Explore on your own rating
Tenders land at the famous jetty, a flat walk from town.
Where ships dock
- Anchor off Busselton and tender to the Busselton Jetty landing
Getting to town
The tenders land by the foreshore. The town centre, shops and cafés are 5 to 20 minutes' walk. For larger ships (over 1,000 passengers) a free City Hopper bus has run from 10 am to 3 pm, subject to the ship schedule.
Public transport is limited and infrequent. For the Margaret River wine region, book the ship's tour, a local guide, or a taxi or hire car arranged in advance.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Entry: U.S. citizens need an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travel, including cruise passengers. Apply only through the official "AustralianETA" app; there's an AUD 20 service fee and no visa charge. Beware look-alike websites. (Australian Embassy USA / Home Affairs, checked Oct 2026.)
Top sights nearby
- Busselton Jetty, one of the world's longest timber jetties, with its train and Underwater Observatory
- Busselton foreshore
- Margaret River wine region (tour)
- Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (tour)
- Ngilgi Cave (tour)
Beaches
- Busselton foreshore beach (walk)
- Meelup Beach (car or tour)
Safety & tips
- Book Underwater Observatory tours and the jetty train ahead on ship days.
- Taxis and hire cars are limited: arrange them before you arrive.
- Check with the ship about bringing wine back on board.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Margaret River is a drive away: allow plenty of margin and be at the tender landing 30 minutes before the last tender.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Busselton (for Margaret River)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Busselton (for Margaret River) shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore Busselton (for Margaret River) on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. Tenders land at the famous jetty, a flat walk from town.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Busselton (for Margaret River)?
The tenders land by the foreshore. The town centre, shops and cafés are 5 to 20 minutes' walk. For larger ships (over 1,000 passengers) a free City Hopper bus has run from 10 am to 3 pm, subject to the ship schedule.
Do I need a passport for Busselton (for Margaret River)?
U.S. citizens need an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travel, including cruise passengers. Apply only through the official "AustralianETA" app; there's an AUD 20 service fee and no visa charge. Beware look-alike websites. (Australian Embassy USA / Home Affairs, checked Oct 2026.)
When should I head back to the ship in Busselton (for Margaret River)?
Margaret River is a drive away: allow plenty of margin and be at the tender landing 30 minutes before the last tender.
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