Well what a trip this one was! We were told by many avenues - one being a good map, the others by mouth - that our trip from Geraldton to Busselton would take approximately five hours … 9 1/2 hours later, we finally see the “Welcome to Busselton” sign! At first I thought it was a mirage.
Geraldton is a must-stop place. It’s under-rated from what you read about it as it really is a place with so much going on that you do really have to stop and stay a while. Built on the successful seafood industry, it’s a buzzing and vibrant place. And it’s refreshing to see the local council is pumping heaps of cash back into the community with the absolute best-ever kids play area right on the foreshore. The HMAS Sydney tribute (below left) will take your breath away; absolutely stunning and quite humbling. If you’re up for a quiet ale try the Camel Bar – its has 175 different types of beer from throughout the world.
The drive down the coast is easy, just don’t hit Perth at 4.30pm on a Friday long weekend like we did! The south coast of Perth is magical, with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear water (see photo above). When you reach Busselton and it’s enormous pier, make sure you take your lunch and maybe a sleeping bag too as it’s a 2km round trip! But a trip certainly worthwhile. There are tonnes of things for the kids to do and some great little restaurants for mum and dad. A really relaxing beachy place, everyone is happy and helpful and, to be honest, there’s nothing you will really be disappointed with. Just make sure you don’t go out in the bush where there are snakes aplenty!
PETER "SPIDA" EVERITT
(catch Peter and his family exploring Australia on the Great Australian Doorstep on Foxtel)