Day 91 Busselton

Today we drove to Busselton to see the jetty and travel on the train to the end 1.8km away to then view the Underwater Observatory at the end. The Southern Hemisphere's longest timber-piled jetty, over the protected waters of Geographe Bay. From its beginnings as a bustling port exporting timber worldwide to surviving cyclones and fires, Busselton Jetty stands today thanks to the dedication of a vibrant community. The protected north-facing coastline and warming Leeuwin ocean current with crystal-clear waters. Built in 1865, the Busselton Jetty serviced ships trading between the south west and the Swan Colony. It was a lifeline; corn and vegetables went north and building supplies came south. As the colony grew, more foodstuffs were exported, and international routes opened up. Potatoes were a major export, along with local timber.

Then steam powered engines replaced sail boats, and the jetty had to be extended into deeper water until it reached its present length of just under 2km. Eight separate extensions were completed between 1872 and 1896, and a ‘skeleton jetty’ – 166m east of the existing jetty enabled steam engines to travel further along the jetty with their loads of coal, timber and potatoes.

Explore the Underwater Observatory descend 8 metres to the ocean floor via a spiral staircase and step into the awe-inspiring Underwater Observatory. Marvel at the vibrant forest of tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish, and invertebrates. With eleven viewing windows at various levels, you’ll have a front-row seat to the bustling marine life that thrives beneath the jetty.


















The Busselton Cultural Precinct presents the Old Courthouse Complex a heritage-listed cluster of charming buildings amongst the oldest in Busselton, some of which date back to the 1860s.

A walk down memory lane outside of the Old Courthouse Complex, awaits as you stroll along Queen Street's Settlement Sculpture Walk, which features six bronze sculptures by well-known Western Australian artist Greg James.







St Mary's Anglican Church a heritage-listed church the oldest stone church in the state. Opened in 1845, and consecrated in 1848.




The historic moreton bay fig tree planted in 1896 has heritage protection. The Ithaca Motel was built in 1896.




Ambergate Reserve is 75 hectares of natural bushland 9km south of the Busselton townsite. Rescued in 1987 before it could be handed over for cattle grazing, it now contains an outstanding display of wildflowers from mid-winter to early summer. Orchids are a speciality. The reserve is maintained and cherished by the local naturalist's group.