Wonnerup and Forrest Beach Permitted Uses

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Forrest Beach and Wonnerup Beach are popular locations for fishing, horse riding and other recreational activities.

Four-wheel driving is prohibited on Forrest Beach* (within the City of Busselton local government boundary) but allowed on Wonnerup Beach. As Forrest Beach* sits across two local government areas (City of Busselton and Shire of Capel), with different local laws, this has caused some confusion for beach visitors.

Forrest Beach* is a popular horse exercise area but currently does not offer adequate parking facilities for horse floats.

The City of Busselton is investigating solutions for both beaches that best suit everyone. These solutions could include altering their uses, installing improved infrastructure (such as signage or barriers) or introducing seasonal rules, and we are seeking your feedback. We are also open to any new ideas and suggestions you might have.

Please provide your feedback by completing the survey below. This survey closed on Monday 24 March 2025.


*Wherever Forrest Beach is mentioned, this refers to the section of Forrest Beach that lies within the City of Busselton's local government boundary. This consultation does not include the section of beach within the Shire of Capel. To view a map of this stretch of beach, please see 'Maps' to the side of your screen.

Forrest Beach and Wonnerup Beach are popular locations for fishing, horse riding and other recreational activities.

Four-wheel driving is prohibited on Forrest Beach* (within the City of Busselton local government boundary) but allowed on Wonnerup Beach. As Forrest Beach* sits across two local government areas (City of Busselton and Shire of Capel), with different local laws, this has caused some confusion for beach visitors.

Forrest Beach* is a popular horse exercise area but currently does not offer adequate parking facilities for horse floats.

The City of Busselton is investigating solutions for both beaches that best suit everyone. These solutions could include altering their uses, installing improved infrastructure (such as signage or barriers) or introducing seasonal rules, and we are seeking your feedback. We are also open to any new ideas and suggestions you might have.

Please provide your feedback by completing the survey below. This survey closed on Monday 24 March 2025.


*Wherever Forrest Beach is mentioned, this refers to the section of Forrest Beach that lies within the City of Busselton's local government boundary. This consultation does not include the section of beach within the Shire of Capel. To view a map of this stretch of beach, please see 'Maps' to the side of your screen.

  • News Update - 8 January 2026

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    Over the past 12 months the following works have been undertaken at Forrest Beach that aim to improve safety and infrastructure, as well as help protect our beaches and dune systems now and into the future.

    Within the City of Busselton, the following works have now been completed:

    • A formal carpark for horse floats has now been installed to improve safety.
    • A new beach barrier installed at the northern end of Forrest Beach (Shire of Capel boundary) to reduce vehicle access and help safeguard fragile habitats and dune systems.
    • Infill to existing gravel carpark completed, reducing the risk of parking on a bend.
    • New signage installed across all works to provide clear information on activities permitted in each area.


    Thank you to members of the community who took the time to provide comments through the survey which helped inform these important works, ensuring an environment that is valued, conserved and able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.

    Over the past 12 months the following works have been undertaken at Forrest Beach that aim to improve safety and infrastructure, as well as help protect our beaches and dune systems now and into the future.

    Within the City of Busselton, the following works have now been completed:

    • A formal carpark for horse floats has now been installed to improve safety.
    • A new beach barrier installed at the northern end of Forrest Beach (Shire of Capel boundary) to reduce vehicle access and help safeguard fragile habitats and dune systems.
    • Infill to existing gravel carpark completed, reducing the risk of parking on a bend.
    • New signage installed across all works to provide clear information on activities permitted in each area.


    Thank you to members of the community who took the time to provide comments through the survey which helped inform these important works, ensuring an environment that is valued, conserved and able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.

  • Update - 24 April 2025

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    Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation on the permitted uses of Wonnerup and Forrest Beaches across February and March 2025, we received 652 responses with the majority opposed to changing the existing regulatory arrangements at Wonnerup and Forrest Beaches.

    On 23 April 2025, the Council made the decision to retain the current permitted uses at Wonnerup beach and Forrest beach, and to improve local infrastructure to ensure people are using these beaches appropriately. The Council has allocated $100K across the next two financial years to install the necessary infrastructure to better manage access and amenity at these beaches.

    You can find Council meeting agendas and minutes here.

    Results of the survey can be found in the 'Documents' section on this project page.

    Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation on the permitted uses of Wonnerup and Forrest Beaches across February and March 2025, we received 652 responses with the majority opposed to changing the existing regulatory arrangements at Wonnerup and Forrest Beaches.

    On 23 April 2025, the Council made the decision to retain the current permitted uses at Wonnerup beach and Forrest beach, and to improve local infrastructure to ensure people are using these beaches appropriately. The Council has allocated $100K across the next two financial years to install the necessary infrastructure to better manage access and amenity at these beaches.

    You can find Council meeting agendas and minutes here.

    Results of the survey can be found in the 'Documents' section on this project page.

  • Update - 24 March 2025

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    Consultation has now closed.

    A report will be prepared and presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 23 April 2025. Minutes will be shared to this page once published.

    To view Council Agendas, visit Minutes and Agendas » City of Busselton

    Consultation has now closed.

    A report will be prepared and presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 23 April 2025. Minutes will be shared to this page once published.

    To view Council Agendas, visit Minutes and Agendas » City of Busselton

Page last updated: 08 Jan 2026, 05:17 PM