Welcome to Geographe Bay

GEOGRAPHE BAY

WELCOME TO

Geographe Bay

A two hour drive south of Perth lies the sheltered shores of Geographe Bay. The bay was named in May 1801 by French explorer Nicolas Baudin, after his ship, ‘Géographe.’ Voted one of the top 10 places to visit in the world by Lonely Planet, the region is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Here you will discover the extraordinary, from the heights of the largest remaining tuart forest in the world at the Ludlow Tuart Forest to the depths of Australia’s greatest artificial reef at the Busselton Jetty. In between, you will find hundreds more equally spectacular spots and just as many ways to enjoy them.

Home to the vibrant seaside towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup, 30kms of pristine white sandy beaches fringe the renowned Margaret River Wine Region to create the perfect holiday playground.

You might be surprised to find out that the Margaret River Wine Region produces just 3 percent of Australia’s grapes, but more than 20 per cent of the country’s premium wines. Dotted in between the 120 cellar doors you will find equally impressive microbreweries and artisan food producers offering the freshest local ingredients.

Many of the venues have restaurants and cafés on site where you can sit back and enjoy seasonal delights while taking in the vineyards, bushland and ocean vistas. Join a behind the scenes tour to meet the maker and share in the passion of this wine and food hotspot.

It has often been said that there is no single reason to visit the region, but it is the diversity of things to do that make it a place like no other. Families will relish the opportunity to let the kids run wild at fun parks, mazes and in towering forests.

Adventure lovers can challenge themselves from above and below, skydiving over the blue waters of Geographe Bay or delving into underground crystal caves.

Slow down the pace by soaking up the region’s rich creative talent, or learn about our fascinating history and heritage.

Things to See & Do

BUSSELTON HERITAGE PARK & TRAIL

The Heritage Park & Trail starts at the corner of Peel Terrace and Causeway Road, Busselton, and features a range of sculptures where the past meets the present. The Heritage Trail also includes the Aboriginal Interpretive Gardens, Ballarat Steam Engine, St Mary’s Anglican Church and Pioneer Cemetery. Pick up the Busselton Heritage Trail guide book from the Busselton Visitor Centre.

BUSSELTON MUSEUM

Located at the Heritage Butter Factory, the Busselton Museum showcases many interesting displays of historical photographs and relics. Open Wednesday to Monday, 10am-4pm. Entry fee applies.

ARTGEO CULTURAL COMPLEX

The Old Courthouse complex at the jetty end of Queen Street was built in 1854 and provides a fascinating glimpse of life in the township over 160 years ago. This historic building has been restored and is now home to art classes, workshops and the ArtGeo Gallery featuring regular exhibitions by local and touring artists. Open daily, 10am-4pm.

WONNERUP HOUSE

The Wonnerup Settlement, situated 10kms north of Busselton, is an important example of early farming, first settled by the Layman family in 1834. The landmark Wonnerup Homestead was built in 1859 and the house, later converted to a dairy, was built in 1837. Also featured on the property is a kitchen, stables, blacksmiths, teacher house and school. These buildings have been meticulously restored. On display are many original items and furniture. Open Thursday to Monday, 10am-4pm.

ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Built of limestone and jarrah with a sheoak shingle roof, St Mary’s Anglican Church is the oldest stone church in WA. Building commenced in 1844 and the church was consecrated in 1848. The church is located opposite the Busselton Visitor Centre.

ELLENSBROOK HOUSE

Ellensbrook House was built by settlers to the region and named after one of the first occupants Ellen Bussel. The homestead is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. Entry: Adults $10.00, Concession $7.00, Children (5yrs and over) $5.00, Families $25.00.

BALLARAT ENGINE

The first steam locomotive in WA was used from 1871–1886 hauling timber more than 20kms for the main purpose of constructing the Busselton Jetty. The engine is on display in Victoria Park.

MARGARET RIVER OLD SETTLEMENT

Settlement style village that depicts the beginnings of the Augusta-Margaret River dairy industry in the 1920’s. Nearby via a bridge over the Margaret River is Rotary Park, home to a vintage steam locomotive known as Kate, built in England in 1889.

CAPE NATURALISTE LIGHTHOUSE

This working lighthouse marks the start of the Cape to Cape Track and provides breathtaking panoramic views across the Indian Ocean and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Although fully automated since 1996, you will take a step back in time as you hear tales of shipwrecks off the formidable coastline, the hardships of life as a lighthouse keeper, and stories of resident ghosts Harry and Mary will be sure to send a tingle down your spine!

