The Perfect Weekend in Busselton

Whales, Wine & Waterfront Magic

Busselton is one of Western Australia’s favourite coastal escapes, combining stunning beaches, vibrant food and wine experiences, and incredible marine encounters. If you are planning a short getaway, we have created the perfect two to three day itinerary to help you make the most of your time. This weekend plan pairs whale watching with some of the region’s best wineries, attractions, and dining options.

Day 1: Arrival and Sunset by the Jetty

Arrive in Busselton and settle into your chosen accommodation. For a relaxed start, head down to the iconic Busselton Jetty for a sunset stroll. At 1.8 kilometres long, it is the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Capture the golden glow as the sun sets over Geographe Bay before enjoying dinner on the foreshore.

Underwater Observatory: Ride or walk to the end of the jetty and join a guided tour. Descend about eight metres below the surface. Peer through 11 windows in a 9.5-metre chamber to view Australia’s largest artificial reef. Expect colourful corals, sponges, and schooling fish around the jetty piles. Tours typically last around 1 hour 45 minutes including the train.

Dive or snorkel the Underwater Sculpture Park: Explore a new artificial reef featuring 13 sculptures by 12 Western Australian artists. Join guided snorkel or dive sessions with Swan Dive Busselton. Conditions suit most experience levels, with vibrant growth on pylons and sculptures.

Dining Tip: Book a table at Kyst Busselton for fresh seasonal dishes paired with sweeping ocean views. Their modern menu highlights local produce and is the perfect introduction to the South West.

Day 2: Whale Watching and Winery Touring

Start your day with an unforgettable whale watching experience. Legend Charters partners with Naturaliste Charters to offer tours departing just 20 minutes away from Dunsborough. From August to November, witness Humpback Whales and their calves breaching and tail-slapping as they migrate south. The expert crew provide fascinating insights into the behaviour of these incredible marine giants.

After your cruise, spend the afternoon exploring the Margaret River Wine Region. Choose a winery lunch experience at favourites like Amelia Park or Aravina Estate. Both offer exceptional food, beautiful views, and award-winning wines.

Evening Idea: Stop by Occy’s Dunsborough for a relaxed dinner and craft beer paddle. The vibe is casual and welcoming — perfect after a full day of adventure.

Day 3: Beaches, Coffee, and Local Attractions

If you have an extra morning, spend it soaking up the beach life. Geographe Bay’s calm, turquoise waters are ideal for a walk, swim, or paddleboard. Alternatively, visit the Underwater Observatory to descend eight metres below the ocean’s surface and view over 300 species of marine life.

Before heading home, grab breakfast or brunch at Southcamp Dunsborough. Their quality coffee and relaxed beer garden setting make for the perfect farewell to your South West escape.

Where to Stay

Busselton offers accommodation for every style and budget. From beachfront resorts like Hilton Garden Inn Busselton to family-friendly options such as Broadwater Resort or Amalfi Resort, there is something to suit everyone. For those seeking a private retreat, Peppy Beach Retreats provides stunning holiday homes with ocean views — and an exclusive 5% discount when you use code NATURALISTE.

Plan Your Busselton Getaway

A weekend in Busselton is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence. With whale watching, wineries, beaches, and world-class dining all at your doorstep, it is a coastal escape that will leave you refreshed and inspired.

Book your Whale Watching Tour now and start planning your perfect weekend in Busselton today.

A Season of Whale Wonders

Every year from late August through to November, Dunsborough becomes one of the best places in Australia to witness the southbound whale migration. The calm, sheltered waters of Geographe Bay provide a perfect resting stop for Humpback Whales on their long journey south. Southern Right Whales also make appearances with their young, and late in the season, the mighty Blue Whale can even be spotted. This unique mix of species, combined with the stunning coastal backdrop, makes Dunsborough a world-class whale watching destination.

As the season begins, the action has already been incredible. Here’s a look back at the highlights from our first few tours of spring.

1 September – Opening Day Fireworks

The new month began with a bang, or rather, with explosions of white water in every direction. On the morning tour, two sub-adult humpbacks entertained us with non-stop breaches and head lunges, while other groups joined in with pectoral slaps and tail slaps. The energy was electric, a rare treat to witness such behaviour continuously throughout an entire trip.

The afternoon carried on with the same spirit. A juvenile humpback gave us series after series of spectacular breaches, leaping as if spring had inspired it. Larger whales joined the display with enormous pectoral slaps and rolling breaches right towards the vessel. It was a thrilling way to welcome in the first day of spring, with over 100 breaches spotted between both tours.

2 September – Minke Magic

The following morning delivered a rare surprise — the sleek form of a Dwarf Minke whale darting around the boat. This elusive species only appears in Geographe Bay occasionally, and to see it circling us for half an hour was unforgettable. Another Minke kept its distance, while humpbacks and even a resting Southern Right whale completed a spectacular variety of sightings. The highlight came with six humpbacks socialising around the boat, four of which mugged us, swimming just beneath the surface and greeting our guests.

The afternoon tour brought calm glossy waters and sunshine, with humpbacks scattered across the bay. Some gave us deep fluke dives, while others put on breaching displays in the distance. A curious whale even rolled on its side beside Ali Maree, eyeing us before slipping back beneath the water. It was the perfect coastal cruise, framed by small groups of whales gracefully making their way south.

3 September – Mugging Mayhem

Morning brought calm seas and bright skies, the ideal stage for more action. After spotting pectoral slapping whales in the distance, we were delighted when four humpbacks broke away and swam right up to mug us. For an hour we watched spy hops, pec slaps, and close looks at the vessel before a pod of bottlenose dolphins escorted us back to Quindalup.

The afternoon was equally breathtaking. Five whales surrounded the boat, circling and rolling for nearly 40 minutes. Guests were treated to eye-level spy hops and friendly inspections as the pod competed for closest approach. On the way back, two sub-adults tail slapped powerfully, bringing the tour to a dramatic close. Mugging season had well and truly arrived.

4 September – Southern Right Surprise

Geographe Bay continued its run of incredible encounters. On the morning tour, tail slaps and pec slaps filled the horizon before a Southern Right whale surfaced beside a pair of humpbacks. We were spoiled with spy hops, close passes, and a synchronised display of pectoral slapping. Further out, more humpbacks added epic tail slaps to end an action-packed trip.

The afternoon tour was a relaxed spectacle of sunshine and playful whales. Small groups surrounded the boat, breaches erupted in the distance, and two cheeky juveniles swam alongside us. To cap it all off, a final massive breach erupted just as we turned for home — the perfect farewell before the cold front rolled in.

Plan Your Whale Watching Adventure

Dunsborough’s whale watching season runs from late August through to November, showcasing the southbound migration of Humpbacks, Southern Rights, and even the mighty Blue Whale. With mugging encounters, rare species, and playful displays already unfolding, this spring promises to be one to remember.

Join us on board for your chance to witness the magic of Geographe Bay this season. You can book your tour now through Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching.

Month: September 2025

Whales, Wine & the Wonders of Busselton