8 School Holiday Activities in Busselton
Free and cheap Family Fun
Summer school holidays means time for fun adventures, road trips and making family memories together. And with the region packed to the brim with things to do – we can assure you there’ll be no bored kids in sight!
Here’s our round-up of some of the best free and inexpensive activities scattered around the region the whole family will love.
- Sea Play by the Bay playground
If your kids have an affinity for all things nautical, Sea Play by the Bay playground on Busselton’s foreshore is a must-visit! Nestled between Busselton Jetty and The Equinox, it features a wrecked clipper ship with cargo holds, climbing nets, telescope, cannons and a crow’s nest for climbing.
There’s even a huge whale’s tail which spouts water too – perfect for warmer summer days.
- Busselton Jetty
Busselton’s iconic 155-year-old jetty stretches out an impressive 1841 metres into the depths and is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Pick a summer’s day when the afternoon breeze has kicked in and spend the afternoon jumping in and out of the tidal swimming enclosure located on the west side of the jetty.
Older kids will be keen to jump off the ‘big’ jetty. Entry is $4 per person. Hot tip – hang around for the late afternoon as entry to the jetty is free after 4pm.
- Ludlow Tuart Forest
The Ludlow Tuart Forest is one of the last remaining natural tuart forests in the world and we’re lucky to have it right on our doorstep – only a 20-minute drive from Busselton town centre.
Get the gang together, pack a picnic, and head there to do some of the walking trails that wind through the forest. Walking among the towering tuart trees is awe-inspiring – some of them are over 300 years old!
Be sure to visit the historic Wonnerup House too – a National Trust property dating back to the 1830s.
- Go to Dunsborough by bike
With balmy summer days on the horizon for the next few months, why not leave the car behind and embrace the fresh air?
The Geographe Path is a concrete, flat and well-maintained trail that connects Busselton to Dunsborough with sweeping views of the coastline. Plus, when you get to Dunsborough, you’ll be rewarded with a number of places to grab a bite to eat or drink!
Can’t see yourself making the full distance to Dunsborough? Cycle from Mandalay into Busselton town (5.1km) or to Monaghans Corner (4.7km) where Claudio’s Bakehouse, Amelia Park Lodge and Primal Archery await.
As always, remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Snorkelling Geographe Bay
Directly opposite Mandalay is Geographe Bay, and there’s nothing so lovely as walking, swimming, fishing or relaxing with a good book along the calm, sandy shores. The gentle and temperate waters make it the perfect spot for beginner snorkellers too!
- Explore the Busselton Cultural Precinct
Located right in the centre of Busselton you’ll find the Old Courthouse Complex, which is home to a collection of cultural facilities including the ArtGeo Gallery, the Old Courthouse and a jail.
With the aim to showcase local talent through a number of exhibitions and workshops, there’s always something interesting on for the whole family to enjoy. Check out what’s on here.
- Lunch, Workshops & Play at Origins Market
Origins Market showcases a great selection of local produce, artisans, wineries and more – and over summer you’ll find live music, craft workshops such as candle and jewellery making, opportunities to see Santa arrive by helicopter and meet the bearded gift-giver himself.
There’s also a playground suitable for younger kids and food stalls with delicious options from a wide range of cuisines.
See what’s on at Origins this summer here
- Mandalay Happenings
Don’t fancy travelling afield? There’s no need to with our Mandalay Happenings calendar during the school holidays! Not to mention our family-friendly facilities including three swimming pools, four playgrounds and onsite kiosk.
Between daily food trucks, laser tag movie nights, art workshops, and more – there’s plenty of fun to be had at Mandalay Resort. Be sure to check out our ‘Mandalay Happenings’ for a timetable of what’s happening in the park.
