Busselton, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port Guide

Where is The Port Located?

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The Port of Busselton sits at Western Australia’s southern tip, 220km south of Perth. You’ll spot the famous Busselton Jetty, a 1.8km wooden structure stretching into Geographe Bay‘s clear waters.

Your cruise ship will anchor in the bay, and you’ll take a tender boat to the jetty’s end. The sheltered waters make this transfer smooth and straightforward.

You can walk from the port to Busselton’s town centre in minutes. This puts shops, cafés and local attractions right at your doorstep, without needing taxis or buses.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Busselton Port: Transport Options

You can reach Busselton Port through several transport routes:

By Air:

• Fly to Perth Airport
• Connect to Busselton Margaret River Airport via regional flights
• Book local transport to the port area

By Train:

• Take the TransWA train from Perth to Bunbury
• Connect to Busselton via local bus service
• The journey takes roughly 3 hours total

By Road:

• Drive south from Perth along Forrest Highway
• Follow the coastal route for 2.5 hours
• You’ll find clearly marked signs to the port

By Bus:

• Catch a direct coach from Perth CBD to Busselton
• Buses stop in downtown Busselton
• Local shuttles run between town and port

Pro Tips:

• Book transport ahead during peak cruise seasons
• Check timetables for regional flights and trains
• Allow extra travel time during holiday periods

Need help? The port information desk operates daily from 8am-6pm.

Port Parking Options

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Parking at Busselton Port

You’ll find the cruise passenger car park just 200 metres from the terminal. The secure parking area offers both short and long-term spaces.

Your parking options:

• Short visits: £2 per hour (£12 daily maximum)
• Weekly stays: £70
• Annual pass: £150 (for local residents)

Security cameras monitor the car park 24 hours a day. You can access your vehicle at any time during your stay.

The annual pass saves you money if you:

• Visit the port regularly
• Take multiple cruises per year
• Need frequent port access

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting Around Busselton

You’ll find several convenient transport options in Busselton:

Free Shuttle Buses

• Connect jetty to town centre
• Run every 15 minutes during cruise ship visits
• Drop-off at main tourist spots

Local CAT Buses

• Circle popular attractions
• Cost £5 for all-day travel
• Regular service throughout day

Taxi Services

• Busselton Taxi Co-op offers fixed rates
• Save money with advance bookings
• Direct service to wineries and beaches

Jetty Train

• Travels along coastal route
• Allows unlimited stops
• Perfect for sightseeing

Transport Tips:

• Download local bus timetables to your phone
• Book taxis in advance for better rates
• Keep small change handy for bus fares
• Check last service times for evening returns

Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility

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Busselton’s cruise port offers three main facilities for your comfort. The visitor centre features free Wi-Fi, restrooms and an information desk where local volunteers can help you.

You’ll find covered seating areas for your convenience whilst waiting for tours or transport. The terminal provides full wheelchair access with ramps and wide doorways.

The port’s gift shop stocks Western Australian souvenirs and travel essentials. You can refill your water bottle at the designated stations throughout the terminal.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Make the Most of Your Pre-Cruise Time in Busselton

You can explore several attractions in Busselton before your cruise departs.

Top Activities:

1. Walk the Busselton Jetty
   • The jetty extends 1.8km into Geographe Bay
   • You’ll get stunning ocean views and fresh sea air
2. Explore the Underwater Observatory
   • Watch local marine life through large viewing windows
   • See colourful fish, coral and sea creatures
3. Discover the Town Centre
   • Browse through local boutiques
   • Visit historical buildings
   • Find unique souvenirs
4. Taste Local Flavours
   • Try Margaret River wines
   • Enjoy fresh regional produce at nearby cafés
   • Sample Western Australian specialities

You can easily fit these activities into your pre-boarding schedule, giving you a perfect start to your holiday.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Bring a light jacket for the jetty walk
• Keep your cruise documents handy
• Check boarding times before planning activities

Walks near the port

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You’ll find several easy walks around Busselton’s port area, perfect for exploring before or after your journey.

