News & Events

Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group aim to regenerate the tuarts  (Feb 2018)

A group of like-minded community members have joined forces to form a working group that will help restore Tuart Forest and would like more people to join them.
The forest is the only one in the world which grows this particular variety of tuart trees (eucalyptus gomphocephal) and has been in decline since foresting ceased in the 1980’s.
The Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group president Evelyn Taylor said the forest was huge in its day and responsible for the colony being so successful.
“[The timber] was the first export from WA,” she said.
“We now need a diversity of age in the forest – we have none at the moment – we just have old trees.
It is a world asset and we are not taking any notice of it.
Evelyn Taylor
“This is a really important area which is under threat from development to the north and south.”
Retired forester Des Donnelly said in the early days timber was put into rowing boats and taken down the estuary into Geographe Bay and loaded onto sailing ships.
“The forest has a great history,” he said. “It is an international treasure, the only one in the world and it needs to be looked after,” he said.
“The problem was we took out all the timber people could sell back in the early days and at the same time the forest was divided up into farming leases so people could run cattle,
“The cattle effectively ate any regrowth so we never got a crop coming on from the old trees that were left, those that are left are scattered and there are not many.”
Mr Donnelly said because no regeneration happened it was now being overrun with arum lilies, peppermint trees and kangaroos.
Since most of the good trees were taken out, Mr Donnelly said only old stags remained which had created an imbalance where peppermint trees had taken over as a crop, and should only be an under-storey species.
“Nobody is doing anything to encourage regrowth, the first thing we need to do is plant more trees and there are areas where we can do that,” he said.
“The old pine plantations have been clear felled and taken away, those areas are bare and we need to reestablish tuart on those.
“We can grow the trees, we know how to do it.
”Eventually someone may want to use them, not now but maybe in 100 years, they are a resource.”

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The new Jetty Museum is now open - APRIL 2017

With help from Lotterywest, Royalties for Regions and the South West Development Commission Community Chest Fund, the Jetty Museum has had a multimedia makeover! The refreshed Museum brings history to life offering a new and invigorated visitor experience, with interactive, immersive creative technologies.
Festival of the Train

To celebrate the arrival of the new electric train, The Stocker Preston Express, Busselton Jetty are excited to be hosting the Festival of  the Train, a free event for the whole family on Saturday 20 May from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Come and check out the new train and enjoy a sausage sizzle, bouncy castle, stalls, train treasure hunt, sandcastle competition and free rides on our sea-through kayaks, pedal boats and stand up paddle boards.

Locals will have the opportunity to ride the train for free from Monday 22 to Friday 26 May at 9am and 4pm. Please remember to bring your driver’s licence or rates notice as evidence of residence.

The Bussleton Jetty audio tour is now available on the YMRR app

As you walk or ride the train you’ll learn more about the iconic 152 year old Jetty with a plethora of information at 16 beacons along the length of the Jetty. You’ll hear about the colourful and sometimes challenging history of the Jetty, the passion of the Busselton community, the iconic train, fishing, weather patterns, story from a diver about what it’s like on the outside of the Observatory and the amazing marine life. The app also includes an Underwater Observatory Tour in Mandarin.

 

 

FOREST BATHING FOR BETTER HEALTH

Japan recently started a national health programme called 'Shinrin-yoku' which means spending time with trees.  Forest Bathing, as it has been called, improves general mental and physical health and well being.  Boosts our immunity, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress hormones and depression while boosting energy.  All done by trees that emit oils called phytoncides as protection from insects and germs. These oils also effect us in all good ways. 

Yes folks, it has been scientifically proven that trees are our friends in many ways.  So that's why we feel good living in the forest.  It's not just the peace and quiet after all.  Much more oxygen and surrounded by nature is very very good for us.  Body and soul! 

 

 

 

CREATING A BIRD HAVEN IN WONNERUP

Jacinta Bolsenbroek, Busselton Mail,

They are planting 64,000 trees in a significant area of the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands.

The planting is happening on a site of Aboriginal significance, so the team has been working closely with traditional owners and will be providing weekly Aboriginal mentoring to the volunteers throughout the planting.

This wetland rehabilitation project forms part of the SWCC’s Geographe coastal hotspot project, with the team working with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

The Vasse Wonnerup wetlands are Ramsar wetlands, which are of international significance, providing a home to a vast array of migratory birds. The aim of revegetating the wetlands will improve the birds’ habitat and have significant water quality outcomes.

Interestingly, many of these birds flock from countries where this week’s group of volunteers come from, Japan and Korea.

The site is one of Aboriginal significance, because it is located adjacent to the mythological Abba River and is also a known burial ground.

The stories of a country that the traditional owners have shared with us have opened our eyes to the importance of this area and the need for it to be treated with the utmost respect, Emily said.

The project aims to achieve sustainable outcomes both environmentally and culturally, paying homage to the site’s Aboriginal significance.

Each week a new group of volunteers will be treated to weekly Aboriginal mentoring that will engage the senses.

They will hear the sound of the didgeridoo, taste freshly-made damper, be shown how to light a fire using traditional methods and have their imagination captured by stories of the country.

The planting will be undertaken across two sites within the Vasse and Wonnerup estuaries.

Emily said, before they commenced planting, the team took measures to prepare the sites and maximise seedling survival.