You can discover more of Cape Naturaliste’s rugged natural beauty on a Guided Nature Trail Tour. Guided tours tours depart every hour daily from 9.30am-4.30pm.

WILDFLOWER SEASON

Wildflowers are at their best between September and November. The best viewing places include:

• The Cape to Cape Track

• Meelup Regional Park

• A mbergate Reserve

• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

SWIMMING

With more than 30kms of beach, you are spoilt for choice for swimming spots. The best spots are:

• Busselton Beachfront

• Dunsborough Beachfront and Old Dunsborough Swimming Enclosure

• Meelup Beach

• Bunker Bay, Eagle Bay

• “The Lagoon” at Yallingup Beach

• Smiths Beach

Although the beaches are beautiful, there are some dangers associated with the open ocean. Every beach is different and it is advisable to find out about the day’s conditions before heading to the beach.

For further information, fact sheets (available in 34 languages) and a free BeachSafe app available from iTunes, please visit beachsafe.org.au

WALKING TRAILS

The Cape to Cape Track – Rated one of the ‘Top Ten Multi-Day Walks’ in Australia by Australian Geographic, the Cape to Cape Track stretches 135kms across the spectacular coastline from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Take on the track as a 5-7 day walk or enjoy it in smaller sections as leisurely half or full-day walks. Detailed maps are available for purchase from Busselton Visitor Centre.

Cape to Cave Nature Trail – this is a fully guided walk from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Ngilgi Cave.

R ails to Trails Track – this 18km trail follows the railway network built during the timber boom and runs from Cowaramup to Margaret River.

Shorter walks – includes tracks around Ngilgi Cave, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Ambergate Reserve and Meelup Trail (Meelup Regional Park).

NGILGI CAVE

Explore the ancient wonders of Ngilgi Cave located in the Margaret River Wine Region just off Caves Road, a short distance north of Yallingup. Beneath the limestone ridge that forms Cape Naturaliste lies Ngilgi Cave. Discovered in 1899, Ngilgi Cave - formerly known as Yallingup Cave - is one of Geographe Bay’s most renowned tourist attractions.

YALLINGUP

Yallingup means ‘place of holes’ (as a result of the caves) in the Wardandi Aboriginal language. With its top-rated surf, stunning beaches, world-class wines, ancient caves and breathtaking ocean sunsets, Yallingup captures the hearts of nature lovers, thrill seekers and wine connoisseurs alike.

Famous the world over for its consistent, spectacular surf breaks, Yallingup is home to the renowned and well-ridden Three Bears, Yallingup Beach, Smith’s Beach and Injidup breaks.

The tranquil crystal clear lagoon at Yallingup Beach is lovely for snorkelling and swimming.

Experience one of the most diverse walking treks on Earth, the Cape to Cape Track. The 135 kilometre trail leads you from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin.

Beyond the beaches and headlands, Yallingup’s award winning wineries and boutique cellar doors dot the picturesque hillsides. For foodies, enjoy extraordinary dining experiences by highly skilled chef’s using the finest quality fresh local produce.

Be sure to check out the galleries at the arts precinct just off Caves Road.

BUNBURY

The cosmopolitan city of Bunbury is renowned for its wild but friendly bottlenose dolphins which you can meet at the shoreline or out in the bay. To meet Bunbury’s friendly locals, head to the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Here, visitors will encounter some of the 100 plus bottlenose dolphins who frequent its calm waters. Stand knee-deep in the shallows and wait for them to come to you or join a dolphin watching and swimming tour.

Bunbury’s iconic black and white lighthouse is situated at the northern end of the city. This working lighthouse is one of Bunbury’s most loved icons and is well worth a visit during your stay.

King Cottage Museum offers a glimpse into the past with a home built in 1880 while Bunbury’s St Mark’s Church was built in 1842 and is the second oldest church in Western Australia.

Golfers can swing by one of three internationally renowned courses and young families will find more animal encounters in the region’s wildlife parks. Head to the Entertainment Centre for waterside restaurants and cultural hub.

COWARAMUP

Cowaramup, fondly known as Cowtown to the locals, is a quaint little township with 42 life-sized Fresian cow structures dotted throughout. Sample the local chocolate, fudge, nougat, wine and beer. If you’re visiting in July, check out the bovine themed Deja Moo.

