Busselton Jetty (Jetty Train / Underwater Observatory Tour/Marine Discovery Centre)
- Busselton
- Museums / Galleries / Exhibitions
- Sightseeing Bus / Cable Car / Train
- Aquariums
- Instagrammable Spot
- Special Experience
- Busselton
Overview
Train Rides & Underwater Observatory Tours depart the shore on the hour, every hour*.
In Summer, Train Rides run from 9:00am – 5:00pm and Underwater Observatory Tours run from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
In Winter, Train Rides run from 10:00am – 4:00pm and Underwater Observatory Tours run from 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Marine Discovery Centre 10:00am – 3:00pm (Subject to the situation on the day)
*Opening hours are approximate only and dependent on weather, wind and ocean conditions. Contact us to confirm.
Underwater Observatory
Explore one of only six underwater observatories in the world at the Busselton Jetty!
Your Underwater Observatory tour starts with a relaxing train ride on the Stocker Preston Express along the length of the Jetty with 360-degree views across the Indian Ocean. One of our friendly tour guides will greet you at the end of the Jetty to guide you through the Underwater Observatory. As you descend 8-metres below the ocean’s surface you will be lead through the natural wonders that lie beneath the Jetty where its piles create Australia’s greatest artificial reef host to an awe-inspiring forest of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.
Discover more than 300 individual marine species in their natural habitat through eleven viewing windows at various levels within the 9.5 metre diameter observation chamber.
Each year during autumn and winter, the Leeuwin Current brings a narrow band of warm water down the Western Australian coastline. This warm southerly current is responsible for introducing an incredibly diverse array of tropical and sub-tropical species into Geographe Bay, resulting in coral growth at a latitude of 33 degrees south. This is a remarkable phenomenon when compared to the western coastlines of other southern hemisphere continents such as Africa and South America which have no coral growth below 5 degrees south.
Access to the Underwater Observatory is only possible via these tours which depart on the hour from the Interpretive Centre (at the base of the Jetty) and take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Book your ticket online, visit the booking office in the Interpretive Centre or phone us on 9754 0900.
There are six flights of ten stairs within the Observatory however there is a lift which allows access for the mobility impaired.
Translation sheets for tours are available in the following languages – Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Korean and Polish.
Jetty Train
Sit back and relax while our train driver takes you on a 1.7 kilometre journey across the calm, clear waters of Geographe Bay. With 90 seats available and trips leaving on the hour throughout the day, the Stocker Preston Express electric jetty train is the perfect way to experience the Busselton Jetty.
From glimpses of dolphins frolicking to spotting local fishermen snaring their catch of the day, the Jetty Train trip promises to deliver something for everyone.
The Stocker Preston Express electric jetty train, which took it’s maiden voyage in June 2017, is powered by solar panels and is the first of its kind in Australia! Features of the new train include six seats in each section, accessible carriages for wheelchairs and walkers, see-through blinds for a warm and sheltered ride and audio outlining the Jetty’s colourful 152 year history.
Due to space limitations prams and pushers are unable to be stored on board. For a $10 deposit you can lock your pram to the jetty for the duration of your trip, please advise our friendly bookings staff if this service is required.
The Train departs the Interpretive Centre (blue buildings at the base of the Jetty) on the hour.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.
Tickets are valid for one return trip and can be used as a Jetty Day Pass.
The return Jetty Train trip takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Marine Discovery Centre
Dive into an extraordinary adventure at the Marine Discovery Centre, located within the Busselton Visitor Centre, opposite Shelter Brewing Co! Perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities, this captivating experience offers 30-minute viewings with interactive displays and immersive exhibits that will spark your curiosity and transport you into the wonders of marine life. Whether you’re encountering a shark face to face, listening to the haunting melodies of the deep as whales do, or controlling an underwater submarine, each corner of the Marine Discovery Centre reveals a new marvel.
What’s included
Included
- Please refer to the different packages.
Not included
- All inclusions are as indicated on the websites at time of travel. If not stated as included the item/s are at guests own cost.
Ages
Child rate: 3-17 years
Marine Discovery Centre, Child rate: 5-17 years
How to use
A confirmation voucher will be sent to your email after the booking is confirmed.
Please check and read the details of the confirmation, please bring a paper or electronic voucher to the Busselton Jetty on the day of visit.
Please be checked in at the blue buildings on shore end of the Jetty (Interpretive Centre) at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled session.
Good to know
Jetty Train：The Jetty Train departs the Interpretive Centre on the hour.
Jetty Train：Due to space limitations prams and pushers are unable to be stored on board. For a $10 deposit you can lock your pram to the jetty for the duration of your trip, please advise the friendly staff if this service is required.
Marine Discovery Centre：This experience includes gentle sound and light effects in a low light environment. It may not be suitable for those with sensitivity to these conditions. If you require extra assistance during your session, please advise us prior to your arrival.
Paper-based TRANSLATIONS for International visitors at the Underwater Observatory are available in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, and Russian.
You can enter the Marine Discovery Centre anytime during opening hours, 10:00am – 4:30pm , with the latest entry time being 30 minutes before closing time. Hours may vary depending on the season; please refer to the actual opening hours.
If your Underwater Observatory Tour time is from 3:00pm onwards, you must visit the Marine Discovery Centre before your tour departure, as it will be closed once you return to shore. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes before your tour departure time to visit the Marine Discovery Centre, arriving to the centre no later than 4:00pm.
Please note if the Marine Discovery Centre is at full capacity when you arrive, you may have to wait to enter
The Marine Discovery Centre is NOT at the far end of the Jetty, it is on the Busselton Foreshore located opposite Shelter Brewery within the Busselton Visitor’s Centre building.
There is no parking directly next to the Busselton Jetty, it is a 50 to 100-metre walk from the closest carparks.
Disclaimer
Once the product has been successfully booked, a confirmation voucher will be issued. The voucher contains important booking details and participation notes. Please read it carefully. If we do not receive any feedback from you, it will be deemed that you have read, understood and accepted all information stated on the voucher.
As an intermediary booking agent, we are responsible for arranging travel product reservations on behalf of customers.
We recommend that customers purchase travel insurance. Travel product suppliers, including attractions, hotels and transportation providers, are directly responsible for the quality, service and safety of the products they provide. We are not liable for safety issues arising from products operated by third-party suppliers.
In the event of an unexpected incident where no travel insurance coverage applies, we will provide reasonable assistance where possible; however, any related costs or losses will be borne by the customer.
If the booking is cancelled due to reasons attributable to the travel product supplier, we will refund the amount paid for the affected booking. No additional compensation will be provided.
No-show: Ticket holders who fail to attend without prior cancellation or notification will not be eligible for a refund.
We will make reasonable efforts to assist customers in communicating and negotiating solutions with travel product suppliers.
When visiting attractions or participating in activities, please strictly follow all instructions provided by the venue and staff. Please ensure that you fully understand the associated risks, including any venue notices or safety waivers that may be required. Customers must cooperate with all safety requirements and must not engage in any dangerous behaviour during the activity.