It included weed control and the installation of rabbit and kangaroo-exclusion fencing,she said.

The Geographe Coastal Hotspot Program is supported by the South West Catchments Council, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country and the Government of Western Australia.

Planting commenced last week and will continue every weekday until September 17.
(This is the Tuart Forest NP right next door to us here at Inn the Tuarts)

INN THE TUARTS GUEST LODGE BUSSELTON IS RATED 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION BY AAA. (Mar 2010)

After a detailed and thorough inspection by AAA Tourism, Inn the Tuarts Guest Lodge Busselton was granted a Four Star rating.

Missing out on 4.5 Stars by only a few points, Inn the Tuarts Guest Lodge Busselton managers Suzanne and Peter Keynes, dedicated to on-going improvements and upgrades, Vowed to "Do what it takes" to qualify for 4.5 stars by the time of the next inspection in approx 12 months

The property will now be listed on all Motoring Club websites around Australia, in addition to the official AAA site

HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME - SEPT-DEC

The pristine waters of Australia's South West are the perfect place to observe whales on their annual migration. Both humpback and southern right whales can be sighted in the region’s coastal waters between June and early December.

In June the humpbacks and southern right whales are spotted along the south coast, having departed Antarctic waters to breed and mate in the warmer Southern Ocean. September sees the whales start to head south again, many with calves in tow, and during this time they are commonly seen off the region’s western coast.

Whale watching is an exhilarating experience and can be enjoyed either from land-based vantage points or on a cruise. Whale watching cruises operate from each at different times throughout the season. We can arrange bookings for these great cruises with Eco Tours (we have personally tested them out and had an amazing experience).

There is a easy 1-2 hour walk  around Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse area along the exposed western coastline famous for whale spotting close up.  We saw a South Right Whale from our walk - they usually stay close in and are easy to see.  Apart from the stunning coast line, the whales are an added bonus. 

Australia’s South West named in top ten regions in the world by Lonely Planet (Dec2009)

Lonely Planet is showcasing Australia’s South West to the world in its latest book, Best in Travel 2010, and to celebrate, operators in Australia’s South West are offering some great holiday specials.
Australia’s South West Chief Executive Officer Sascha Papalia, said she was thrilled the region has now been internationally recognised.
“The word is out – our stunning region is no longer a best kept secret for locals,” she said.
“It’s excellent that Lonely Planet has recognised the whole of the South West region as significant – from Harvey to Albany, and from Bunbury to Margaret River.
“As we know, the region is a perfect blend of natural experiences such as beautiful beaches and tall timber forests combined with world class food, wine and boutique accommodation.”
Lonely Planet describes the region as offering “….variety in spades”, where “… the great outdoors rules, with wine, water, woodlands and walks defining the region.

Australia’s South West
Few places in the world can boast such an amazing mix of elements as Australia’s South West. Here, beautiful beaches, forests and world class wineries blend together, creating an idyllic holiday destination.
For generations, the warm climate and ideal soil conditions have drawn winemakers from around the globe. Now, Western Australia’s wineries are recognised as some of the best in the world – while still maintaining a warm and personal approach.
While Margaret River is justifiably one of the most popular towns – Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup in the Margaret River region and Pemberton, Denmark and Albany further south are growing in reputation.
In Australia’s South West the local winemakers are more than happy to share their secrets and show you how they transform humble grapes into award winning drops. Some wineries offer wine blending lessons where you learn how to make your own.
Once you’ve found your favourite wine, it’s tempting to pick up a supply of local cheeses, chocolates and ice cream, and cocoon yourself at a luxury retreat. Indulgent spa treatments, gourmet food and your favourite person – the perfect escape.
There are also some amazing natural attractions to discover ‘down south’ as the locals call it. Wild surf beaches alternate with secluded bays. You can paddle down peaceful rivers or search for whales at sea. Tall tree forests, underground caves and dramatic sea cliffs make a visit to this region truly unique.
And when it comes time to rest, accommodation ranges from rustic wood cabins in the middle of the forest, to five star resorts. Like the wine, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
FACTS
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The South West region of Western Australia is not only one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hot-spots, it is also the only one in Australia. Walk through fields of wild flowers and forests of tall timbers, swim in one of the turquoise bays that dot the coast and indulge on fresh produce.
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The Margaret River Wine Region is the only wine region in Australia where you can experience stunning beaches, tall-timber forests, premium wineries, world-class surfing and caves all in the one place. The Margaret River Wine Region is one of the biggest in Australia with more than 220 grape growers or wine producers, has 100 cellar doors open to the public and produces more than 25 percent of Australia’s premium wine.
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The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, 10 minutes north of Walpole on Western Australia’s south coast, is the first walk trail of its kind in the world – at 600 metres (656 yards) long and 40 metres (44 yards) above ground, it has been specially designed to minimise impact on the forest. Walking amongst the tall forest trees is an exhilarating experience.

 

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* read articles published by Peter on GoArticles.com : Tourism-Vs.-Mining.-What-Offers-the-Economy-More ,How to Find a Great Bed and Breakfast , and on Ezine Articles: The Really Smart Way to Find the Best Accommodation, Anywhere , Saving the Tuart Forest on LinkedIn: Can an Extra Click Save More on Accommodation?