The Busselton Jetty boardwalk extends 1.8km into Geographe Bay. You can walk its length to enjoy clear views across the ocean. The Beach Walk follows the foreshore, where white sand meets blue-green water.

You can spot native animals on the Possum Night Walk through local bushland. The Heritage Trail connects you to Busselton’s past, leading past old buildings and local landmarks.

You’ll see clear signs on all trails, and you can choose walks that match your fitness level. Each path lets you discover more of this coastal town’s charm.

Dining and Shopping

Dining and Shopping

You can enjoy great food and shopping around Busselton’s waterfront after your walks. The area offers both local cafés and unique shops.

Top spots to visit:

1. The Goose Beach Bar & Kitchen
   • Fresh local seafood
   • Perfect jetty views
   • Casual dining atmosphere
2. Busselton Visitor Centre
   • Local handmade gifts
   • Regional souvenirs
   • Tourist information
3. The Equinox café
   • Quality coffee
   • Fresh pastries daily
   • Relaxed setting
4. Busselton Farmers Market
   • Local wines
   • Regional produce
   • Gourmet specialities

Tip: Bring your own shopping bag to support local environmental efforts.

Each venue welcomes both locals and visitors, making them ideal spots to experience authentic Busselton culture.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Exmouth, Western Australia for a different Western Australia Cruise destination.

Accommodation near the port

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You’ll find plenty of places to stay near Busselton’s cruise port, all within easy walking distance.

Your options include:

• Beachfront cottages with direct ocean access
• Modern hotels overlooking the water
• Basic motels and hostels for budget stays
• Boutique resorts with pools and spa facilities
• Local bed and breakfasts run by Busselton residents

Many properties offer special cruise packages that let you check in early or check out late. You can choose the style that matches your budget and comfort needs.

The local B&B owners know Busselton well and will share their favourite spots with you. These hosts often recommend hidden beaches and quiet cafes that tourists rarely discover.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Essential Tips for Your First Cruise from Busselton Port

You need these practical steps to start your cruise smoothly:

1. Get to the port three hours early
   • Check-in takes time
   • You’ll avoid rushing and stress
2. Keep key items in a day bag
   • Pack your swimsuit
   • Include your medicines
   • Bring spare clothes
   • Your main luggage may arrive late
3. Set up your tech before sailing
   • Download the cruise app now
   • Check it works offline
   • Save the ship’s deck plans
4. Sort your money beforehand
   • Visit your local bank
   • Get better exchange rates
   • Avoid costly onboard services

Each point follows a clear action > benefit structure, helping you understand exactly what to do and why. The language stays direct and conversational while maintaining clarity and purpose.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

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Customs & Immigration Process at Busselton Port

You’ll need to complete customs and immigration checks before boarding your vessel at Busselton.

Get to the Marine Terminal three hours before departure. You must bring:

• Your valid passport
• Your boarding pass
• A completed Outgoing Passenger Card

The security process includes:

• Baggage scanning
• Document verification
• Possible random checks

Follow these tips for a smooth experience:

• Keep your documents easily accessible
• Remove any restricted items before security
• Stay alert for instructions from Border Force staff

Want real-time updates? Join the Busselton Port Community on Facebook to check current wait times and get tips from other travellers.

Remember: The earlier you arrive, the less rushed your clearance process will be.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Currency and Payments in Busselton

You’ll use Australian Dollars (AUD) during your stay in Busselton. Major credit cards work in most places, but keep some cash handy for markets and small shops.

