Busselton's rich history

Heritage-Listed Sites

Busselton is home to some of the region’s oldest buildings, including the charming St Mary’s Anglican Church, which was built across from the Vasse River in 1844 and is WA’s oldest stone church.

Located across from Saltwater, the heritage-listed Old Courthouse Complex dates back to the 1860s and is now a characterful hub for learning about the town’s interesting history and is a place to admire and purchase local art. Historically significant settlement buildings within the complex include: The Old Busselton Gaol, The Old Police Station, The Courtroom, The Bond Store, The Old Stables, The Fodder Room and The Old Post Office.

The Old Courthouse Complex offers fully guided Heritage Tours where visitors can hear true stories from the gaol cells, uncover stories of the S.S. Georgette shipwreck and learn about Busselton’s interesting settlement history, highlighting hardships of pioneer life and those who governed.

Originally connected to the Busselton Jetty by tramline, the Bond Store at the Old Courthouse Complex was first used for storing goods entering via ships in Geographe Bay. Built in 1865, the Busselton Jetty was an integral part of the region’s settlement history, as it was vitally important for shipping timber from the region. Situated just a few hundred metres from Saltwater, the Busselton Jetty is now one of Western Australia’s most famous tourist attractions. These charming heritage sites are within easy walking distance of the Saltwater Convention and Performing Arts Centre.