Village & Marine Discovery Centre
New and exciting things are happening at the Busselton Jetty as part of the Village & Marine Discovery Centre project. Find out more about the installation of 13 Underwater Sculptures in April and May as well as a new-look Interpretive Centre (at the base of the Jetty) and the opening of a new technologically based interactive and educational space, the Marine Discovery Centre – all part of the Busselton Jetty redevelopment project!
UNDERWATER SCULPTURES
13 Underwater Sculptures have been built by 12 incredibly talented artists from around the state over the last 6 months and will collectively form a snorkel trail for visitors to enjoy, while also acting as an artificial reef and marine habitat to ultimately enhance the marine life abundance at the end of the Jetty!
This has been a major environmental and arts project for us over the last 3 years and is finally starting to become a reality thanks to the support of our major Sponsor, Lotterywest.
Â
Interpretive Centre Upgrades
The iconic blue boatshed building that is the Busselton Jetty Interpretive Centre will receive an internal facelift this winter and we can’t wait!
An increase in customers means we need to ensure better traffic flow and ease congestion by creating more floor space for customers, especially those with mobility issues. Â
There will be more points of sale, faster ticket sales, improved retail displays, interpretive storytelling throughout, better protection from the rain and sun and the ability to use the space for functions. We believe this will truly enhance the customer experience and journey while also improving working conditions for staff and volunteers.
Marine Discovery Centre
The Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) is a place where education meets entertainment through innovative and engaging technology.
A key component to the Marine Discovery Centre is our immersive film and soundscape room that will take visitors on a sensory journey through the region’s marine parks by combining lighting, projections and media around the room to create a single contiguous space.Â
While in the Marine Discovery Centre you will also be able to walk through seagrass meadows, make your own fish habitat and even drive a (virtual) submarine – all while learning about the environment around us and seeing what really lies beneath the Jetty and beyond.Â
There will be a fee to enter the Marine Discovery Centre and visitors will be able to bundle tickets with the Train or Underwater Observatory experience.Â
Make sure you put this on your list of things to see and do when you’re next in Busselton as we hope to have the MDC completed later this year.
Â
Village
The end of Jetty infrastructure including food and beverage facilities will continue to progress in 2024.
The Underwater Sculpture & Artificial Reef Project has been made a reality by the generous contributions from our sponsors below;
FAQs
The Australian Underwater Discovery Centre or giant Whale (Cetacean) came in $25m over budget and unfortunately BJI was unable to find enough funds.
Due to unexpected delays, the end of Jetty infrastructure will be delayed 12 months, will continue to progress in 2024. Â
All funds raised go toward the future sustainability and conservation of the Busselton Jetty whether it’s through a contribution into the Jetty Maintenance Reserve or surplus funds being reinvested in future improvements, environmental objectives or Jetty projects.
The end of the Jetty will be closed dsuring the installation of the Underwater Sculptures in May but we will then reopen the end of the Jetty to members of the public after the installation. The end of the Jetty will then remain open until construction commences in 2024. Keep an eye out on our socials for updates.
