About The Jetty

The 145-year-old Busselton Jetty, measured at 1841 metres, is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and today is one of Australia's most unique eco-tourism sites.

 

Just two hours drive south of Perth, the seaside resort town of Busselton is situated at the northern gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region. The Busselton Jetty attracts over 400,000 visitors a year and is the most popular tourist attraction in the South West region. It is an ideal starting point for any visit to the South West Capes.

 

The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory, with more than 300 individual marine species, is host to an awe inspiring "forest" of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. It is described as Australia's greatest artificial reef.

 

Each year during autumn and winter, the Leeuwin Current brings a narrow band of warm water down the Western Australian coastline. This warm southerly current is responsible for the incredibly diverse array of tropical and sub-tropical species in Geographe Bay including coral growth at a latitude of 33 degrees south. The west coasts of other southern hemisphere continents such as Africa and South America have no coral growth below 5 degrees south.

The unique Underwater Observatory allows visitors to view remarkable marine life. It has launched the jetty as a world class, internationally recognised, tourism icon. The Underwater Observatory is located 1.7 kilometres from shore almost at the end of the Busselton Jetty.

 

It can accommodate up to 40 people at one time. Descending 8 metres below sea level, visitors can view the amazing corals and fish life through eleven viewing windows, at various levels within a 9.5 metre diameter observation chamber. A lift within the observatory also enables wheelchair bound people to have access to one of Western Australia's unique natural wonders.

The boatshed style Interpretive Centre, opened in April 2001, is located 50 metres offshore. The Interpretive Centre gives visitors a glimpse into the Jetty's rich past and its exciting future. It houses the eco-museum, which showcases the jetty's history, ticket office as well as an exciting array of beautiful giftware and mementos.

 

Additionally, a unique range of souvenirs such as timber furniture crafted from recycled native jarrah decking and piles from the Jetty are available for purchase. While you are there, make sure to view the underwater marine life from the Jetty Marinecam and see the natural world beneath the waves live!