There’s plenty of new things to taste, see and explore in Busselton
From whale watching to an underwater sculpture trail, an old favourite restaurant reborn and a stylish new microbrewery. Here’s a roundup of what’s new in Busselton to Augusta, Margaret River and Dunsborough. Come for a holiday and be the first to check them out.
New in Busselton
Busselton Jetty’s Artificial Reef & Underwater Sculpture Trail
Whilst the Busselton Jetty is already an iconic tourist attraction, it’s just become even more of a drawcard with some cool new additions to its undersea realm. The Sculpture Reef Project features 13 huge sculptures all by West Australian artists on the seafloor. They have been installed throughout May, and it’s anticipated that they will soon provide a marine habitat to species such as octopus, cuttlefish, starfish and sponges.
Get the chance to scuba dive, snorkel and swim alongside sculptures of your favourite aquatic animals including a 1.5-tonne fish, an impressive 10m long Southern Right Whale, and a 13-tonne octopus called Ophelia! Opening in mid June at the end of the Busselton Jetty.
Toasted Marshmallows at Forest Adventures South West
Now the fire ban is over Forest Adventures South West is providing free marshmallows that you can toast on the campfire. It’s the ultimate treat after two hours spent climbing, BASE jumping and zipping along flying foxes in the treetops just outside Busselton.
The Goose reopens in July
After a devastating fire in 2021, The Goose has been rebuilt and is bringing back their mod-Oz dining with showstopping Geographe Bay views in July – and it couldn’t come soon enough. The much-loved Goose has been a one stop destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner for nearly 25 years, loved by locals and visitors alike. Our tip? Their seafood chowder on a cool wintry day, watching the rain and wind lash the jetty.
New in Dunsborough and Yallingup
Southcamp Brewhouse & Beer garden
The much anticipated Southcamp Brewhouse and Beergarden has finally opened its doors in the heart of Dunsborough. It’s a stylish space centred around a communal green, and we love that they’ve kept the beautiful old marri trees and peppermints in place. Joining the microbrewery in July is a restaurant, café and continental deli by the same people who started Mary Street Bakery – we’re excited!
Elski Ice Creamery
Right next to one of our favourite coffee spots, Merchant & Maker, you’ll find the European inspired Ekski Ice Creamery. Line up with the locals (it’s popular!) and choose from flavours like Danish strawberry, pistachio and lemon myrtle sorbet with an optional dollop of berry guf on to, a sticky-sweet meringue. They also serve coffee until 8pm.
Nomad Café at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Nestled amongst the native Australian bushland in Leeuwin Naturaliste Park, Nomad Café is well worth a visit. Set in a limestone cottage once home to a lighthouse keeper, the quaint café sure packs a punch when it comes to delicious Yahava coffee and quality snacks. If you’re feeling fancy, order a plate of Polish dumplings, filled with slow cooked beef and caramelized onion.
Ancient Lands at Ngilgi Cave
Ancient Lands is an accessible above-ground interpretive experience sharing 600 million years of stories associated with the land and its people. Behind the interactive design is the Gibson Group, who also designed the National Anzac Centre in Albany, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Interpretive Centre and the digital experiences at WA Musuem Boola Bardip. Designed to complement the below ground cave experience, Ancient Lands will be unveiled in August/September.
New in Margaret River & Surrounds
Maison LASSIAILLE
In a very short time, our friends at Maison LASSIAILLE have built up a devoted and loving community of repeat customers thanks to their iconic and delicious treats straight from the streets of Montmartre. MasterChef Romain Lassiaille and his team have recently added light savoury lunches. Indulge in a mouth-watering array of exquisitely prepared buttery quiches, croque monsieur sandwiches oozing with melted cheese and ham, and perfectly baked brioches. A change of season also brings a new High Tea menu, with local produce such as Margaret River truffles served with a French touch – très magnifique!
The Scullery
If you’re looking for big flavour, look no further than Margaret River’s newest kid on the block The Scullery. Boasting eclectic share plates curated by chef, Daniel Schoenmakers, the eatery is rustic food with a cheeky flair. Be sure to order their cold smoked mullet with Jerusalem artichokes – thank us later!
Dahl Daddys
Whilst you’re all probably aware of cult-favourite West Coffee Co at the Margaret River Skate Park, did you know that at 3pm it turns into a curry canteen? Introducing Dahl Daddys – a new late night Asian diner by former Fervor Food chef Corey Rozario. Bringing his Burmese heritage and love of Asian culture to the streets of Margs, we can already tell Dahl Daddys is going to be hot, spicy and oh so popular! The late-night eatery will be open every Thursday 3pm-late for dine-in or takeaway. BYO containers encouraged.
Normal Van
Canadian Chef Rob Webster staged at some of London’s most notable restaurants, and upon moving to Margs in 2018 realised what we were missing – authentic North American food, done well. He’s perfected the art of the cheese burger, crunchy fried chicken and from-scratch sweet-smokey condiments, and after operating Normal Van food truck, has opened a permanent venue on the main street of Margaret River.
Edward Wines & Russell Ord Gallery
Edwards Wine has a stylish new cellar door, centred around Matilda the glossy yellow Tiger Moth, a large map showing her London to Perth flight path and a hand carved timber compass and propellor ceiling centrepiece. Taste their premium wines at the bar or private tasting room, and take in glorious vineyard views across Chardonnay vines.
Next door to the wine hangar is a second shed, this one home to renowned photographer Russell Ord’s new gallery. Be awed by his big wave surf shots and graceful landscapes.
New in Augusta
Whale Watching Season
Our flippered friends from Antarctica are back! Around 35,000 humpback whales spend summer in the southern ocean feeding on krill before migrating to the warm waters north of Broome to give birth to calves. Southern Right Whales tend to stay in Flinders Bay Augusta, having their babies in the cooler climes.
While spots like Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse offer a wonderful land-based vantage point, there’s nothing more special than witnessing a breach only metres from a charter. Check out these guys - Naturaliste Charters, All Sea Charters, Legend Charters, and Whale Watch Western Australia.
If you don’t get to visit in winter, be sure to join us in spring for the Busselton whale watching season.
Augusta Fish & Chips
We’re suckers for hot, crunchy fish and chips, so we checked out Augusta Fish & Chips recently, after a change of ownership. Portions were generous, and the freshly caught bronze shark and whiting were superb, as was the mound of chips. We’ll be back!
Two Seas Collective
Just around the corner is Two Seas Collective, where award-winning barista Kaya shares coffee, excellent homemade cakes and her love of clay pottery. The sunny little shop has been open for about a year, and she’s just launched Clay Play hand building classes – perfect therapy for those of us who need to unwind for a Sunday afternoon!
Check out these new attractions by taking advantage of our Stay 3 Pay 2 Winter Special available NOW! Click here for more info.
