Samphire Chalets

The Area

The Area

Explore Busselton

Explore the surroundings

If you have a 4WD you can drive along Wonnerup Beach, one of the few beaches in the South West where you can drive.

Wonnerup Beach

Wonnerup Beach is just a stone’s throw from the chalets. Not only can you enjoy the pristine beach and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, but you are also able to 4-wheel drive on Wonnerup beach if you wish to explore a little further.

Wonnerup House

Wonnerup House is a National Trust historic homestead located on Layman Road. Dating back to the mid-19th century it offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past with the recently restored home and surrounding gardens open to visitors once again.

Night Sky

Under the vast canopy of Wonnerup’s night sky, stargazing becomes an enchanting journey thanks to minimal light pollution in the area. Lie back and lose yourself in the splendour of the cosmos.

Geographe Bay

Named after French explorer Nicolas Baudin’s ship, Geographe, this glimmering bay makes for magical aquatic adventures. It offers safe swimming beaches, excellent diving and sailing opportunities, too. 

Tuart Forest National Park

You’ll likely drive through it on your way to Samphire Chalets; the majestic towering tuarts, some up to 300 years old, 30 metres tall and with 10 metres girth. Tuart Forest National Park is a peaceful forest woodland, perfect for a walk, picnic or birdwatching. Home to the tallest and largest tuarts on the Swan Coastal Plain, this is the largest remaining tuart forest in the world. Curious fact: tuarts only grow on coastal limestone, 200km on either side of Perth, and nowhere else!

Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands

Bird enthusiasts, bring your binoculars to see an incredible variety of waterbirds. The Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands that lie between Samphire Chalets and Busselton town are internationally recognised for their conservation, social and cultural values. Areas surrounding the wetlands provide habitat for threatened and priority species including the nationally listed samphire communities, salt-tolerant succulents that provide important habitat for waterbirds, fish and invertebrates. More than 30,000 waterbirds of 90 different species make use of the habitat, including the largest regular breeding colony of Black Swans in Western Australia.

Busselton Jetty

Extending 1.841 kilometres over the protected waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage listed Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and is home to one of six Underwater Observatories in the world. Visit the underwater observatory, take the jetty train to the end of the jetty, book a dive or go for a snorkel and check out the underwater sculpture park. The new Marine Discovery Centre, an interactive land-based experience about Western Australia’s marine parks, is set to open July 2024.

Wildlife

There are many incredible opportunities to witness wildlife in the southwest. From whale watching to meeting woylies, and marvelling at kangaroos, possums, parrots and cockatoos, some of which you may encounter while at Samphire Chalets or driving in the region. See some of the wildlife tours on offer.

If you find injured wildlife, please phone FAWNA on 0438 526 660 or the DBCA Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.

We recommend that you do not approach any wild animals. Ants and bugs are a fact of life in the Australian bush and despite regular professional treatments can become a problem if certain precautions are not taken. Please remember to clean food preparation surfaces and put away all uncovered food at night.

If you are walking in bush areas or long grass, please be aware of snakes, as the southwest is home to several venomous and non-venomous species. In most cases snakes are relatively timid and will seek to get out of your way well before you see them, only attacking if startled or threatened. We recommend wearing enclosed shoes, long socks and long pants. Never approach or attempt to handle a snake. Snake bites do occur but are relatively rare. If someone is bitten wrap the whole of the affected limb firmly with a bandage or material and phone Emergency 000 for an ambulance. Reassure and keep the person calm and still. Do not attempt to suck the poison out or cut across the bite.