Busselton Underwater Observatory: Is It Worth It?

You can’t call a trip to the south west corner of Australia complete without visiting the Busselton Underwater Observatory! If you’ve never walked into the ocean – yes, literally! – at the end of a jetty to observe the fish and wildlife, while still keeping dry, do yourself a favour!

At the very end of this 1.8-kilometre icon lies a hidden world: the Busselton Underwater Observatory. It’s one of the most unique marine experiences in Australia, and in this guide, we’ll discuss all the things we loved about our numerous visits to Busselton Jetty.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the train ride out to the sea life below, to help you decide if this incredible adventure is a must-do for your trip. (spoiler alert – it is worth it!)

How to Get to Busselton from Perth

As the northern gateway to the Margaret River Region, Busselton is super easy to get to. The drive south from Perth is a simple drive down the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway, taking about 2.5 hours. Busselton is the perfect first stop on a South West adventure, or the complete destination.

While there are bus services, driving is by far the best way to explore the region at your own pace.

Hire Cars:

We recommend grabbing a rental directly from Perth Airport for maximum convenience. Booking ahead is always a good idea, especially during peak travel seasons.

Book your hire car with Discover Cars. Check out the rates here

RVs and Campervans:

For the ultimate road trip, exploring in a campervan gives you the freedom to wake up to some of the region’s best views. If you don’t have your own, we recommend StarRV.

Book your camper here with StarRV. Check if your dates are free here

Everyone we’ve met on the road with their StarRV camper has loved their experience.

The History of Busselton Jetty

When you walk along the jetty, you’re treading on over 150 years of history. This incredible structure wasn’t initially built for tourists; its story began in 1865. For over a century, it was a bustling port, extending further and further into the bay to accommodate larger ships that transported timber and produce from the South West to the rest of the world.

After its closure as a port in 1972, the jetty fell into disrepair and faced demolition. The community rallied to save it, but then during 1978, a cyclone destroyed part of the jetty. Thanks to the community and their effort, the jetty was saved and is now one of the top tourist destinations in the region.

Then, in 2003, a very unique structure was built, which became the underwater observatory. It is hard to explain, but I’ll give it a go in the next few paragraphs!

But first, you need to get there…

The Jetty Experience

Getting to the observatory is an adventure in itself. You have two choices: the iconic train or a leisurely stroll.

The Famous Red Train

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the little red train that travels the length of the jetty. However, this is a little more than nostalgic! This train is up with times, being powered by solar panels mounted to the roof.

The 1.7-kilometre journey gives you uninterrupted views of the bay, and the onboard commentary tells you stories about the jetty’s history. It’s a relaxing, scenic ride and our kids loved it!

Our Tip: The train is incredibly popular. We highly recommend booking your tickets online well in advance, as tours frequently sell out, especially during school holidays and on weekends.

Walking the Jetty

If you prefer to take things at your own pace, walking the 1.8 kilometres is a fantastic experience. You can stop to read the interpretive signs, watch people catch fish (or at least try!), and attempt to spot dolphins.

A Jetty Day Pass gives you the freedom to wander all day.

The Underwater Observatory at the end of the Jetty

After your journey along the jetty, you’ll arrive at the observatory. We didn’t exactly know what to expect the first time we visited, but nothing could prepare us for what we were going to see!

A spiral staircase winds you 8 metres down to the seafloor. Each landing is filled with tall glass windows, where you can see different fish and ocean life without getting wet!

What to Expect Inside

The observatory consists of several viewing chambers with large windows that offer a 360-degree view of the world beneath the jetty.

Guided tours are included with your ticket, and the knowledgeable guides are brilliant at pointing out the various species and explaining the unique role the jetty piles play in supporting this incredible biodiversity.

Tours are kept to a smallish group, but you have plenty of time to view everything from every window. After some commentary from the guides, you’re left to your own exploring along each window.

The Amazing Marine Life

One of the best highlights is seeing the jetty’s pylons, which have transformed into a vibrant “underwater forest.” They are covered with colourful corals, sponges, and invertebrates, creating a haven for over 300 different marine species.

Keep your eyes peeled for huge schools of Yellowtail Scad, Samson Fish, and many more. If you don’t know your goldfish from your whiting, you can learn all you can from the information provided – that was me before I visited!

