Busselton Jetty

The Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden piered jetty in the southern hemisphere. It stretches 1.8km into the ocean. It was extended several times to accomodate ships that could not come into the port, and to make sure all of the ships were taxed properly! Eventually the port closed down but the people of Busselton did not wat the jetty to be destroyed. The ownership of the jetty was handed over to the public.

The ticket we purchased included a return train ride to the end of the jetty. Here comes the train.

The view off the side of the train; back to Busselton.

The train was slow and took 20 - 25 minutes to get to the end.

At the end of the jetty there is an underwater observatory. Before we paid our money the staff were obliged to tell us that viewing was OK but not at its best at this time of year - it might be better to come back in the summer. We, of course, didn't have that option so we handed over our money anyway!

We thought this was quite beautiful but apparently the visibility is quite a lot further at the right time of year.

These big fish (which I think the tour guide said were Trevally) had been hooked by fishermen and escaped but the hook and line have not come out.

We would have liked these fish to come a bit closer to the viewing glass but sadly they were not as interested in checking us out!

Coming back up to the top of the observatory...

Beginning the walk back to shore. We decided that it would be quicker for us to walk the 1.8km back than to wait for the train again. it was a nice walk and we got to read some of the signs, including poems and dedications to people whose ashes had been farewelled into the sea off the jetty.