Busselton Jetty

Extending almost 2km out over the protected waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage listed BUSSELTON JETTY is the longest timber jetty (pier) in the Southern Hemisphere. Only 2 ½ hours drive south of Perth, it is situated at the northern gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region in the seaside resort town of Busselton (twice judged Western Australia’s “Top Tourist Town”).  Attracting up to 400,000 visitors per year with approximately 50,000 expected to complete a tour of the underwater observatory, the landmark Busselton Jetty is the most popular tourist attraction in the South West region and is an ideal starting point for any visit to the South West Capes.

Closed as a port in 1974, the 140 year old Jetty has since been ravaged by both fire and cyclone. It survives today thanks to the tremendous support of the local community and the hundreds of thousands of visitors annually that choose to stroll its length and go on Underwater Observatory tours.

So why not partake in the ‘jetty experience’ and take in the tangy salt air and delight in the exploits of local fisherpersons, young and old, as they snare their "catch of the day".  You can also enjoy the majestic beauty of dolphins as they play in the bay.

A small admission fee to the Jetty is charged to maintain an avenue of funding for on-going maintenance and development.

Underwater Observatory

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 brings diverse species of tropical and sub-tropical life into Geographe Bay, resulting in coral growth at a latitude of 33 degrees South. This is a remarkable phenomena when compared to the west coast of other Southern Hemisphere continents, Africa and South America, which have no coral growth below 5 degrees South. The Leeuwin Current is responsible for the introduction of an incredibly diverse array of marine life into the Bay, with over 300 individual marine species having been recorded under the Busselton Jetty.

Described as Australia’s greatest artificial reef, the Busselton Jetty is host to an awe inspiring “forest” of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates under its 12m wide seaward end. The Underwater Observatory is being quickly established as one of Western Australia’s major eco-tourism attractions.

Already attracting significant local, national and overseas interest, the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory (UWO) enchanted 85,000 visitors in its first year of operation.  The Underwater Observatory tour is $22.50 for adults and $13.00 for children which includes a return journey on the famous red Jetty train.

Interpretive Centre

Opened in April 2001 and built some 50m offshore, the boatshed styled Busselton Jetty Interpretive Centre gives visitors both a glimpse into the Jetty’s rich past and its exciting future. Open every day of the year (excluding Christmas Day), entry is FREE, and along with changing exhibits of history, the marine environment and art, the Interpretive Centre houses a unique range of souvenirs, including timber products crafted from recycled native jarrah decking and piles from the Jetty. While you are there – make sure to view the underwater marine life from the Jetty Marinecam! The Marinecam is an Australian first and has been sponsored by the Water Corporation.

The History

The history of the Busselton Jetty can be traced back to the early days of the settlement when the American whalers came in their square-rigged sailing ships. In 1839 Governor Hutt appointed "the place in Geographe Bay opposite the Settlement at The Vasse to be the legal place for the loading and unloading of goods", but it was some time before a jetty was constructed. After strong and persistent pressure by settlers, sanction was given for the erection of a jarrah jetty in 1853.

In 1865 a rough wooden Jetty became available to ships from many parts of the world as well as the local shipping which included the coastal traders. Drift sand over the next ten years so shallowed the depth that in 1875 an additional 430 feet was added, giving a depth at low tide of eleven feet. Further extensions were made over the years until the 1960's. Horse drawn trucks were used for loading until 1909 when the railway jetty came into being. The Jetty was then believed to be the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Its present length is 1841m.

In 1974 the Jetty was closed to commercial shipping by the Government of the day - after more than a century of usage. Once closed to shipping, Government maintenance of the Jetty ceased and it began to deteriorate, attacked by wood borers, rot and the occasional fire.

On April 4, 1978, Cyclone Alby swept south down the Western Australian coast from the North-West (a rare occurrence) and destroyed a large part of the shore end of the Jetty. Subsequently, townspeople banded together to try to save the Jetty and eventually persuaded the State Government and the Shire Council to provide some much needed funds for repair.

However, rebuilding timber jetties is an expensive business and the funds soon ran out. The Jetty Preservation Society, formed in 1987, then resorted to community fund-raising. Over the past 17 years, in excess of $9 million has been committed to Jetty restoration and development projects.

The Busselton Jetty today stands as a monument to the spirit and commitment of the Busselton community.

Contact Details:

Ph: (08) 9754 0900

Fax: (08) 9754 3670

Email

Web: http://www.busseltonjetty.com.au