Busselton and Margaret River on a budget
With a bonanza of outdoor activities and natural attractions on offer, the Busselton and Margaret River region is ideal for travellers on a budget.
- June 2021
Keen to see what all the buzz is about but worried the Busselton and Margaret River region will come with a hefty price tag? Relax! Some of its best-known highlights are low cost, and even free!
Let’s go to the beach
No matter what kind of beachgoer you are, the glorious coastline of southwest WA has got you covered. With memorable names like Bombie, Gallows, Surfer’s Point and Left Handers, the region’s 75 surf breaks beckon adrenaline junkies and awed spectators alike. Meelup Beach, Bunker Bay and Dunsborough Foreshore (to name a few) will delight those seeking less boisterous conditions, with silken white sand and tranquil turquoise water perfect for floating, swimming and stand-up paddle-boarding. Dog-friendly beaches, snorkelling spots and seasonal whale playgrounds add to the fun.
Location: coastline between Busselton and Augusta
Admire the views from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Perched at the point where the Indian Ocean crashes into the Southern Ocean, you’ll find mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Constructed in 1895, this towering structure still lights the way for boats to navigate the perilous waters around the cape. Take a tour to the top for wild and windswept ocean views, and learn about the lighthouse-keeping families who’ve lived there over the years. With its rugged end-of-the-world atmosphere and colliding oceans, Cape Leeuwin will make you glad you’re on terra firma!
Location: Leeuwin Road, Augusta
Treat your tastebuds at Margaret River Farmers’ Market
The Margaret River region is foodie heaven. Top-notch restaurants, organic cafes and renowned wineries compete with gourmet stores and artisanal confectionary merchants for the tourist dollar – making it easy to blow the budget. A cheaper option is to get your tasty goodies directly from local farmers and producers at the Margaret River Farmers’ Market. This award-winning Saturday market is food-focused – no craft. Expect everything from home-made pasta and boutique olive oil to exquisite chocolate, mouth-watering seafood, and the freshest seasonal fruit and veg, all at affordable prices.
Location: Lot 272, Bussell Highway, Margaret River
Hang out on the Busselton Foreshore
The famed Busselton Jetty is just one of the reasons you’ll want to spend some quality time at Busselton Foreshore. Unfurling along the stunning Geographe Bay, this popular waterfront precinct is your go-to for swimming, strolling, cycling, picnicking, dolphin-spotting, and generally unwinding. Kids will go nuts for the playgrounds, while a variety of cafes and restaurants will ensure you don’t go hungry. Sunsets here are legendary and absurdly photogenic: all flame-coloured skies and rosy reflective water. Your Instagram followers will approve!
Location: Foreshore Parade, Busselton
Hit the Busselton-Dunsborough Bike and Walk Path
The Busselton Foreshore (mentioned above) is also the starting point for this gorgeous coastal cycling and walking path, stretching the 31 kilometres between Busselton and Dunsborough. It’s a gentle enough ride that you don’t need to be Cadel Evans to complete it, or you could just tackle a shorter section. Either way, it's well worth stopping every now and then to admire the bay views, have a dip, or enjoy a picnic. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too. You can hire a bike in either town.
Location: Between Busselton and Dunsborough
