Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory Honest Review 2025
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be surrounded by marine life without getting wet? That’s exactly what you’ll experience at the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory. I’ve visited many attractions in Western Australia, but this is like stepping into another world. You’ll see marine life up close and learn about the ecosystem, all while staying dry and comfortable.
The Observatory sits at the end of the Busselton Jetty, which stretches 1.8 kilometres over the clear blue waters of Geographe Bay. This jetty is the longest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you walk or take the train, the journey to the Observatory is part of the fun.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
Location of Busselton Jetty
Getting to Busselton is simple – it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth. I found it easy to park near the jetty, and public transport options are also available if you don’t have a car.
If you’re staying in nearby places like Margaret River or Dunsborough, Busselton is just a short drive away. It’s perfect for a day trip. For anyone coming from further afield, Perth Airport has car hire services to make your journey smooth.
Car Hire – To compare rental car company prices, I use Discover Cars, an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are have a high rate of customer satisfaction.
Tip: The earlier car rentals are booked, the cheaper it is with more choice of vehicles.
My Underwater Observatory Experience: A Window to the Ocean
The Observatory is the highlight of the jetty. It’s a cylindrical building that goes eight metres below the surface. Inside, large windows give you a close look at the underwater world. You don’t need diving gear or swimming skills to feel part of this marine environment.
The guided tour was excellent. The guide shared stories about the marine life and explained how the ecosystem works around the jetty. If you love the ocean or enjoy unique experiences, this is a must.
The Train Ride: A Relaxing Start to Your Adventure
If walking 1.8 kilometres isn’t your thing, the jetty train is a great option. It’s a small, open-sided train that takes you right to the Observatory. The ride is gentle and gives you beautiful views of the bay as you go.
It’s perfect if you’re visiting with kids or older relatives, or if you just want to save your energy. Plus, it’s a lovely way to soak in the views without rushing.
Marine Life Galore: What You’ll See Underwater
The marine life is what makes this place so special. Through the Observatory’s windows, I saw schools of fish weaving through the water and coral-covered pylons that looked like something out of a nature documentary.
At each level, the tour guide stops to explain what you can see through the observatory windows – tropical corals, sponges, fish, crabs, and you might even be able to spot a seal or two. There are over 300 different marine species that may be sighted.
The eleven viewing windows in the 9.5m diameter observation chamber are large enough to see the marine life in their natural habitat.
As numbers are limited to 44 on each tour, you always get access to the windows (there is plenty of allocated time at the end to return to the windows above if you missed something previously).
Check Prices & Availability Here
Once the tour has finished, you can spend longer at the end of the pier before your return train journey.
Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory can only be accessed via a tour which operates every hour on the hour and lasts about one hour and forty-five minutes (the guided tour itself is around 40 minutes). Tours depart from the interpretive Centre, the blue building near the start of the jetty.
Facilities and Amenities: Everything You Need for a Comfortable Visit
The jetty precinct is set up to make your visit as easy as possible. There’s a visitor centre where you can buy tickets, grab a souvenir, or learn about the jetty’s history. Cafés and picnic areas are nearby, so you can have a bite to eat or relax before or after your tour.
I also noticed how accessible the place is. There are ramps and facilities for wheelchairs, making it welcoming for everyone.
Sustainability and Conservation: Supporting the Marine Environment
One thing I appreciated about the Busselton Jetty is its focus on conservation. A portion of your ticket cost goes towards maintaining the jetty and protecting the marine life around it. It feels good to know your visit helps keep this place thriving.
They also run educational programmes to teach people about marine ecosystems. It’s great to see an attraction that’s not just about entertainment but also about giving back to the environment.
Check Prices & Availability Here
Tips for Visiting Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory
- Book Ahead: Tours can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays.
- Check the Weather: The water is clearest on sunny days, so try to plan your visit when the forecast is good.
- Dress in Layers: It can be cool on the jetty and in the Observatory, so bring a jacket.
- Arrive Early: Take your time to enjoy the jetty and get settled before your tour starts.
Thoughts on the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory
So is the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory worth the price? I believe it is. Initially, I did put off going; I thought it was quite a lot to pay for a family. However, you get a great experience for the price, and it is nice to support a piece of history.
I like that it’s a not-for-profit organisation, so the money goes into the upkeep of the jetty. It is also eco-friendly with the solar run train, and no marine animals are kept in captivity.
It’s an excellent chance for a non-diver to see what it’s like to be 8m under the ocean surface.
Find out what else there is to do on Busselton Jetty, along with interesting information and history in this guide to Busselton Jetty.
Check Prices & Availability Here
