Meet the site
Busselton Jetty is one of Australia's iconic dives. Construction began in 1864 and the first 176 m opened in 1865; extensions continued until the 1960s, giving the present length of 1,841 m, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. The last commercial ship called in 1971 and the jetty closed to shipping in 1972. Cyclone Alby destroyed much of the shore end in 1978 and a fire burned 65 m in 1999, but a preservation committee formed in 1987 led its restoration, completed in 2011. A solar-powered train runs to the end, and the Underwater Observatory, opened in December 2003, takes visitors 8 m down into a chamber with eleven viewing windows.
For divers the attraction is the forest of piles at the jetty's end, encrusted with corals, sponges and other growth and hosting more than 300 marine species; Swan Dive calls it Australia's largest artificial reef. Howies Scuba describes how the jetty broadens near the Observatory, the piles multiply and the area becomes dark and atmospheric. Depths are around 6-9 m, and the sandy sections between pile clusters are sparser but still hold fish and seagrass. Since 2023 an underwater sculpture park has added 13 artworks on the seabed nearby (listed separately).
It is a superb, easy dive for Open Water divers and photographers, and a famous night dive when the piles come alive. Independent divers can walk out with a day pass, but the 1.8 km carry is a real effort. Rules include keeping 10 m from the Observatory.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Busselton Jetty is recorded as Jetty/Pier in Geographe Bay & Busselton. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Busselton Jetty suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Busselton Jetty through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Sponges and corals on piles, western blue devil, bullseyes, old wife, western king wrasse, buffalo bream, nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, stingrays, occasional fur seals and sea lions - over 300 species
Location
The 1,841 m heritage timber jetty running north into Geographe Bay from the Busselton foreshore - the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere - with the Underwater Observatory and dive platform near its end in about 8-9 m.
Facilities nearby
Interpretive Centre (passes, waiver, trolley hire), Marine Discovery Centre (opened 2024), toilets, cafes and parking on the Busselton foreshore; Swan Dive for fills, hire and nitrox.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
busseltonjetty.com.auen.wikipedia.orgswandive.com.auhowiesscuba.comdivebusseltonjetty.com.aumarinelife.org.aubusseltonjetty.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.