🔍

Busselton

WA 6280 • Rest of WA

1,838
Population (2021)
$49,348
Median Household Income
4.46 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetirement-FriendlyTourism HubHistoricWine Region

About Busselton

Busselton is a popular coastal city in Western Australia's South West region, located approximately 220 kilometres south of Perth on the shores of Geographe Bay. The broader Busselton area has a population exceeding 27,000, while the central suburb has around 1,840 residents with a notably older demographic (median age 56). Founded in 1832, it is one of the earliest settled towns in Western Australia and serves as the gateway to the Margaret River wine region.

Busselton is famous for its iconic 1,841-metre Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, which features an underwater observatory. The town offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with pristine beaches, world-class diving, and the annual Busselton Ironman triathlon. The foreshore precinct, boutique shops along Queen Street, and local markets create a charming seaside atmosphere. Retirees, sea-changers, and tourism workers are drawn to the area's natural beauty, mild climate, and strong sense of community.

Busselton falls under postcode 6280 and is governed by Busselton Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Vasse electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Western Australia Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6280
Urban Area
Busselton
LGA / Council
Busselton
Federal Electorate
Forrest
State Electorate
Vasse
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.66°, 115.35°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
4.46 km²
Elevation
4m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,635
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.9%

62 state housing + 23 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SW1 — Bunbury via Capel 50-60 mins
  • Busselton Town — Local town loop service 15-20 mins
  • SW2 — Margaret River & Augusta 45-60 mins

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
220 km
By Bus
3.5-4 hours via Bunbury transfer
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hours

🛣️ Regional town — most residents commute locally or to Bunbury (52 km). Perth commute is not practical daily. Busselton Margaret River Airport offers flights to Melbourne.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Central Busselton is walkable with shops, cafes, and foreshore within easy reach; outer areas are car-dependent

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Prince Street Busselton 6280 WA
  • Woolworths
    65 Kent Street Busselton 6280 WA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,878
Census 2021
1,838
▼ 2.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,352
Personal Income 2021
$32,448
▲ 18.6% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$32,448 / yr
$624/wk
Household
$49,348 / yr
$949/wk
Family
$70,824 / yr
$1362/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,258
Born Overseas 421

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 163
  • 2. New Zealand 52
  • 3. Scotland 22
  • 4. South Africa 22
  • 5. Ireland 15
  • 6. Germany 14
  • 7. Afghanistan 12
  • 8. Philippines 12
  • 9. India 11
  • 10. Pakistan 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 892
Australian 648
Scottish 194
Irish 182
German 51
Italian 45
Dutch 42
Australian Aboriginal 40
Maori 16
New Zealander 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

893
Both parents born in Australia
523
Both parents born overseas
264
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.4%
No Religion
43.3%
Islam
1.7%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
56 (3.0%)
5-14 years
120 (6.5%)
15-19 years
66 (3.6%)
20-24 years
85 (4.6%)
25-34 years
175 (9.5%)
35-44 years
157 (8.5%)
45-54 years
228 (12.4%)
55-64 years
280 (15.2%)
65-74 years
351 (19.1%)
75-84 years
228 (12.4%)
85+ years
86 (4.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Busselton known for? +

Busselton is famous for the Busselton Jetty — the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1.8 kilometres — which extends into the crystal-clear waters of Geographe Bay. The city is also known as Australia's sunniest city and hosts the Busselton Ironman Triathlon.

How far is Busselton from Perth? +

Busselton is approximately 230 kilometres south of Perth, around a 2 hour 30 minute drive via the South Western Highway. Transwa coaches and regional flights also connect to Perth.

Does Busselton have public transport? +

Busselton is connected to Perth by Transwa coach services (approximately 3 hours). Local bus services operate within the Busselton metropolitan area. A car is most practical for exploring the South West.

What is the population of Busselton? +

According to the 2021 Census, the Busselton central area has a population of approximately 1,838 residents, with the broader Busselton-Margaret River area over 45,000 people.

Is Busselton a good place to live? +

Busselton is one of WA's most popular lifestyle cities, offering the iconic jetty, Geographe Bay beaches, thriving food and wine scene (gateway to Margaret River wine region), and Australia's highest average sunshine. It suits families, retirees, and those seeking a sea-change lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Busselton? +

The postcode for Busselton is 6280.

What is the average income in Busselton? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Busselton is about $624 per week (around $32,400 per year). The median household income is $949 per week and the median family income is $1,362 per week.

What is the age profile of Busselton? +

The median age in Busselton is 56. The largest age group is 65–74 (351 residents, around 19%). Around 13% of residents are under 20 and about 36% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Busselton? +

In Busselton, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,635 (2021 Census).