Australia’s 50 Great Dives index

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BUSSELTON JETTY

Busselton, Western Australia

Type of dive:

Jetty

Snorkelling:

Yes, your very own aquarium!

Scuba:

Open Water (Introductory dives available)

Access:

Shore or Boat (15 minutes)

Depth:

6 – 9 metres (20-30’)

Visibility:

10 – 25 metres (30-80’)

Water temperature:

18 – 21°C (65-70°F)

Seasonal:

No, can visit anytime

Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden pylon jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

The jetty is said the be Australia’s largest artificial reef and supports over 300 marine species.

Busselton Jetty now extends 1,841 metres (over a mile!) into Geographe Bay, off the township of Busselton.

Construction commenced in 1864, and the then known Vasse Jetty resulted in a boom for the local timber industry.

Over the years, it was continually extended with the last 16 metre (52’) extension completed in 1960.

The jetty was closed to commercial shipping in 1972.

Whilst Cyclone Alby (1978) and a huge fire (1999) damaged the jetty in the past, it has been the determination of the local people that, thankfully, ensured the jetty’s preservation.

The railway line extending the full length of the jetty is now used by a tourist train, and is very handy for visiting divers!

The underwater observatory which descends to eight metres (26’) at the end of the jetty was opened in 2003.

Busselton Jetty is in the path of the Leeuwin Current which brings in warm nutrient-rich water from the north during autumn and winter each year.

Underwater, the most stunning feature of the jetty is the myriads of marine life on and around the thousands of wooden pylons.

Every pylon is covered with a vivid range of invertebrates.

The dominant species is delicate red telesto soft coral displaying millions of pure white polyps interspersed with sponges and ascidians.

Tiny pigmy leatherjackets, mosaic leatherjackets, sea horses, box fish and spiny globe fish also make the pylons their home.

The fish life is superb; huge schools of old wives, Australian tailor, buffalo bream, yellowtail, bullseye and trevally utilise the shade provided by the jetty and set the dive a-buzz.

Bottom dwellers include Port Jackson sharks, fiddler rays, large stingrays, cuttlefish, octopus, hermit crabs, a variety of colourful nudibranchs, and beautiful cowries.

Visits by seals are quite common.

The jetty is protected from ocean swells so the visibility is usually excellent, making it an underwater photographers’ dream.

Busselton Jetty is a kaleidoscope of colour and a night dive under the jetty is an absolute must.

OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE YOU ARE THERE
Ex-HMAS Swan, 4 Mile Reef, Forrest Reef, FV Lena and Blade Coral.

2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.