AUGUSTA

Augusta is as far south-west as you can go in Australia, the last town before Cape Leeuwin where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. The town has some of the most pristine beaches in the world, perfect for fishing, swimming, surfing, diving and boating.

Take a drive to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse for some spectacular coastal scenery and maritime history. The lighthouse tower has 176 steps to the top and is the largest of its kind on mainland Australia. Open daily.

Be amazed by Jewel Cave, a mammoth cavern lined with incredible decorations such as the ‘frozen waterfall’ and the longest straw stalactite in any visitor centre cave in the world!

Visit Hamelin Bay, a sweeping bay with sheltered swimming pools, beautiful white sand, surrounded by limestone formations. There is a shipwreck trail in the bay and stingrays are human-friendly which allows for easy feeding and great photo opportunities.

Follow the waters of the Blackwood River from its mouth to the upperreaches and you’ll find plenty of idyllic spots to cast a fishing line, launch a boat, paddle a kayak or view the abundant birdlife.

For spectacular Indian Ocean views and some swing practice, tee off at Augusta Golf Course.

Aquatic Adventures

WHALE WATCHING

Each year, thousands of humpback and southern right whales travel from Antarctica to play and breed in the warm waters and sheltered bays between June and early December. The humpback whale is distinguished by its black or grey body with white underbelly. This whale is renowned for frollicking, which makes for a stunning display of water acrobatics. The southern right whale is grey and can grow to a mammoth 17 metres.

All Sea Charters offer whale watching tours for those keen to see these majestic creatures up close. All Sea Charters specialise in whale watching and Eco Tours. Book a tour for a memorable experience on 0417 794 008.

BEACHES

For a lazy day on the beach and safe swimming you can take your pick from a bevy of beautiful beaches. Choose from Boodjidup, Gnarabup, Hamelin Bay, Meelup or Yallingup, to name a few.

SURFING

With over 75 surf breaks along the coastline, anyone from a beginner to a pro can enjoy the surfing lifestyle. A visit to Surfers Point is a must – simply take Wallcliffe Road to Surfers Point Road onto the beach.

SNORKELLING AND DIVING

Equip yourself with a snorkel and chase fish that gather by the shallow reefs or enjoy an exhilarating dive around the Destroyer Escort HMAS Swan – WA’s most famous shipwreck purposely sunk to create a haven for marine life. The Busselton Jetty is an underwater kaleidoscope of brilliantly coloured tropical and sub tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.

FISHING

The region’s abundant coastline and waterways also make it an ideal place for fishing. With a licence you can go diving for prized delicacies such as crayfish. Top fishing spots include Busselton Jetty and Canal Rocks.

The Geographe Bay Region is bordered by sparkling coastline abundant in life, colour, historic shipwrecks and marine life.

Whales & Dolphins

Busselton is perfectly located for the annual whale watching season between June and December, when southern right, humpback, minke and blue whales visit Geographe Bay.

Seeing them basking or at play in the bay is an unforgettable experience when viewed from tour boats, or from vantage points such as Cape Naturaliste as they round the corner in the calm waters of Geographe Bay. Be awed by their sheer size and magnificent presence, a memory you are sure to treasure.

Bottlenose dolphins are also regular inhabitants of Geographe Bay. Watch them play in their beautiful natural habitat and come to appreciate their intelligence and sense of joyfulness.

Be sure to observe stand-off regulations if approaching whales or dolphins in private vessels.

Caves & Trails

The Geographe Bay Region boasts incredible natural landscapes, which can be explored under or above ground.

The region has over 150 stunning limestone caves, some of which can be traversed via a self-guided or guided tour. While it’s difficult to narrow down the most awe-inspiring amongst them, there are a few standouts favoured by visitors.

Mammoth Cave offers easy access to its incredible cavern which still contains fossils today. The tour ends with a meander through the gorgeous Marri Forest.

Lake Cave boasts breathtaking crystal formations which hang over the cave’s permanent lake. Familiarise yourself with your surrounds at the interpretive centre.

Jewel Cave has three extensive chambers. Its sheer beauty has been celebrated with a number of tourist awards. Check out the preservation centre.

The spectacular Ngilgi Cave’s heritage is bound with Aboriginal culture and features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and beautifully coloured shawls. It also boasts a café and playground.

The region has endless trail options: walking, hiking, cycling, driving, breweries and wineries. For more information, visit www.margaretriver.com

Margaret River

Margaret River is a small town with world-class status.

