WAPort & river
Busselton
A farming port with a jetty that kept growing.
1839Town laid out
WHAT STARTED IT
Busselton developed to serve settlers farming the Vasse district. Coastal shipping provided a market connection, but shallow Geographe Bay required a jetty reaching well out from shore.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Land grants brought settlers in 1832, the town was laid out in 1839, and Busselton was gazetted in 1847. Agriculture and later timber exports supported shipping. The expanding jetty became the most visible expression of the town’s working-port role.
TURNING POINTS
1832Settlers receive land grants in the Vasse district.
1839The town is laid out.
1847Busselton is gazetted.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A coastal visitor and service town. The jetty has become a major attraction, giving new life to infrastructure originally built to move produce and timber.