Our latest Member Famil on Wednesday, November 4, was a brilliant day spent exploring the beautiful Busselton region. The event brought together MRBTA Members and staff, all sharing a common passion for showcasing the very best this stunning area has to offer. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local scene and become true ambassadors, ready to recommend the best experiences, accommodations, and attractions to visitors.
Looking ahead, our 2025 Member Familiarisation Program dates will soon be available. If you’d like to host a stop, share updates on your business, or join a tour to discover more about the region, be sure to stay tuned to the MRBTA page and our weekly EDMs for registration details.
Here’s a look at what made the Busselton day so fabulous!
Bus About
The day commenced with a warm welcome from our friendly driver, Mick, as we boarded Bus About, which offers daily wine tours and private bus charters across the region. The group enjoyed touring in comfort aboard one of their air-conditioned 20-seater buses, making it the perfect way to take in the sights in style.
Adventure Sailing
Our first stop was Adventure Sailing H.Q. at Port Geographe Marina, where Emma gave us a detailed overview of their offerings. Adventure Sailing provides a wide range of sailing experiences, courses, and charters around Busselton Jetty, Geographe Bay, and beyond. As an accredited sailing school, they cater to all skill levels with learn-to-sail courses, luxury charters, skipper certifications, commercial training, and live-aboard trips.
We were fortunate to step aboard their stunning 64-foot yacht, Starsand, which is available for full and half-day charters, accommodating up to 24 guests. While we didn’t set sail this time, it was easy to imagine cruising the sparkling waters!
Hilton Garden Inn
Our next stop was the newly opened Hilton Garden Inn, a bright and modern venue situated along the bustling foreshore—perfect for overnight stays, dining, or events. Chris and Ellie gave us a warm welcome and took us on a tour of the hotel’s impressive facilities. We then enjoyed a lovely morning tea on the top floor, where we soaked in breathtaking views of the iconic Busselton Jetty. The hotel offers 110 rooms, a bar and restaurant, a shop, a 24-hour gym, and an in-house pool. Guests can unwind by the heated outdoor pool, with poolside dining available. The hotel also features versatile function spaces, ideal for any gathering or celebration.
Marine Discovery Centre
Next, we walked across the road to the Marine Discovery Centre, where Brandon greeted us with an introduction before we began exploring. The Centre offers an immersive journey through Australia’s offshore marine parks, including Geographe Marine Park, the South-west Corner, and Perth Canyon. Visitors can explore intricate ecosystems beneath the waves, from vibrant open seas to mysterious underwater trenches. The captivating self-guided experience features 30-minute viewings with interactive displays and immersive exhibits that spark curiosity and bring the wonders of marine life to life. It’s an engaging and informative stop for visitors of all ages.
Busselton Cultural Precinct
We then delved into the rich history of the region at the Old Courthouse Complex, located within the Busselton Cultural Precinct. This beautifully restored heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s colonial past. Directly across from it is the striking contrast of Saltwater Busselton, a new state-of-the-art convention and performing arts centre set to open in mid-2025—an exciting addition to the area!
Carol led us on a guided walking tour of the Old Courthouse Complex, which played a pivotal role in establishing Busselton as a key regional centre and port during the colonial era. Built between 1860 and 1897, the complex was once the hub for law, administration, and communication in the growing settlement. Today, it houses art galleries, exhibits like the S.S. Georgette shipwreck, the Old Busselton Gaol, and the Merenj Boodja Garden. Visitors can explore local art, browse the Gallery Store, meet resident artists, and enjoy performances in the Community Courtyard. The site also offers venue hire for events and workshops, making it a cultural gem in Busselton!
Par 3
Just a short 8-minute drive from Busselton’s town centre, we arrived at Par 3, nestled in the natural bushland of Old Broadwater Farm. This relaxed, family-friendly spot features a nine-hole par 3 golf course, an 18-hole mini golf course, a nature play playground, a cafe, bar, and a brand-new kitchen. Our group enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Taqueria, tucked under the peppi trees, with crispy chips and guac, loaded fries, and flavour-packed tacos, all paired with refreshing drinks.
The cafe’s alfresco area is perfect for a laid-back meal, and on Sundays in summer, you can enjoy live music. Par 3 also hosts fun events like the Beer Golf Festival, Easter celebrations, and offers venues for private functions, including Christmas parties and school group bookings. It’s dog-friendly (on-lead) and open daily from 8am to 8pm – making it a fantastic spot for both families and groups.
South West Wine Shop
Next, we visited the South West Wine Shop, nestled within the Busselton Pavilion (“The Pav”)—and of course, we couldn’t resist tasting some local bubbles! The shop boasts an eclectic selection of wines, with over 80% sourced from local Western Australian vineyards. The “wine by the glass” list on the wall changes daily, offering both premium and easy-drinking options. There’s always something happening at Wine Shop, including the popular Wednesday Wine Club and Friday night tastings. It’s a must-visit for wine lovers in Busselton!
The Timothee Resort
A short drive back towards Busselton Town brought us to our next stop: The Timothee Resort. With its retro 80s charm and Mediterranean-inspired makeover, this is one of Busselton’s original motels, now transformed into a unique retro destination. Jamie led us on a tour of the 34-room property, featuring an outdoor heated pool with sun loungers, an on-site Indian restaurant, fire pit, BBQ area by the river cottage, and soon to be covered tennis court, with plans to launch the “Timothée Racket Retro Club.”
Jamie also shared that soon, guests will be able to enjoy breakfast deliveries featuring local produce straight to their door, as well as a cocktail delivery service, making it feel more like a social resort than just a place to stay.
Beyond Distilling
We ended our day at Beyond Distilling, a boutique distillery located in the industrial area, focused on the sustainable production of premium spirits. Known for their award-winning vodka and gins, Beyond Distilling sources all ingredients within 500km of Perth, making them one of the lowest food-mile gin producers in the country.
Open daily for tastings, it’s a must-visit for craft spirit enthusiasts. Beyond Distilling will soon launch a “Make Your Own Gin” experience. Producing 20,000 bottles a year, it was the perfect way to wrap up our fantastic day!
Some testimonials from the group:
“This exceeded my expectations, really important to showcase other local businesses and connect to create a strong community where we can support each other!”
“This is such a valuable way to foster regional collaboration and knowledge”
“Loved all of it, just chatting with everyone on the bus, connecting with people I had met before was great and discovering some new recommendations for our guests.”
It truly was a lovely day, I learnt so much, and really enjoyed meeting everyone. (And the prawn and mango tacos!!)