Is It Worth the Price?

In our opinion, yes. The ticket price reflects a really unique experience. The opportunity to see a mature, natural coral reef teeming with life, without having to scuba dive or even get wet, is incredible.

It provides a perspective on the marine world that is accessible to almost everyone, from young kids to grandparents, making it a fantastic and educational family outing.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Book Ahead: We can’t stress this enough. Book your tour online before you go to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. The full train and observatory experience lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Click here to book
• Best Time to Go: For the best underwater visibility, try to visit on a calm, sunny day. The water clarity in Geographe Bay is often spectacular.
• Accessibility: The train and jetty are fully wheelchair accessible. While the observatory itself has stairs, there is an amazing virtual reality experience available that allows those with mobility issues to experience the world below.
• What to Bring: A camera is a must! Also, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a windbreaker or jacket. It can get surprisingly breezy out on the jetty, even on a warm day.
• Alternative Ticket Booking: You can also check availability and prices via Tiqets.

Can I snorkel the Busselton Jetty Observatory?

Yes! If you love jumping in the water and seeing the observatory from the ocean side, then there are plenty of opportunities.

Head out on a boat and have a guided snorkel experience, with all gear included with this highly rated tour. You will need a basic level of swimming ability.

Did you know there is an underwater sculpture park? You can book yourself, jump in and check it out for yourself, but I would recommend a guided tour to get the most out of your adventures.

Book your underwater snorkel tour here!

Where to Stay in Busselton

Busselton’s prime location on Geographe Bay means there’s a fantastic range of accommodation for every travel style.

Best Luxury Stay – The Sebel Busselton:

For a truly special escape, the Sebel Busselton offers beachfront accommodation matched with amazing facilities. Click here just to check out the 2 swimming pools! It has modern features within the rooms, and the location is perfect.

Book your luxury stay with the Sebel Busselton here

Best Value Stay – The Timothee Resort

It might be the name, but anything named Timothy has to be awesome! (If you don’t know, my husband’s name is Tim!) Seriously, though, this resort has everything. Swimming pools, restaurants, and it is only 1.9km from the Busselton Jetty!

Check out the rates and your dates here

Best Family-Friendly Option – RAC Busselton Holiday Park

The RAC Busselton Holiday Park is perfect for families or those who want all the creature comforts, such as a kitchen within their rooms.

There are also caravan sites for those travelling with an RV or their own caravan. Within the Holiday Park, are all the amazing facilities you’d expect from an RAC Holiday Park, including pool, playground and more.

Check out the RAC Busselton Holiday Park here!

Busselton Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Busselton Underwater Observatory worth it?

Yes, it is definitely worth it for a unique and educational look at a natural marine ecosystem. It’s especially great for families and anyone who wants to see the underwater world without getting wet.

What is the Underwater Observatory at Busselton?

It’s a structure at the end of the 1.8km Busselton Jetty that allows you to descend 8 metres below the water’s surface to view the fish and coral that live among the jetty’s pylons through large viewing windows.

How long should you spend at the Busselton Underwater Observatory?

The combined train ride and observatory tour takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This gives you plenty of time for the journey and about 40 minutes inside the observatory itself.

How deep is the Busselton Underwater Observatory?

The observatory takes you 8 metres (about 26 feet) down to the seabed.

Can you see whales from the Underwater Observatory?

While you might see whales from the jetty during their migration season (September to early December), it is very rare to see them from the underwater viewing windows. The observatory is designed to view the marine life living on the jetty piles. For dedicated whale watching, check out our full guide to whale watching in Busselton.

Do you need to book the Busselton Jetty in advance?

For the train and observatory tour, booking in advance is highly recommended as it often sells out. If you only want to walk the jetty, you can purchase a Jetty Day Pass on arrival.

Our Final Thoughts

The Busselton Underwater Observatory is something you really need to see if you’re in this part of Australia! It is something so unique, I don’t recall ever seeing anything like it!

It’s a perfect activity for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the ocean. The combination of the historic jetty, the relaxing train ride, and the vibrant marine life below makes for an awesome day out!

Want more ideas while you’re in the area? Check out our full list of the 22 best things to do in Busselton.