Busselton, Australia Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to the sunny shores of Geographe Bay, a tranquil coastal destination cherished by travelers arriving on major lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and P&O Cruises Australia.
Renowned for its iconic wooden jetty extending deep into clear turquoise waters, this charming town offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere paired with immediate access to world-class wineries and pristine beaches.
Whether you choose to stroll along the waterfront, explore lush vineyards, or discover marine life beneath the bay, a port day here delivers an unforgettable taste of Western Australian hospitality.
In This Guide
- Key Busselton Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Local SIM Card
- Visiting Busselton Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Busselton Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Australia
- Monthly Pricing
Key Busselton Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
The crown jewel of the foreshore is the famous Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere stretching nearly 1.8 kilometers into the bay, located right at the tender disembarkation point.
At the end of the pier, visitors can descend into the Underwater Observatory to marvel at colorful corals and tropical marine species eight meters below the surface.
A short 35-minute drive northwest brings passengers to the scenic Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, offering sweeping ocean views and peaceful coastal walking trails.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Just a 45-minute drive south lies the renowned Margaret River region, famous worldwide for its boutique wineries, artisanal cheese shops, and craft breweries perfect for a full-day shore excursion.
The picturesque seaside town of Dunsborough is only 25 minutes away, featuring pristine beaches, quaint cafes, and local boutique shopping.
Further south, about a 75-minute drive from port, sits the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, marking the exact point where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Port Location
Cruise ships anchor off the coast in Geographe Bay, and passengers are transported ashore via tender boats arriving directly at the Busselton Foreshore.
The main town center along Queen Street is a convenient 10- to 15-minute flat walk from the tender pier through pleasant parklands.
The vibrant foreshore area immediately adjacent to the landing site features a modern visitor information center, oceanfront cafes, public restrooms, and shade shelters.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Foreign currencies such as US Dollars or Euros are not accepted by local retail shops or market stalls.
Credit and debit cards are universally accepted across restaurants, shops, and tour operators, with contactless payment being standard.
ATMs are easily accessible along Queen Street in the town center if cash is needed for smaller purchases.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Safety Considerations
Busselton is an extremely safe destination for cruise passengers to explore independently on foot or by car.
Standard travel safety practices apply, but the primary considerations are environmental safety, particularly strong sun exposure and coastal heat.
Passengers planning to swim should stick to designated beach areas near the foreshore and take precautions by applying sunblock frequently.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Weather & Climate
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild weather during the peak cruise season running from October through April.
Average daytime temperatures range between 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F) with plentiful sunshine and light afternoon sea breezes known locally as the Fremantle Doctor.
Cruise passengers should pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Getting Around
Once ashore, the main foreshore and immediate beach area can easily be explored on foot without needing vehicular transit.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available for short trips, though pre-booking is recommended during ship arrival days.
Passengers looking to explore beyond the town center often opt for organized shore excursions, local hop-on hop-off shuttle buses, or guided Margaret River wine tasting tours.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Shopping
The primary shopping district is centered along Queen Street and Fig Tree Lane, featuring independent boutiques, art galleries, and surf wear shops.
Popular souvenirs include locally produced Margaret River wines, boutique honey, artisanal chocolates, and handcrafted wooden items made from native Australian timbers.
All retail prices are fixed with no bargaining expected, and standard Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) is included in displayed prices.
Last updated on November 1, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Nocturnal Wildlife Tour from Busselton
This exclusive Margaret River night tour in a pocket of original bushland at Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary offers views of millions of stars and unique nocturnal wildlife. You will discover uber-cute rare animals like kangaroos, possums, and bandicoots rising for their nightly antics.
Tannin Road: Daily Margaret River Wine Tour (Departs Busselton)
Tannin Road offers a less crowded, more considered Margaret River wine tour for small groups of maximum 11 guests, featuring boutique, independent, and established wineries. You will enjoy thoughtfully curated itineraries, hidden gems, personal cellar door experiences, and generous guided tastings with great wines.
