Dive Site: Busselton Jetty

About Busselton Jetty

Busselton Jetty, located in Geographe Bay, Western Australia, is a world-renowned dive site beneath the Southern Hemisphere's longest timber-piled jetty, extending over 1.8 kilometers into the Indian Ocean. Originally constructed in 1865, its submerged timber and steel pylons have evolved into a remarkable artificial reef, supporting an astonishing diversity of over 300 marine species. The site is recognized as one of only six natural aquariums globally, offering a unique blend of man-made structure and thriving marine habitat. The dive site features depths around 8 meters, concentrating activity around the jetty's piles. Beyond the natural growth, a new Underwater Sculpture Park has been established at the end of the jetty, featuring 13 artistic sculptures specifically designed to create additional hard seafloor habitats. These sculptures enhance the existing ecosystem, providing more homes for marine life in an area primarily characterized by seagrass meadows. The jetty is a sanctuary zone, meaning no fishing is permitted, further promoting marine growth. Throughout the year, divers encounter a wide array of creatures, from tiny sea spiders and spectacular comb jellyfish to larger smooth stingrays and octopus. Seasonal highlights include specific algal growths in October/November that attract unique macro life. Conditions in Geographe Bay are often protected, but winter months can bring winds and swells that impact visibility. The experience offers ample bottom time in shallow depths for observing intricate marine behaviors. Diving Busselton Jetty is often considered one of Australia's best shore dives, allowing for extensive exploration of its unique ecosystem. Guided tours are available, or divers can explore independently after obtaining a required pass and completing a waiver. The site offers an accessible and captivating underwater experience for various skill levels.

Dive site facts: Busselton Jetty

Depth

8 m

Current

Mild

Entry

Shore / Walk from jetty base

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Dive type

Artificial reef, macro, critter, sculptures

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Western Australia

Coordinates

33.6391° S, 115.3499° E

Conditions & Currents

Diving at Busselton Jetty is generally conducted in the protected waters of Geographe Bay, which means conditions are often calm. However, during the winter months, winds and swells can significantly impact visibility and the overall enjoyment of the dive. Divers can anticipate clearer waters and smaller swells during the September to May season. Currents around the jetty are typically mild, but localized movements can occur due to tidal flows, especially under the 1.8 km structure. Entry is usually from the shore, requiring divers to walk to the dive site along the jetty. Divers should be mindful of other jetty users and potential boat traffic, although the sanctuary zone status limits some activities. Visibility generally improves outside of winter, allowing for better appreciation of the extensive marine life.

Marine life & sighting chances

Smooth Stingrays

All year · occasional

Octopus

All year · common

Sea Spiders

October/November · occasional

Comb Jellyfish

January/February · common

Grey Nurse Shark (pregnant)

Late season · rare

Corals (growing on piles)

All year · common

Humpback Whales (hearing/sighting)

September-November · rare

Marine invertebrates

All year · common

Fish species (general)

All year · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Busselton Jetty typically begins with a walk from the shore along the 1.8-kilometer structure to the designated entry point, often towards the end of the jetty. Once submerged, divers explore the extensive network of timber piles that support the jetty, which are covered in a dense growth of corals and marine life. The dive remains relatively shallow, around 8 meters, allowing for extended bottom time. The route often includes navigating between the piles and exploring the recently added Underwater Sculpture Park, which provides additional habitats and points of interest. Divers can follow a map to locate all 13 sculptures. The turning point is usually dictated by air consumption or a desire to explore different sections. Safety stops are typically conducted near the end of the dive, utilizing the shallower sections of the jetty structure, before surfacing and walking back to shore.

Underwater photography

Busselton Jetty is a macro and wide-angle photographer's dream due to its diverse marine life and unique artificial reef structure. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the jetty piles, the intricate underwater sculptures, and schools of fish. For capturing smaller critters, a macro lens will be essential to highlight the details of sea spiders, nudibranchs, and other invertebrates. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out vibrant colors and reduce backscatter in the often light-limited environment under the jetty. Pay close attention to buoyancy to avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem on the piles. Ethical photography dictates maintaining a respectful distance from marine life and never touching or manipulating subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Rottnest Island

  Known for clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and sea lions.

• The Labyrinth

  The Labyrinth is a distinctive dive site located within Lighthouse Bay, part of Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef, just a short boat ride…

• HMS Perth

  Historic wreck dive in cooler southern waters.

Getting there & logistics

Accessing Busselton Jetty for diving is straightforward, typically requiring a drive to Busselton in Western Australia. Most divers fly into Perth Airport (PER), which offers direct international and domestic flights, then drive south to Busselton. Local dive operators in Busselton offer guided dive and snorkel tours of the Underwater Sculpture Park. A $5 Dive and Snorkel Pass is required, obtainable online or at the Interpretive Centre at the jetty's base. Visitors must complete a waiver in person before entry. The site is often explored as a day trip or as part of a longer dive itinerary covering other Western Australian sites like Rottnest Island or the HMS Perth wreck.

Safety & environment

For diving at Busselton Jetty, it's crucial to be aware that the nearest recompression chamber facilities are typically located in major regional hospitals, with Perth being the primary hub for specialized care in Western Australia. Divers should always carry personal dive insurance that covers recompression treatment and emergency evacuation, as medical transport from regional areas can be extensive. Site-specific hazards include boat traffic near the jetty (though the end is a sanctuary zone) and potential low visibility, especially during winter months, which can disorient divers. Adhering to responsible diving practices, such as maintaining good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the fragile jetty ecosystem and its marine inhabitants, is essential. Always dive with a buddy and inform local dive operators of your plans.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Busselton Jetty FAQ

Liveaboards diving Busselton Jetty

These liveaboards may visit Busselton Jetty on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$408/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day