Home to some of Australia’s most remarkable wines and spectacular vineyards, the premier wine growing region is also known for its craft breweries, boutiques, outdoor adventures, beaches and epic surf breaks.

The main street of Margaret River features diverse galleries, boutique shopping, cafés, produce providores, surf shops, a pub with a 600-bottle wine list and an excellent local ice-creamery.

Beaches line the nearby coast where thousands of surfers visit town year-round to experience huge waves on surf breaks along the coast. Gas Bay, next to Grunters, is an exposed reef break that has reliable surf, especially in the summer months. Prevelly, situated west of the Margaret River township, boasts great surfing at its nearby beaches. For those keen to fish, Gnarabup’s boat ramp is perfect for this holiday activity.

Kilcarnup Beach, known to the locals as Joey’s Nose, is a popular beach with families as it’s a fun surf spot for the kids, and offers stunning views of the coastline.

The region’s coastline also enjoys a long whale watching season, with humpback whales and southern right whales migrating from June to December.

In the bush, wildflowers bloom alongside the Cape to Cape Track and the Wadandi Track (the local’s secret), from August to November. One of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots is in the South West corner of Western Australia where Margaret River lies.

For wine-lovers, the Margaret River Wine Region is a premium wine destination encompassing over 200 vineyards, mostly in the northern half. There are more than 90 cellar doors with each winery showcasing a unique style and ambience with vistas of farmland, wine country and the coast. The diversity ranges from farmstyle to architecturally sophisticated, and since food and wine go hand in hand in the Margaret River many have casual cafés ranging to world-class restaurants.

The signature grape varietals of the Margaret River wine region are cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and semillon.

Spend a day exploring the range of cellar doors available in the region. Check out each cellar door profile for opening times, facilities and events. Create your own personal tour or book a tour. For additional information on wineries in the region visit www.margaretriver.com and follow one of the wine trails.

Dunsborough

With Geographe Bay at its doorstep, Yallingup close by, wineries, restaurants, cafés, and bars, there are so many amazing things to do in and around Dunsborough.

Just 15 minutes north along Cape Naturaliste Road, visit the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse where you can experience this working lighthouse. It is an easy climb revealing maritime history where you can watch for whales and enjoy the ocean vistas. Open 9.00am-5.00pm with guided tours every hour. There are numerous walking trails that lead from the lighthouse around the bays and beaches of the Cape along with wheelchair friendly access from the lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock. An impressive mountain of granite rock jutting out of the water in the shape of a pyramid, the Sugarloaf Rock formation dominate the coastline near Cape Naturaliste and is one of the most photographed seascapes in Western Australia.

Enjoy the beaches and incredible views along the coastal drive between Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay. At Cape Naturaliste, visit stunning Bunker Bay with its clear blue water; spend the day at the beach and grab a bite to eat at the Bunker Beach Café.

For an adrenaline filled day of adventure, head out with Dunsborough Jet Ski Tours to explore the coastline from the water. Along with a lot of fun, the guides offer great information about the history, marine life, flora and fauna, and along the way you may even see dolphins, fur seals and whales!

Check out Yallingup Maze & Mini Golf, the zip line and ropes course at Next Level Monkey Business, and Country Life Farm for some family fun.

For something special, visit Nina’s Jewellery. Nina’s designs and manufactures fine diamond jewellery. Visit their showroom to see their incredible range of green, orange, yellow and champagne diamonds, as well as one of the country’s best collections of Argyle pink and blue diamonds and exclusive Broome South Sea pearl designs.

Experience the natural-forming rock pool and spa at Injidup Natural Spa past Yallingup. This natural phenomenon occurs as ocean water surges through the crevasse in the rocks and runs out into the pool.

To experience this on a larger scale, visit Canal Rocks with its incredible geological rock formations and natural canal that funnels water through it. There is also a picturesque bridge and short walkway to enjoy.

Dunsborough is a relaxed coastal town and a great base to explore Cape Naturaliste’s pristine beaches, walking trails, and lighthouse.

Busselton

Busselton is a beautiful city with so much to offer.

From strolling the iconic Busselton Jetty, to descending 8 metres underwater in an observatory, to climbing a high ropes course, Busselton is an excellent base to enjoy local produce, sample craft beers, go wine tasting, enjoy water and landbased adventures and more.

With safe swimming beaches, Busselton is the perfect place for water lovers with its protected bay, ivory sand and turquoise water. It is also the perfect place to spot tens of thousands of whales that pass by on their annual migration.

