Busselton Jetty reaches about 1.8 kilometres out into Geographe Bay, which makes it the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the longest in the world. It was first built in the 1860s to load timber onto ships in the shallow bay, and it was extended over the decades as the water kept proving too shallow for large vessels. Today it is a heritage structure and a favourite attraction in the south-west, about 220 kilometres from Perth. You can walk to the end, ride the small jetty train, or go down to the Underwater Observatory, which sits in the water at the far end and lets you look out at coral, sponges and schools of fish through large viewing windows. The jetty is also a hub for fishing, swimming and sunset strolls.
What to do
The simplest option is a walk along the boards, which gives wide views over the bay and the town, and the long straight perspective is half the charm. If you do not want to walk the full length, the jetty train carries passengers out and back, running along a narrow track beside the walkway. The Underwater Observatory is the main drawcard for many visitors, because it takes you several metres below the surface for a close look at the marine life that grows on the piles, and guided sessions explain what you are seeing.
Near the shore, a small interpretive centre tells the story of the jetty and the town, and there are cafes along the foreshore for a coffee or fish and chips.
Planning
The ticket linked here is for the jetty experience, but you should check which options are covered, such as the train, the observatory or just the entry, because they are often priced separately. Booking the observatory ahead is sensible in school holidays and summer weekends, when sessions fill up. Busselton is about two and a half to three hours' drive from Perth, so most visitors fit the jetty into a longer day or an overnight stay in the south-west, often on the road to Margaret River.
Wear a hat and sun protection, since the jetty is exposed, and take a windproof layer in the cooler months.
Fitting it in
Allow a couple of hours for the jetty, the train and a wander along the foreshore, or longer if you add the observatory and a meal. The bay is shallow and calm, so swimming and paddling are popular in summer, and sunsets from the end of the jetty are especially pretty. Families enjoy the train and the observatory, and anglers will find it a good place to cast a line. It combines naturally with wine tasting, caves and forest walks in the Margaret River region, which lies a short drive further south.
Good to know
The jetty is a working piece of heritage, and it is looked after by a community group, so the entry fee helps with maintenance of the timber. The wind off the bay can be strong, especially in the afternoon, and the boards can be slippery after rain. Bring a camera for the long perspective shot back to the shore, and allow extra time if you have mobility needs, since the train is the easiest way to reach the end.
If you are staying in the area, the town has cafes, a beach and a wide foreshore that are pleasant in the evening.
What to expect
The experience
A walk, train ride or underwater observatory visit on a historic timber jetty in a calm, shallow bay.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon on a calm day, and summer evenings for the sunset.
How long
Two to three hours including the train, the foreshore and a meal.
Tips
Book the observatory ahead in busy periods, wear sun protection and carry a windproof layer in the cooler months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and travellers heading to Margaret River who want a memorable stop on the way.
- Families
- The little train and the underwater observatory keep children interested, and the walk is flat.
- Couples
- Walk the jetty at sunset, then have dinner on the foreshore.
- Pair with
- A Margaret River wine and caves trip, or a night in the south-west.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, longer with the observatory and a meal.
Good questions
How long is Busselton Jetty?+
It stretches about 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay, which makes it the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been extended several times since the 1860s.
What is the Underwater Observatory?+
It is a chamber at the end of the jetty that lets you look out through large windows at coral, sponges and fish. Guided sessions explain what you see, and it is popular, so book ahead in busy periods.
Can I ride a train on the jetty?+
Yes, a small train runs along the jetty and carries passengers out to the end and back. It is a good option if you do not want to walk the full length.
How far is Busselton from Perth?+
It is about 220 kilometres south of the city, a drive of around two and a half to three hours. Many visitors combine it with Margaret River in one longer day or an overnight trip.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, the walk is flat, the train is a treat and the observatory is fascinating for older children. Take sun protection and keep a close eye on young children near the edge.
