Busselton

When you step off the tender at Busselton, you arrive at the base of the iconic Busselton Jetty, stepping directly onto the vibrant and scenic Busselton Foreshore. This is not a secure industrial port; it is a public recreational hub where you are immediately greeted by the Interpretive Centre and the start of the 1.8-kilometre wooden jetty. Within a 5 to 10-minute walk, you can access the Busselton Foreshore Adventure Playspace, the Visitor Information Centre, and popular waterfront dining spots like Shelter Brewing Co. and The Goose Beach Bar + Kitchen. The northern end of Queen Street, the city’s main shopping and cafe precinct, is also reachable within a 10-minute stroll from the tender pier.

• Walkability: The Busselton town centre and foreshore area are very flat and highly walkable, making it easy to explore the shops, cafes, and the famous 1.8-kilometre Busselton Jetty on foot. If your ship tenders to the jetty, you will be right in the heart of the action, although comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to walk the full length of the pier.
• Public Transport: Local bus services, known as TransBusselton, connect the town centre with nearby areas like Dunsborough. While Western Australia is transitioning to newer systems, you should generally be prepared to use a SmartRider card or pay with cash on regional buses, as direct “tap and go” with contactless credit cards is not yet universally available on all regional town services.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis are operated by South West Taxis and are available throughout the region, though it is often best to pre-book or head to a designated rank. Rideshare services like Uber and South West Ride Share also operate in the area, providing a convenient alternative for reaching local wineries or attractions further afield in the Margaret River region.

• You can now tag on and off TransBusselton buses using a contactless credit/debit card or digital wallet; a SmartRider card is no longer required for visitors to access public transport.
• Australia has extremely strict biosecurity laws; do not bring any fresh food, fruit, vegetables, or meat products off the ship, as carrying these items ashore can result in immediate heavy fines.
• Tipping is not required or expected in Australia as hospitality workers earn a fair living wage; the price you see on a menu is the final price you pay, inclusive of all taxes (GST).
• Busselton is a tender port, meaning you will take a small boat from the ship to the iconic Busselton Jetty; allow extra time for the tendering process when planning your shore excursions.

• The Must-Dos
  • Walk the 1.8km Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, or take the solar-powered Jetty Train to the very end.
  • Descend 8 metres below the ocean surface at the Underwater Observatory to view the vibrant artificial reef and over 300 marine species through 11 viewing windows.
  • Stroll along the Busselton Foreshore to enjoy the white sand beaches and sheltered turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, perfect for a swim or a relaxed harbour-side lunch.
• Best Free/Low-Cost Activity
  • Explore the Busselton Museum housed in the heritage-listed Butter Factory to learn about the region’s timber, dairy, and whaling history for a small gold coin donation.
  • Wander through the ArtGeo Cultural Precinct to see local contemporary art, visit the historic courthouse, and browse unique handmade crafts in the gift shop.
  • Take a self-guided walking tour of the main high street, located just two blocks from the jetty, to browse local boutiques and soak up the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
• Local Hidden Gem
  • Visit the Busselton Pavilion to sample a “Taste of the South West” menu featuring locally foraged produce and award-winning regional wines away from the main tourist crowds.
  • Explore the Origins Market, a vibrant indoor space where you can meet local growers, taste artisan honey and chocolates, and experience the region’s produce all in one central spot.
  • Walk to the quiet western end of the foreshore near the Yacht Club for a peaceful beach experience and a great vantage point to photograph your cruise ship at anchor.

While Busselton does not have a traditional cruise terminal with dedicated Wi-Fi, passengers can find free and reliable Wi-Fi at the Busselton Visitor Centre located right at the foreshore near the tender arrival point. Another excellent option is the Busselton Library on Stanley Place, which offers free internet access and public computers within a 10-minute walk of the jetty. For those looking for a connection with a meal or coffee, local cafes such as The Good Egg and Goose Beach Bar & Kitchen also provide complimentary Wi-Fi for their customers.

The town centre of Busselton is located immediately at the shore end of the Busselton Jetty, making it very easy to reach on foot from the tender drop-off point. For supermarkets, Coles is located in the Busselton Central shopping precinct on Prince Street, while Woolworths is situated on Kent Street; both are within a 5 to 10-minute walk from the foreshore. For pharmacies, you will find several options along the main thoroughfare of Queen Street and within the Busselton Central and Busselton Boulevard shopping centres, all reachable within the same 10-minute walking radius.