Tags
australia, Busselton, Busselton Jetty, Margaret River, Perth, Photography, Stocker Preston Express Train, travel, Western Australia
Enroute from Perth to Margaret River we stopped at the famous Busselton Jetty.
The city of Busselton is about 200 kilometres South of Perth on the southwest tip of Western Australia. It is known for its sheltered beach where we visited the 19th-century Busselton Jetty. This wood pier stretches nearly 2km to the Underwater Observatory, where life in a coral reef is on view. This is the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built in 1864 and modified over the years and is constructed of wooden piles. The jetty has a rail line with an electric train that took us out to the observatory.
We settled in to the Stocker Preston Express for a very pleasant 15 minute ride along the jetty, including narration about the history of the jetty. This electric jetty train which is powered by solar panels travels across the Indian Ocean to the Underwater Observatory, located at the end of the Jetty, where we were greeted by friendly volunteers. This Underwater Observatory is one of only 6 natural underwater aquariums in the world.
There are six flights of ten stairs within the Observatory however there is a lift which allows access if the stairs are not for you. I was very happy to take the stairs as we stopped at every level to listen to our guide’s explanations and see through the large glass windows. We descended 8-metres below the ocean’s surface marveling at the natural wonders that lie beneath the Jetty where we viewed the awe-inspiring forest of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.
From the base of the observatory, the corals on the jetty pylons are gorgeous, and there are plenty of interesting fish to see – both small and large. I think one of the nicest aspects to this observatory is that the fish are ‘free’ – this is not an aquarium with captive fish. This is open sea and the fish are free to come and go as they please. I was fascinated watching a cute little seal frolicking and performing for us, with a big smile on his face.
This fantastic open sea observatory was a memorable experience. The guides/volunteers were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and so friendly. I was so thrilled to see the abundance of sea life.
You can take the little train back however we opted to walk the jetty. It was a very easy walk with seats along the way and it only took about 15 minutes at a casual stroll.
This sounds wonderful! I would love to visit. :)
It is super fun and beautiful. Thanks, Lyn
That is beautiful spot Lyn, that will go on the bucket list for sure. I went to one similar near Great Kepple Island and as you said it is great to just see it in all its natural glory. We even had a huge Manta Ray come for a visit. It is that ‘natural’ quality that makes it so good. Great share, thank you 😀 🐬 🐳 🐙 🦑 🦐 🦀 🐡 🐠 🐟 🐋 🦈
Thanks Mark, it is always a pleasure to me to share these beautiful natural places. Lyn
How lovely! Another one for my list. Thanks Lyn.
Thanks Sheree, here and the Margaret River region must be on your bucket list. It is beautiful, so natural and so very unspoiled. Lyn
It looks simply lovely in all your photos and sounds fab. Rest assured, I’ll be going there on my next Australian trip.
As much as I enjoyed the wildflower trail up the Coral Coast I loved the Margaret River region even more. Lyn
Noted!
That was awesome and something I would love to see.
Yes, it is a real treat. Man has enhanced it really well. Thanks Kay, Lyn
What fun – the longest jetty hey? Busselton sounds like it has a few hidden gems. I have only visited Margaret River once so very long ago.
Incidentally, one of my dear blogger friends lives right there! You could have met up. She blogs at life of riley.
Busselton is actually a very good hidden gem. Lovely place to live, great weather, thanks, Lyn
The climate is quite mild too, isn’t it?
I looked at Life of Riley, there are 2. Which one is your friend
She is here https://lifeofrileyow.com/
What an interesting exhibit. It sounds exciting to be able to view the underwater life!
Thanks Katelon, it was really very special. Lyn
Was there years ago but didn’t get to ride the train to the observatory due to bad weather.
It is still fabulous even without the train ride Edwin. Thanks Lyn
noice. Have been to underwater observatories but not viewing the open sea. so very exciting. thanks lyn.
Thanks Gail. It is a very unique experience.
Wow, I have never heard of an underwater observatory before. What a fab idea – also that the fish are free.
I know. Pretty fabulous hey. Thanks Lyn
Thanks for the post Lyn ~ it brings back happy memories of when I was there last year. Well worth a visit
Thanks Mary. It is great hey. Lyn
I hadn’t heard of that, Lyn. Thanks.
Very special. Thanks Coral. Lyn
The only time I ever seen fish and sea life in the wild was when I was snorkeling. How fun to be able to look through an aquarium and watch the sea the natural way. I bet the colors were gorgeous up close.
Snorkeling is very special. The colours were much more lovely than the photos show. Thanks, Lyn
So gorgeous…it would be a good place for me to escape this freezing rain.
Yes, it is so gorgeous. Thanks, Lyn
What an amazing aquarium. I’ve never experienced an open ocean aquarium such as this.
Thanks Linda. There are only 6 in the world. Really fantastic. I was mesmerised just watching the sealife through the glass. Lyn
What an awesome place.
It truly is thanks and best of all, not overly crowded. Lyn
That looks like fun! Thanks for sharing, Lyn.
Thanks Mark. I enjoy sharing great places. Lyn