Situated within the Busselton Cultural Precinct at the jetty end of Queen Street, the Old Courthouse Complex buildings are among the oldest in Busselton.
Today, these beautifully restored heritage-listed buildings serve as a hub for art lovers and history buffs.
Free to enter, the Old Courthouse Complex is owned and managed by the City of Busselton.
History
The Old Courthouse Complex was constructed between 1860 – 1897, marking the establishment of Busselton as an important regional centre and port during the colonial era.
During this time, the Courthouse operated as a judiciary, government administration centre and land agency to service the growing settlement’s need for law and order, customs and telecommunications.
Heritage Exhibitions
Immerse yourself in the harrowing tale of the S.S. Georgette shipwreck as you take in the fascinating heritage exhibition in the New Courtroom, before heading to the Old Busselton Gaol to learn about the misdemeanours and lived experiences of notorious prisoners and other locals from a bygone era in the audio-visual display in the gaol cells.
Explore the cold, dark gaol cells and imagine being locked up behind a heavy wooden door.
Walk through the cell block into the exercise yard to discover stories from the prisoners who vandalised the metal-clad door that once locked them in the exercise yard.
Outdoor Areas
Within the Old Courthouse Complex, the Community Courtyard features an elevated stage for a variety of performances and festivals held here throughout the year. It’s also a peaceful place to sit quietly and enjoy a picnic or let the kids entertain you with an impromptu performance.
Meanwhile, on the northern side of the Old Courthouse, the Merenj Boodja Garden features bush food plants of the six seasons of the local Wadandi Saltwater people. Learn about the plants in the garden and how they were used by Aboriginal people who have lived in the region for over 60,000 years.
Art Hub
In 1976, WA Police relocated from the complex to new premises and the transformation from law enforcement headquarters to art hub began!
Now the Old Courthouse Complex presents regular art exhibitions and houses a Gallery Store showcasing stunning pieces by celebrated regional artisans.
Browse the Gallery Store’s curated range of quality local art, jewellery, pottery, glasswork, cards, photography, paintings and woodwork.
Inspired to create your own masterpiece? You’re invited to attend one of the many art workshops held in the Fodder Room. This beautiful studio is also available for artists who are interested in facilitating classes.
Settlement Sculpture Walk
Continue your walk down memory lane outside of the Old Courthouse Complex, as you stroll along Queen Street’s Settlement Sculpture Walk, which features six bronze sculptures by well-known Western Australian artist Greg James.
The Old Post Office Cafe
After exploring the buildings, heritage exhibitions, art, grounds and gardens of the Busselton Cultural Precinct, why not visit The Old Post Office Café within the Old Courthouse Complex to recharge?
Take a seat in this charming building or relax on the veranda overlooking Queen Street with a cup of coffee or tea alongside delicious sweet and savoury treats crafted with seasonal, locally sourced produce.
Venue Hire
The Old Courthouse Complex offers spaces for hire. The Bond Store, The Courtroom, The Courtyard, The Fodder Room and the Merenj Boodja Bush Garden can be booked for functions, workshops, exhibitions, performances, corporate or private functions.
Saltwater Busselton
Located across from the Old Courthouse Complex, Saltwater Busselton is now open for events, shows and exhibitions.
Featuring a Convention Centre, A-Class Art Gallery, and a 640-seat theatre, Saltwater promises to elevate the region’s cultural landscape.
The venue will host a diverse program of events and entertainment, ranging from comedy and live music to educational performances, exhibitions, creative talks, and theatrical workshops.
A selection of shows will be presented in the upstairs theatre while works are finalised in the theatre and tickets are now available at the Box Office (open 10am – 4pm daily) and online.
Saltwater Gallery showcases regularly rotating exhibitions of regional art and national touring exhibitions.
Free to enter, this A-Class gallery is open daily basis for all to enjoy.
Saltwater Spaces
Designed with multi-functionality in mind to host a wide range of artistic, community and business events, Saltwater can accommodate more than 1,000 people over three levels of easily convertible, contemporary spaces.
Saltwater’s modern auditorium is the ultimate multi-function space. The black box design is transformable from a traditional 640-seat tiered theatre to a 1000-person standing capacity flat floor space, which is ideal for large trade shows and expos. Equipped with high performance light and sound equipment, an orchestra pit and a sub-stage area, the auditorium is also perfect for live music events.
Saltwater’s conference suite offers cutting edge audio-visual technology and three operable walls that can be configured for large and small meetings, functions, workshops, conventions and banquets. Located on Level 2, these function rooms enjoy abundant natural light and access to an alfresco balcony with magnificent views of Geographe Bay.
