Travel & Accommodation
The 2012 Ironman 70.3 Triathlon will be held on Friday 4th and Saturday 5thMay 2012. Please ensure to book your accomodation early!
WELCOME TO BUSSELTON, GEOGRAPHE BAY
Geographe Bay and the Margaret River Wine Region incorporates the towns of Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River, Cowaramup and Augusta. Judged WA’s top tourism town in 1995, 1996 & 2005, Busselton is the perfect base from which to explore the region. The region has also recently been named one of the world’s top 10 places to visit in 2010 by Lonely Planet.
Tours
View the region on a half or full day tour. Whether you’re interested in nature based activities, photography, wineries, canoeing, caves or adrenalin pumping adventure activities – there is a tour to suit your needs.
For all your touring and accommodation needs contact the local experts at the Busselton and Dunsborough Visitor Centres and take advantage of their free booking service.
Busselton Visitor Centre
T: 9752 1288
E: busselton@geographebay.com
Dunsborough Visitor Centre
T: 9752 1288
E: dunsborough@geographebay.com
Or research and book online at www.geographebay.com
UP & DOWN THE COAST
The warm and protected waters of Geographe Bay make for a great swimming and sunbathing and with 30 kilometers of beach, you are sure to find a secluded spot all to yourself.
If it is a wave that you are chasing, there are over 75 surf breaks dotted along the coast from Yallingup to Augusta.
A trip to Busselton wouldn’t be complete without visiting the historic Busselton Jetty – the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere is home to a state-of-the-art Interpretive Centre, Cultural Heritage Museum and stunning Underwater Observatory. (Please note that the Busselton Jetty is undergoing a $24 million restoration project. Access is permitted for the first 200m including the Interpretive Centre and Museum. Visitors are encouraged to come and view the restoration as it unfolds and take a look at the full plans in the Interpretive Centre. It will re-open early 2010).
Diving beneath the surface will uncover a whole other world of stunning marine life. Purposely sunk shipwrecks, such as the HMAS SWAN, provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with over 100 fish species.
Between September and December each year Geographe Bay becomes a nursery for whale cows and calves as they make their annual southern migration. Spot these incredible creatures from many scenic vantage points, including Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse or get up close on a whale watching tour.
If you’re looking to throw in a line then you’re in the right spot. Busselton and Dunsborough offer great beach fishing, or if it is game fishing you enjoy, book a local charter.
NATURAL WONDERS
The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the only natural stand of tuart left in the world. Take a leisurely drive and capture the beauty of these rare giants of the forest, or if you are feeling more energetic embark on one of the forest walk trails.
Wildflowers are at their dazzling best between September and November. Budding botanists will delight in the 2,500 species with the best viewing is along the Cape to Cape Track, Meelup Regional Park and Ambergate Reserve.
Listed as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ by the Ramsar Convention, the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands are home to more than 75 species of native and migrating birds. Native wildlife including kangaroos, emus, possums and woylies are also regularly seen within national parks and bushlands.
Beneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge lies a labyrinth of cave systems. A Guided Tour through Ngilgi Cave showcases stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations. For the more adventurous, don on a hard hat and miners light, and descend into the ‘wild’ parts of the Cave which are normally not seen by the public.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Settled in 1834, Busselton is one of the earliest settlements in Western Australia. The heritage listed Old Courthouse Arts Complex, built is 1854, is the oldest building in Busselton. The original gaol cells remain, with remaining rooms converted into a space for displaying local arts and crafts.
At the other end of town, St Mary’s Church stands. Built in 1844 of limestone and jarrah and is still a place of worship for the Busselton Community.
The Busselton Museum is a great find for those interested in photographs, furniture, clothing, farm machinery, butter and cheese making equipment from days gone by.
Just north of Busselton is the Wonnerup House Settlement. Built by the Layman family the settlement comprises a magnificent homestead, plus a kitchen, stables, blacksmiths, teacher house and school. These buildings have all been restored with many original items and furniture on display.
The Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers visitors the opportunity to experience the culture of the local Indigenous people, the Wardandi people. The Centre houses an impressive display of Southwest Aboriginal art, guided tours, traditional craft demonstrations, didjeredoo and dance.
WINE & FOOD
The Margaret River Wine Region is responsible for only three per cent of Australia’s wine production, but commands over 20% of the premium wine market. Visitors will find Cellar Door’s throughout the Capes, each with their own style and ambience. In all, there are over 200 vineyards and 85 wineries – a remarkable number considering that wine was first produced in the region just 30 years ago.
Dotted in amongst the vineyards are equally impressive boutique breweries producing hand-made traditional style brews with Indian, German and English influences. As well as the traditional larger, there are some more experimental styles to tantalise the tastebuds including chocolate and chilli beer!
Foodies will delight in the smorgasbord of local produce the region boats. Indulge in a variety of cheeses, olives, olive oils, venison, chocolate, fudge, nuts, coffees, teas, icecream and more! The region also offers a wide variety of dining experiences, from fine fare at award-winning restaurants to comfort food at a cosy café.
RETAIL THERAPY
The main town centres of Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River have everything from specialty stores to the convenience of major supermarkets, post offices, banks and pharmacies.
The region is fast gaining an international reputation for its artisans including acclaimed photographers, jewellers, painters, glass blowers and wood and metal craftsman. You can visit them at their place of work and watch them as they create unique and even made to order pieces.
Local markets brim with fabulous arts and crafts, second hand bargains, organic produce and lots more. There’s entertainment from buskers, a mouth watering array of home cooked treats and a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
