The Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory

Construction of the Busselton Jetty commenced in 1853, to establish a docking platform for visiting American whaling ships. A more substantial structure was built in 1865, as the shipping trade had increased. Horse drawn trucks were originally used to shift cargo between the mainland. Timber and farm products were hauled out to the ships. Goods and passengers were then collected to be returned to the mainland.

However the jetty just kept getting longer. So in 1911, a connecting railway jetty was built to make the journey easier. Drift sand in the bay had shallowed the water depth beneath the jetty, necessitating major extensions in 1875. Extensions continued right up until the 1960's. Then in 1972, after more than a century of shipping service, the jetty was finally closed.


	The structure at the end is the Underwater Observatory.		Any longer, and you would need an international passport to go fishing.

A Turn For The Worse: After closing, the jetty was no longer maintained, and the rot set in. So did attacking woodborers, and the odd fire. On April 4th, 1978, Cyclone Alby destroyed a 580 metre section between the shore, and the railway jetty junction. This explains why the jetty seems to take a strange right turn out at sea. Fortunately some local towns folk recognised the historical significance of the jetty, and what a great money spinner it would be for Busselton. Funds were raised, and the jetty was partially restored. Donations are always gladly accepted, as maintaining an old jarrah jetty is an expensive exercise.

Restored to it's present length of 1841 metres, the Busselton Jetty is now used by fisherpersons, power walkers, and tourists visiting the Underwater Observatory. Walking out to the end of the jetty is an enjoyable experience. It takes about 25 minutes at a leisurely pace. You'll pass many people, and the odd careless tourist swimming back to the mainland.

Tickets to the Underwater Observatory must be purchased at the Interpretive Centre, located at the entrance to the jetty. Should you forget to pre-purchase your ticket, Life On Perth estimates you will have to complete an impressive 7.364 km's of jetty walking to set things right. That excludes any swimming components should you fall off.

Scuba diver lurking around the jetty pylons.

The Underwater Observatory is a 9.5 metre diameter chamber that descends 8 metres to the seabed. Viewing windows are located at various levels on the way down, allowing you to marvel at the colour of the aquatic life. Being located in the open ocean, anything could swim into view. Keep an eye out for school fish, coral encrusted pylons, scuba divers, and lost sea anchors.

NOTE: Please talk quietly in the observatory, as the fish are sensitive to both noise and criticism.

Bright coral on a jetty pylon.

More than 300 different species of marine life have been recorded beneath the jetty. Bright coral growth should not normally occur this far south, as the water is generally too cold at these latitudes (33 degrees south). However the Leeuwin Current brings a band of warm water down south, which encourages a rich diversity of marine life. So why not take a walk out to the observatory, and see if you can spot all 300 species.


Diver annoying some school fish.		Viewing decks are located on all levels.