GOSNELLS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Two Days from Perth: Busselton Jetty, Karri Forests and Southern Coastal Wilds
A tightly packed, two-day circuit from Perth that pairs Busselton Jetty’s 1.7 km train ride with wildlife encounters, Karri-forest walks and coastal highlights of the South West.
Two Days from Perth: Busselton Jetty, Karri Forests and Southern Coastal Wilds.
This two-day experience from Perth threads Busselton Jetty’s long wooden span with wildlife encounters among kangaroos and emus, the headland vistas of D’entrecasteaux National Park and the forested lakes and dams of the South West, with an overnight in Pemberton and return to Perth the following evening.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Busselton Jetty and the 1.7 km Jetty Train
Morning on Day 1 centres on Busselton Jetty — the famous long wooden jetty and sparkling sands of Busselton Beach — with a return ride on the 1.7 kilometre jetty train across Geographe Bay.
Close Encounters with Kangaroos and Emus
En route to Pemberton the itinerary pauses deep in the woods for an opportunity to meet, feed and pat kangaroos and emus — a deliberate wildlife stop built into the Day 1 route.
Headlands, Surf and Ancient Thrombolites
Day 2 stitches together coastal landmarks: watch world-class surfers at Surfer’s Point, walk the wooden footbridge at Canal Rocks, and view Lake Clifton’s thrombolites — rock-like formations found in few places globally and visible from the boardwalk.
What the day feels like
What the Two Days Feel Like
You move fast but deliberately: an early Perth pickup and a morning at Busselton Jetty give way to wildlife time and a dramatic D’entrecasteaux headland lookout before an overnight in Pemberton; Day 2 opens with a forest walk at Big Brook Dam, sample tastings at a berry farm in Margaret River, and a string of coastal viewpoints and geological oddities before the return to Perth that evening.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a thin coat or rain gear, photographic equipment, personal medicines and dry clothing. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a power adapter if needed.
Expect short walks, boardwalks and forest terrain — comfortable walking shoes and layered, weatherproof clothing are advised.
Photographic equipment and any personal medicines should be packed; dry clothing is recommended in case of wet conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time does the tour depart and return?
The tour departs after a complimentary Perth central pickup at 7:30am on Day 1 and returns to Perth central hotels the evening of Day 2.
Is the Busselton Jetty train included?
A return jetty train ride on the 1.7 kilometre Busselton Jetty is included as part of the Day 1 visit.
Will I see native wildlife?
Yes — the itinerary includes a dedicated stop where you can meet and have the opportunity to feed and pat kangaroos and emus.
Is there an overnight stay?
Yes — the itinerary includes an overnight in Pemberton (the itinerary lists Pemberton Hotel for the night).
Are tastings included?
The itinerary offers opportunities for beer tasting at a brewing company and fruit-wine sampling at a berry farm in Margaret River.
What footwear and clothing are recommended?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layered clothing plus a thin coat or rain gear; photographic equipment and dry clothing are also recommended.