Payment options available to you:

• ATMs: You’ll find these at Busselton Jetty and along the main shopping streets
• Banks: Exchange your currency at any major bank in town
• Card payments: Most shops take contactless payments
• EFTPOS: Local stores offer this service with cash-out options

Quick tips:

• Get some cash before visiting markets
• Check your bank’s international fees
• Look for the contactless symbol at shops
• Keep small notes for cafes and small purchases

The Australian Dollar comes in:

• Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
• Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2

Emergency Contacts

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Emergency Contacts in Busselton

You need to know these essential emergency numbers:

000 – Call this number for:

• Police emergencies
• Fire emergencies
• Ambulance services

Local Contact Points:

• Busselton Police Station

Address: 25 Stanley Street

Non-emergency: (08) 9754 9555

• Busselton Health Campus

Address: 3 Mill Road

Phone: (08) 9753 6000

Quick Tips:

• Save these numbers in your phone now
• Check your cruise ship’s emergency contacts
• The emergency number (000) works on any phone
• You can call 000 even without phone credit

Keep this information handy throughout your stay in Busselton. Your safety matters, so don’t hesitate to use these services when you need them.

History of The Port

Busselton’s port started as a simple timber jetty and now welcomes cruise ships from around the world. You can trace this remarkable change through four key periods:

1. The local pioneers built the first wooden jetty in 1865
2. The port grew bigger in the 1890s to handle more wool exports
3. You would have seen the port change its focus to tourism in the 1960s
4. After the 2015 upgrade, you can now watch international cruise ships dock here

You’ll find the port still plays a vital role in Busselton today. When you walk along the jetty, you’re stepping through 150 years of maritime history. Each visit lets you connect with this living piece of Australian heritage.

The port continues to grow and adapt, and you’re now part of its ongoing story.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

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Planning Your Busselton Cruise: Seasonal Guide

You’ll experience different highlights in each cruising season from Busselton:

Summer (December-February):

• You’ll enjoy temperatures of 25-30°C
• You can swim at Geographe Bay’s clear waters
• You’ll need to book early due to peak season crowds
• You’ll find higher prices for most services

Autumn (March-May):

• You can explore comfortably in 18-23°C weather
• You’ll encounter fewer tourists at attractions
• You can walk coastal trails without summer heat
• You’ll find better deals on accommodation

Winter (June-August):

• You can watch migrating humpback whales
• You’ll need warm clothing for 12-17°C temperatures
• You can enjoy indoor wine tasting
• You’ll benefit from lowest-season prices

Spring (September-November):

• You’ll see stunning wildflower displays
• You can enjoy mild 15-20°C temperatures
• You can avoid peak tourist crowds
• You’ll find reasonable pre-summer rates

Choose your travel time based on what matters most to you: wildlife spotting, beach activities, or quieter exploring times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Kid-Friendly Beaches Near Busselton Cruise Port?

You’ll find excellent family beaches near Busselton Cruise Port. The main Busselton Beach offers shallow, calm waters that are ideal for children. You can walk there in just five minutes from the port. The beach features soft sand and gradual slopes, making it safe for paddling and swimming. Your kids can enjoy building sandcastles or splashing in the protected waters, whilst you relax on the clean shoreline.

What Medical Facilities Are Available for Cruise Passengers?

Medical facilities for your cruise visit:

You can access Busselton Hospital for any emergencies. The town offers multiple medical centres for routine care. A first aid station operates at the jetty for basic medical needs. Your cruise ship has its own medical facility with doctors and nurses on board.

How Reliable Is Wi-Fi and Cell Service at Busselton Port?

The Wi-Fi and mobile service at Busselton Port varies in reliability. You’ll find steady mobile coverage throughout the port area. The public Wi-Fi can be unreliable and drops out frequently. You can access free Wi-Fi at several cafés near the port when you need a stable connection.

Are There Baggage Storage Options for Day Visitors?

Baggage storage is available at the Visitor Centre next to the port. You can store your bags there while you explore for the day. Simply check in at the reception desk to arrange storage.

Can You Swim With Whales or Dolphins Near Busselton?

Swimming with whales near Busselton isn’t permitted, but you can take dolphin swim tours in nearby Bunbury. You’ll spot whales from boats during whale-watching season, and you can join guided dolphin swims where these friendly mammals often approach swimmers. The experience lets you get up close with dolphins in their natural habitat whilst following local wildlife regulations.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Dunsborough, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port.