Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tuart Forest National Park
The tuart is a type of eucalypt that only grows on coastal limestone, 200km either side of
Perth, and this 20-sq-km strip squeezed between the Bussell Hwy and the Indian Ocean is
the last pure tuart forest left. An alternative route to Busselton from Bunbury leads
through the shade cast by these giants, some more than 33m tall.
Turn off the highway at Tuart Dr, 4km southwest of Capel. After driving 11km through
the forest, turn right onto Layman Rd to find
Wonnerup House
(
www.ntwa.com.au
; 935 Layman Rd;
adult/child $5/3; 10am-4pm Thu-Mon)
, a whitewashed National Trust homestead (1859).
Continue on this road past the seaside village of Wonnerup and then follow the coast to
Busselton.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Busselton
POP 15,400
Unpretentious and uncomplicated, Busselton is what passes for the big smoke in these
parts. Surrounded by calm waters and white-sand beaches, its outlandishly long jetty is its
most famous attraction. The family-friendly town has plenty of diversionary activities for
lively kids, including sheltered beaches, water slides, animal farms and even a classic
drive-in cinema. During school holidays, it really bustles - the population increases
fourfold and accommodation prices soar.
1
Sights & Activities
Busselton Jetty
( 08-9754 0900;
www.busseltonjetty.com.au
; adult/child $2.50/free, return train adult/child $11/6)
Busselton's
1865 timber-piled jetty - the longest in the southern hemisphere (1841m) - reopened in
2011 following a $27-million refurbishment. A little
train
chugs along to the
Underwater Ob-
servatory
(adult/child incl train $29.50/14; 9am-4.25pm)
, where tours take place 8m below the sur-
face; bookings are essential. There's also an
Interpretive Centre
(admission free; 9am-5pm)
, an
attractive building in the style of 1930s bathing sheds, about 50m along the jetty.
HISTORIC SITE
ArtGeo Cultural Complex
GALLERY
