Most people treat Busselton as a pit stop on the way to Margaret River wine country. Big mistake. About 220km south of Perth, this sunny town on Geographe Bay lets you dive a retired warship, hunt down a picnic with digital clues, and watch whales from a boat, all before you've had a glass of wine.

Ready to see what you've been driving past? Here are the top 10 things to do in Busselton, all bookable through WA Holiday Guide.

1. Stroll the Busselton Jetty (Then Go Under It)

At 1.8km, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and it has been standing since 1865. Walk it with a coffee in hand, or hop on the little solar-powered train. At the far end, the Underwater Observatory takes you about 8 metres below the surface, with windows onto an artificial reef of corals, sponges and fish. Only six observatories like it exist in the world, so book ahead.

2. Spot Whales in Geographe Bay

From late August to around November, the bay becomes a whale nursery. Humpbacks cruise south with their calves, southern rights rest close to shore, and the odd blue whale makes a cameo. Climb aboard with All Sea Charters from Busselton or Dunsborough, or join the eco tours from Naturaliste Charters in Dunsborough, a short drive up the coast.

3. Dive a Retired Warship

The navy destroyer escort HMAS Swan was deliberately sunk off Meelup Beach in 1997 to become a reef. She is 113m long, which gives you a lot of ship to explore. Swan Dive takes certified divers out to the wreck, the jetty and local reefs, and teaches courses from beginner level if you've never breathed underwater.

4. Wander Through Busselton's Past

Busselton Walking Tours has the perfect warm-up for your first morning. The Hidden Gems and History walk is a flat, chatty kilometre led by a local guide, packed with old stories and heritage landmarks.

5. Hit the Trails on Two Wheels

Busselton is the gateway to some of the best mountain biking in the state, and On Track Mountain Biking knows where to find it. Their guides pick you up from your accommodation, drive you to trails around Margaret River, Dunsborough, Nannup, Collie or Pemberton, and coach you along the way. The reward comes at the end: a beer or wine at a local brewery or winery. Not a mountain biker? Their e-bike ride on the flat Wadandi Track, an old railway line, lets the bike do some of the work.

6. Raise a Glass at Shelter Brewing Co

Shelter Brewing Co is a locally owned brewery right on the foreshore. Join the daily brewery tour for just $15 to see how the beer is made, then taste your way through it.

7. Sip, Swirl and Snack

Whicher Ridge Wines sits in the hills south of town, and its wine sensory garden lets you sniff herbs, flowers and fruit trees before you taste the wine. Book the Pick and Sip tour with winemaker Cathy Howard. Dogs on a lead are welcome too.

8. Let Someone Else Do the Driving

Want to taste more without worrying about the drive home? Tannin Road strings together up to five wineries, breweries and producers in a day. Forage Safaris takes a maximum of seven guests along the backroads to meet the farmers and producers behind your plate, with seasonal extras like a truffle hunt.

9. Solve Your Way to a Picnic

Secret Picnic Adventures is part treasure hunt, part gourmet lunch. Follow digital clues around town, collect your ingredients from local businesses, then head to a secret spot to eat. The cute basket is yours to keep.

10. Road-Trip to Cape Naturaliste

Head west and the scenery shifts to limestone caves, surf and forest. This is where the Cape to Cape Track begins, so pack your curiosity and plan a few stops.

Koomal Dreaming lets you see Wadandi country through the eyes of its custodian, Josh Whiteland, on cultural tours at Ngilgi Cave and the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse precinct. Pre-booking is essential. Want to walk it yourself? Edgewalkers guides everything from day walks to multi-day treks on the Cape to Cape Track.

Fancy a wave? Yallingup Surf School teaches beginners in the calm lagoon at Yallingup Beach. Lessons run from mid-September to late May, with winter lessons on request. Finish with high tea or a tasting among the gardens at Rivendell Winery Estate. High tea needs a booking.

Coming From Perth?

No car? No problem. Aussie Perth Tours covers Busselton Jetty, Margaret River and a winery in one full day, with an optional detour to Ngilgi Cave. Australian Pinnacle Tours adds comfort with a luxury coach and hotel pickup, linking the jetty with the Margaret River wine region and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

Plan Your Busselton Getaway

Pick your favourites, then lock in somewhere to sleep. Browse Busselton accommodation or read our guide to the best places to stay in Busselton. Heading further up the cape? Check Margaret River accommodation. Driving yourself? Compare car hire or browse tours by location. Need a hand planning? Call our local team on 1300 885 775.