Here are some of our top recommendations for free activities with the little ones:
Busselton Foreshore Precinct
Only a 20-minute bike ride from Sandy Bay along Geographe Bay with absolutely no hills. There are 3 playgrounds along the foreshore as well as a brand new skatepark. It is absolutely amazing, and you can easily spend a whole day there. Bring a picnic or grab some fish ‘n’ chips for lunch.
Jump off the Jetty
One of the favourite summer pastimes of the local kids is jumping off the Busselton Jetty. Not far past the Interpretive Centre on the right side of the jetty, is the exit stage. This is where kids and adults of varying ages dive, flip, roll and throw themselves into the sea. It’s a short swim to the ladder at the (near) water-level platform, then a quick jaunt up the stairs to do it all over again. A couple hours of this action will definitely tire the kids out.
Canal Rocks
Witness spectacular seascape views across the Indian Ocean and up and down the remote coastline at Canal Rocks. A narrow timber walkway allows for easy access and great views of the rushing ocean beneath. It is always impressive no matter what the weather, but breathtaking when the big storms and swells roll in.
The timber pathway meanders around and across the rocks, taking in grand seascapes with swirling water to little pools and lagoons where you can look for marine creatures like cheeky crabs to brightly coloured starfish. For something more challenging there are areas to climb over rocks or take an energetic stroll to the lookout about 500m from the road.
Ambergate Nature Reserve & Walk Trail
Address: 988 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Chapman Hill
Ambergate Reserve is a 75-hectare regional park which protects the remnants of scrubland and woodlands once common along the coastal plains of Busselton. The reserve is ablaze with wildflowers in spring – but at any time of the year the 4km loop walk trail offers the visitor a chance to observe an amazing variety of plants and wildlife. When visiting the reserve it is important to follow the path and adhere to all signage. To prevent the spread of the dieback fungus that threatens native plant species in the South West, visitors are asked to use the footwear cleaning stations at the entrance to the trail and at the junctions.
Located just 9km from the centre of Busselton, near the corner of Doyle Rd and Queen Elizabeth Ave. The trailhead and parking area is located on the left side of the road if travelling south along Queen Elizabeth Ave from Busselton.
Possum Spotlighting Trail
Address: Layman Rd, Wonnerup WA 6280
A 1.4 km loop that takes you through the majestic Tuart Forest, where a large population of possums live their best marsupial lives. Go after dark with a torch to spot them. Before the sun leaves, head to the Vasse Estuary Bird Hide for max serenity at the wetlands nearby.