Be sure to check out the new Origins Market that opened late 2021 bustling with artisanal food, produce and craft, and look out for the new performing arts centre and dining and entertainment precinct that are due to arrive in coming years.

The Busselton Jetty is one of the most recognisable icons in Western Australia. It stands at 1841 metres in length making it the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

You can walk all the way to the end or take a ride on the solarpowered electric Jetty Train over the Indian Ocean to the Underwater Observatory - one of only six in the world!

As you descend 8 metres below the ocean’s surface, the natural wonders that lie beneath the Jetty are viewable from 11 windows where you can discover more than 300 individual marine species. See where the piles create Australia’s greatest artificial reef, host to an awe-inspiring forest of vividlycoloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.

For the more adventurous, experience the Undersea Walk or scuba diving.

For something truly memorable, book an Underwater Dining experience. The Jetty has teamed up with a local chef and Leeuwin Estate to create an indulgent Margaret River degustation served 8 metres below the ocean’s surface.

Access to the Underwater Observatory is only possible via the tours which depart on the hour from the Interpretive Centre. To book your ticket online, visit the booking office in the iconic blue boat-shed style Interpretive Centre or phone (08) 9754 0900.

Distances

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCES (KM)

PerthBusseltonDunsboroughYallingupCowaramupMargaret River Augusta

Perth-218243252253257309

Busselton218-2534354691

Dunsborough24325-9354689

Yallingup252349-324392

Cowaramup253353532-1154

MargaretRiver25747504311-43

Augusta3099189925443-

Credit:

Calendar of Events

JANUARY Festival of Busselton

Karnidale Circus Festival

FEBRUARY

SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim, Busselton

Port Geographe Bay Race Week, Geographe Bay

South West Craft Beer Festival, Busselton

Busselton Jetty Swim

BCR Bay Run

MARCH

Sculpture by the Bay, Dunsborough

Dunsborough Arts Festival

Augusta River Festival

Undalup Bunuru Festival

Geographe Outriggers Jetty Regatta

WA Gravity Two-Day Enduro, Margaret River & Dunsborough

Busselton Fringe Festival

APRIL

Easter Wonderland at Busselton Foreshore

Dunsborough Lions Club Easter Fair

XTERRA Dunsborough Off-Road Triathlon

Busselton Festival of Triathlon

Margaret River Pro – World Surf League

MAY

Margaret River Ultra Marathon

Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival

Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Margaret River

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.margaretriver.com

JUNE

Whales arrive in Busselton until December

Jazz by the Bay, Dunsborough

Down South MTB Festival, Dunsborough & Margaret River

Truffle Kerfuffle Festival

JULY

Deja Moo Country Fair, Cowaramup

Cabin Fever Festival

AUGUST

Nannup Flower & Garden Festival, Nannup

CinefestOZ Film Festival, Busselton

SEPTEMBER

Wildflowers in Bloom, Regional

Busselton Annual Wildflower Exhibition, Busselton

Margaret River Region Open Studios

South West Mudfest, Wilyabrup

OCTOBER

Strings Attached Guitar Festival

Oktoberfest, Margaret River

Cape to Cape MTB

Fine Wines Festival

NOVEMBER

Margaret River Agricultural Show

Busselton Show, Busselton Showgrounds

Tour of Margaret River

DECEMBER

IRONMAN Western Australia

Yallingup Malibu Classic

Carols by Candlelight, Busselton

Movies at Cape Mentelle (Dec-Mar)

Services

Markets

Busselton Foreshore Markets

First, third and fifth Sunday, 7am–1pm

Signal Park, Queen Street, Busselton

Busselton Community Garden Markets

Second and fourth Saturday, 8am–12pm

50 Strelly Street, Busselton

Origins Market

Thursday to Sunday 8.30am-6pm

Friday & Saturday nights 6pm-9pm

86 West Street, Busselton

Dunsborough Lions Club Markets

Fourth Saturday of the month (Sept to April), 8am-1pm

Lions Park, Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough

Markets by the Bay

Second Saturday of the month (Sept to April) – 8am-1pm

Second & fourth Saturday of the month (May & June) – 8am-1pm

Lions Park, 38 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough

Margaret River Farmers Markets

Every Saturday, Apr-Oct 8am–12pm, Nov-Mar 7.30am–11.30am

Lot 272 Bussell Highway, Margaret River

Margaret River Town Square Markets

Every

Margaret River

We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

JOHN BATMAN GROUP