Beach bus service returns for the month

After a trial run last summer was applauded by locals and visitors keen to make their way to the coast, the Margaret River Beach Bus has returned, offering free transport to and from the beach every day until the end of January.

This year, the venture is supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, in an attempt to lessen the traffic and parking issues with have increased over the years by encouraging people to use the service.

Shire councillor Melissa D’Ath was the driving force behind the initial trial and welcomed news of the Shire’s support to continue the service this year, free of charge.

Late last year, the Shire released concept plans for public feedback to address parking congestion at locations including Mitchell Drive in Prevelly, Gnarabup Beach and Gas Bay, where increased visitation has led to illegal and often dangerous parking, as well as traffic jams.

“Even early December, mid week, both Gnarabup beach carparks were overflowing,” Ms D’Ath continued. “Local residents live here all year round because of our beautiful environment and struggle to access the coast during the best month of the year due to lack of car park space.

“Coupled with the popularity of The White Elephant Cafe, Vacation Swimming and Little Nippers, January sees Gnarabup carpark overflowing.”

“The bus hopefully will reduce the pressure and increase safety and access,” Ms D’Ath said.

The Beach Bus town pick up/drop off point is at the Charles West Ave bus stop at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, and 12pm.

On the coast, the bus picks up and drops off passengers at the White Elephant Cafe at Gnarabup at 8.30am, 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm (last bus from the beach).

Surfboards and boogie boards are allowed on the bus, but no bikes or fishing rods may be brought onboard.

No bookings are required, passengers can hop on and off the bus as needed.

Ms D’Ath said the bus would also be able to pick people up along the route, provided it was safe to stop.

“Just find a safe place to wave it down and they will pick up and drop you off anywhere safe along the route,” she said.

A survey completed by bus users following the 2023/24 summer trial showed a strong appetite for a bus service to be extended to towns and hotspots around the shire, including Brookfield, Rapids Landing, Witchcliffe, Gracetown, and Cowaramup.

Ms D’Ath said she hoped to engage with the State government to run a joint trial with the Public Transport Authority (PTA) across the region.

“It’s essential that the community get behind the service, so we can take it to the next level and get a PTA trial to link all our hamlets together and up to Busselton, and eventually the airport.”

For more info on the beach bus, visit www.amrshire.wa.gov.au