Busselton to Cape in a Day

by Simone (subscribe)

Famous Busselton Jetty

Busselton is one of my favourite scenic spots to visit, with plenty to do all about the region. The famous Busselton Jetty, which reaches almost two kilometres, has met completion of the $27 million upgrade since the photo below was taken.


The jetty made headlines last year for its inclusion in Masterchef Australia 2011, where one of the contestants was given an immunity challenge cooking at the end of the Busselton Jetty.

Also at the end of the jetty is the more permanent Underwater Observatory. At 8 eight metres undersea, it holds up to 40 people at one time and supports wheelchair access. View marine and coral life in its natural surroundings.

Choose to walk the jetty or ride the Jetty Train at about 6km an hour. It carries up to 50 people and makes several trips during the day. Return to the Interpretive Centre on the jetty, near the shore. Browse the Eco Museum for free and purchase a take home souvenir.

Kid's Activities

Naturaliste Reptile Park

This compact Reptile Park is located in Carbunup River, approximately 20 minutes outside of Busselton at 10 Wildwood Road. Please click here for a personal review about this attraction.



The Nautical Lady

There are many activities in and around Busselton for the whole family to soak up. On the foreshore across from the famed jetty is 'The Nautical Lady.' This 'entertainment world' is geared for everyone, but more specifically children.

Unfortunately I was too busy watching the children have fun while we were there two years ago and not in a frame of mind to take photos. That said I can vouch for the quality of the attractions here.

There are racing cars, mini jeeps, waterslides – mini slide and giant gurgler, trampolines, mini golf, flying turtles, skate park, jungle bungles for toddlers and Jetty Point Lighthouse complete with Fantasy Castle, Jetty Museum and Lookout Tower.

Visit their website to view photos and details of these activities. Payment is made at the booth in exchange for tokens for use on all the rides. Each ride has a different token quantity.


Entry to The Nautical Lady is free, so the token system well and truly makes up for this. One token will cost you $4. Half the rides are good value, as they can play for extended periods, whereas others are short and use up your tokens more quickly.

The place could use a lick of paint and a touch of maintenance here or there, but other than that, the kids really do have fun.

Café Nautical supplies basic snack food and coffee, as well as the popular Simmo's ice-cream that you can enjoy seated in the wooden boat if you wish.

Contact details for this small theme park are:

Phone: (08) 9752 3473
Facsimile: (08) 9754 1845
E-mail: nauticallady@westnet.com.au

Food & Beverages

'The Goose' Café Restaurant

Behind 'The Nautical Lady' you can find the 'The Goose' Café Restaurant nestled peacefully beachside near the waters of the jetty. For a personal review on this restaurant please click here.



Broadwater Pizza and Pasta

Broadwater Pizza and Pasta, located less than 10 minutes from Busselton in the Broadwater Shopping Centre at 539 Bussell Highway, Broadwater WA 6280, make authentic wood-fired pizzas for dine-in or takeaway.

There are a large variety of set menu pizzas or toppings to choose from and the taste is delicious, resembling a home-made, personal touch. Phone ahead on: (08) 9754 7736, if you have a menu handy.

Although we have no photos, we can vouch for the good quality food that is made at this establishment; bellissimo!

Accommodation

Forte Cape View Apartments

If you're looking for accommodation with a striking locale in close proximity to the quiet waters of Busselton Beach, then you have it here. Choose between two and three bedroom apartments which are all fully self-contained.


Forte Cape View Apartments have discounts for packages and members specials available. Concessions can also be found when searching the internet and booking through other providers, such as wotif.com.


Find them tucked away along Bussell Highway on the corner of Little Colin Street, extending right through from the Bungalows, to Reception, to the beachfront Spa Apartments.

Accommodation includes many other facilities, such as a children's playground, barbecue area, Xbox hire and bike hire, to name just a few.

Contact details:

• Free call: 1800 353 611
• Phone: (08) 9755 4388
• Fax: (08) 9755 4044
• Email: bookings@capeviewapartments.com.au

Blue Waters Beach House Busselton

Blue Waters Beach House Busselton is a three bedroom house which is fully self-contained. Found 10 minutes away in Geographe at 2 Casuarina Drive. For bookings phone Janet on 040 9377 693 or email: bluewaters.beachhouse@bigpond.com.


For a personal review on this accommodation please click here.

More Family Activities

Busselton Drive-In Theatre

Here is a relaxed activity for the entire family. Their slogan, 'Come as you are, in the family car,' pretty much sums it up. View outdoor movies on a large theatre screen from your car, or set yourself up outside.


Checkout this review for more information and links to film screenings – what's on, dates and times.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Marvel in the history of the old Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Suitable for families with older kids or an adequate fitness level, due to the distance required to walk to and from the lighthouse.


Apart from the long walking involved in getting there, the height of the stairs inside are a bit steep, although possibly better than some lighthouses to ascend. It can be more difficult or tiring for young children.

The duration of the tour could also become boring for young children being tied into a set, lengthy time-frame.


There are also many walking trails and captivating views around the cape.

Yallingup Maze

What a lot of fun at a very affordable price. The Yallingup Maze is centred on a large intriguing maze to keep everyone guessing. Visit for a couple of hours or more to take in all the activities on offer, including a café.


Places to Visit

Another popular tourist attraction is the Ngilgi Caves, previously known as Yallingup Caves. This beautiful natural formation is found off Caves Road at 76 Yallingup Caves Road in Yallingup.

Find stalagmite, stalactite, helicitite and other creations, such as crystals that can be handled in the touch area only. Explore freely at your own pace or take an in-depth tour.


The Caves are open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 9.30am to 4.30pm, with the last entry accepted at 3.30pm. Add half an hour to finishing times for public holidays, school holidays and long weekends.

Adult, child, family and concession passes are available and can be packaged into a discount when including the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Prices can be found here.


From Busselton to Cape Naturaliste, you'll find many beautiful and tranquil places to visit, including Dunsborough and Yallingup. This only touches the 'tip of the Cape' experience.






With numerous places to see and activities on offer, including plenty of accommodation, food, beverages & wines, the area in and around Busselton will keep you charged with excitement and wonder or have you lazing around in no time.

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Why? Great activities & things to see in a serene location.

Where: Busselton to Cape Naturaliste