Spring is when Busselton wakes back up. The mornings get warmer, the bay turns that clear shade of blue, and the whales start passing through Geographe Bay on their way south.
It’s one of our favourite times of year at Busselton Jetty Chalets. The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, the days are long enough to fit in a bit of everything, and the jetty is right on our doorstep.
Whale season on Geographe Bay
From around September to December, humpback whales pass through Geographe Bay as they head back south, often with their calves. Southern right whales are sometimes spotted too, resting in the calmer water close to shore.
You don’t need to go far to see them. Plenty of guests spot a spout or a tail from the beach or the jetty with a coffee in hand. If you want to get closer, a whale watching cruise from the jetty is the best way to do it, and the local crews know exactly where to look.
Walking the jetty in spring
The Busselton Jetty stretches almost two kilometres out over the bay, and spring is the perfect weather for walking it. It’s not too hot, there’s usually a light breeze, and the water underneath is crystal clear.
If you’d rather save your legs, the jetty train runs out to the end and back. At the far end, the Underwater Observatory takes you below the surface to see the coral, fish and colourful sponges living under the jetty. Our tip: walk out early in the morning, when it’s quiet and the light on the water is beautiful.
Spring days around Busselton
Once you’ve done the jetty, there’s plenty to fill the rest of the day without getting back in the car for long:
- The foreshore: grassy picnic spots, a playground for the kids and cafes right by the water.
- A swim or paddle: the bay is calm and shallow, so it’s an easy first swim of the season, even if it’s still a little fresh.
- Wildflower drives: spring is wildflower season in the South West, and the roads towards Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste are full of colour.
- A day in Margaret River: wineries, breweries and local produce are less than an hour’s drive away.