Jewel Cave Fully-guided Tour (Located in Western Australia)
Western Australia's largest show cave, Jewel Cave, features three immense chambers decorated with towering crystal creations, delicate stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and beautifully coloured shawls. Guided tours reveal its breathtaking magnitude and one of Australia's longest straw stalactites, which took thousands of years to form.
Dunsborough Whale Watching Tour
Naturaliste Charters whale watching tours provide the opportunity to view Humpback, Southern Right, and rare Blue whales on their northern and southern migrations.
Tannin Road: Daily Margaret River Wine Tour
Tannin Road offers a less crowded, more considered Margaret River wine tour for small groups of maximum 11 guests, featuring boutique, independent, and established wineries. You will enjoy thoughtfully curated itineraries, hidden gems, personal cellar door experiences, and generous guided tastings with great wines.
Margaret River Wine and Sights Discovery Tour from Busselton or Dunsborough
This tour ticks all the boxes as one of the best ways to experience the Southwest's scenic locations, iconic sites, local wines, and gourmet produce through delicious tastings. Third-generation local guides provide knowledge that enhances your discovery of the Margaret River region's natural, historical, and cultural highlights.
Augusta Whale Watching Tour
This tour provides the opportunity to view Southern Right Whales as well as Humpback Whales on their northern migration.
Whale Watching Dunsborough
This whale-watching tour in Dunsborough’s Geographe Bay offers fantastic views of abundant marine life and whales in their annual resting area. Migration runs from late August to late October, particularly in September when whales stop in calm waters to prepare for long swims, making it a summer holiday essential.
Ex- HMAS Swan Wreck Double Boat Dive
Take fast dive boats to the wreck site for two amazing dives exploring the interior of a vessel purposely scuttled for wreck diving. You will see plenty of marine life while exploring the inside of the wreck itself.
Tannin Road: Daily Margaret River Wine Tour (Departs Dunsborough)
Tannin Road offers a less crowded, more considered Margaret River wine tour for small groups of maximum 11 guests, featuring boutique, independent, and established wineries. You will enjoy thoughtfully curated itineraries, hidden gems, personal cellar door experiences, and generous guided tastings with great wines.
Margaret River Winery, Brewery Tour with Gourmet Lunch.
This 10 am to 5 pm tour is the best thing to do in Margaret River, visiting six local sites for iconic wineries, breweries, and gourmet tastings. This six-hour experience includes lunch, food, wine, beer, chocolate, and unique wild foods while exploring Aboriginal, pioneer, and wine, with vegetarians and vegans well catered for.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Fully-guided Tour
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, is located at the spectacular south westerly tip where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Guided tours take you to the top of this historic site on one of the world's three great capes to hear fascinating stories.
Self-Guided Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience
The entrance to Ngilgi Cave features the Ancient Lands Experience, an accessible above-ground pathway through Yallingup bushland where interactive installations bring the place's creation to life. You will learn about cultural connections while wandering at your own pace through this breathtaking journey through time.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Fully-guided Tour
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse guided tours provide insights into lighthouse functions, extraordinary maritime history, and lightkeepers' lives, featuring an easy 59-step climb to panoramic balcony views. The experience includes the Lightkeepers’ Museum, which is housed in one of the original lightkeepers’ cottages.
Local SIM Card
GigSky eSIMs let you get data both on the ship and while in port. Their Cruise + Asia Pacific plan and Cruise + World plan both cover Busselton as well as supported cruise ships. Choose the data allowance and duration that suit your trip, with a 7-day Cruise + Asia Pacific plan starting at only $19.99 USD for 1 GB.
Visiting Busselton Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Busselton Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
No ships scheduled in port today.
Other Cruise Ports in Australia
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Busselton
Sailings visiting Busselton during the the peak season of spring are considerably more expensive than the the low season of fall. Overall Busselton is somewhat expensive as a port of call. See the graph below for the monthly average cost per day.
