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The Ironman Western Australia on December 3, 2017 marks the end of the Ironman season as it is the last iron-distance event on the Ironman calendar. It also provides the last opportunity for beginners to experience Ironman racing as the year 2017 ends. For the more experienced triathletes, there’s is nothing like a fast course to salvage perhaps a personal best Ironman that would be a good confidence booster as they head into the off-season.
Getting into Busselton
If you are a foreigner trying to get into Busselton, the host city, one must travel by plane via Perth Airport. Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia. From Perth, you must drive 2.5 hour drive south to Busselton (approximately 220km). Travel by car is recommended and carrental is available from Perth. An alternative option is to catch a public bus from East Perth to Busselton. Visit www.transwa.wa.gov.au or call 1300 662 205 for more information and bookings.
About Busselton
Busselton was picked in the 2016 Athletes’ Choice Awards as one of the awardees in the “Best Host City Experience”. A finisher commented “This town is everything you’d expect from a coastal Australian town.”
Busselton is best known for its iconic two-kilometre long jetty and calm turquoise bays. Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden jetty (pier) in the world, stretching almost 2 km out to sea from the town of Busselton, Western Australia.
Things to Do in Busselton
First things on the menu is a leisurely stroll along the iconic and unique Busselton Jetty. It includes the Underwater Observatory that is located near the end of the jetty. Visitors descend eight metres below sea level to view the spectacular marine life that thrives in this unique habitat. More than 300 species of marine life can be viewed from the Underwater Observatory, including vibrant coral and schools of fish.
Popular with scuba divers and snorkellers, the Busselton Jetty is regarded as Australia’s best artificial reef. From relaxed cafes and family restaurants to bars, alfresco and fine dining, there is a perfect dining experience for all tastes and budgets in the Capes region. Stroll along the main shopping street – stopping at the old courtroom and jail, now arts centre, then cool off at the main swimming beach lined with lush lawns and magnificent pine trees.
The Capes region is ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. The Busselton Jetty, Eagle Bay, Meelup and Castle Rock are calm and ideal for snorkellers. Located near Dunsborough, the HMAS Swan dive wreck is one of Western Australia’s most spectacular artificial reefs and is a mecca for scuba divers. The former HMAS Swan, 120 metre long decommissioned naval destroyer was scuttled off Meelup in 1997.
The Nautical Lady Entertainment Park on the beachfront at the base of the jetty is a favourite for many children as it features a giant waterslide and lots of other activities. Also available in or very near the town site of Busselton is Fun-O-Rama, Golf ‘n’ Fun, Broadwater Par 3 Golf Course and Busselton Archery Park. Yoganup Playground and skatepark near the Busselton beachfront offers excellent play equipment and barbecue facilities.
Enjoy a scenic drive or walk through the only pure tuart forest in the world. The Ludlow Tuart Forest provides a unique opportunity to enjoy a leisurely drive through the last remaining natural tall tuart forest in the world. Marvel at the beauty of these rare ancient giants that are estimated to be over 300 years old. Take a pleasant walk along one of several walk trails within the forest to experience the peaceful harmony of the natural environment. Housed in the Old Butter Factory (1918-1974), the Busselton Museum was originally constructed as a creamery and also supplied ice to the town and local fishermen. Production of butter ceased in 1954, and the building is now open to the public as a museum. Displayed are many items of historical interest, such as photographs, furniture, clothing, farm machinery, butter and cheese-making equipment, and an old Group settlement house fully furnished and a school.
There are activities and tourist destinations in and around Busselton which are not mentioned here. But before wasting your legs to attend to the numerous activities Busselton has to offer you, triathletes will be pleasured to know that Ironman Western Australia is one of the best course to target a personal best goal for a full iron-distance event. The swim was selected as one of the most pristine in the Ironman circuit and the bike and run courses, which run along the picturesque Geographe Bay, are one of the flattest in the whole Ironman racing circuit. To end your 2017 Ironman season, Ironman Western Australia is the way to go.
For more information and to register for IRONMAN Western Australia go to www.ironmanwesternaustralia.com.
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