441≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fish and chips, takeaway | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Pub or brewery main | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Busselton Jetty train and observatory ticketcheck | A$35–45 (≈ US$25–30) |
| Wonnerup House entrycheck | Adult A$10 (≈ US$7), student A$7 (≈ US$5), child A$5 (≈ US$4) |
| Fuel, unleaded2026 estimate | about A$2 (≈ US$2) a litre |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bush flies in warm months: a hat with a net or repellent helps.
- The underwater observatory can close on windy days when silt clouds the water — check before buying.
- Kangaroos and wildlife on roads at dusk; avoid driving country roads after dark.
- Many kitchens close by 20:30–21:00 outside the city; country shops shut early Saturday and all Sunday.Many kitchens close by 8:30 PM–9:00 PM outside the city; country shops shut early Saturday and all Sunday.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 000
- Police non-emergency
- 131 444
- Health advice line (24 h)
- 1800 022 222
Pocket card
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BusseltonBusselton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Emergency000
- Police non-emergency131 444
- Health advice line1800 022 222
Embassy
No consulates in Busselton; the nearest are in Perth (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Busselton Jetty train and observatory: about A$35–45 (≈ US$25–30) (check)
- Perth → Busselton by car: about 2 h 30 min–3 h, 220 km (137 mi)about 2 h 30 min–3 h, 137 mi (220 km)
- Coach Perth → Bunbury, onward to Busselton: check timetable and fare
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the jetty? — Where is the jetty?
- Card ok? — Can I pay by card?
- Are the flags up? — Is it patrolled today?
Emergency numbers are national; 000 works from any phone.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Busselton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (warm, dry, calm bay); Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov for mild weather and fewer crowds · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, 120–135 mm rain in the wettest months) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BQB: seasonal Jetstar days, taxi fallback, Perth coach option.
- Walking cluster around the jetty and foreshore with verified opening hours for the observatory and visitor centre.
- Place pages for the jetty, Wonnerup House, the Busselton Museum and St Mary's with cutoffs.
- Eat pages for foreshore fish and chips and the two breweries with last orders.