Busselton Jetty

Statement of Significance

• The jetty is believed to be the longest timber jetty constructed in the
Southern Hemisphere and has aesthetic and landmark qualities due to
its considerable scale and length, its strong presence in the seascape
and its visibility when viewed from the shore;
• The jetty has played a central role in the social and commercial
development of the Busselton region from 1865 to the present,
particularly in relation to the timber industry and tourism.
• It is highly valued by the community for its contribution to the
economic growth of the locality, as an on-going source of employment
and as a place of continued use for recreational and tourism purposes
especially the social activity of promenading popular in the late 19th
and early 20th century.
• The place has scientific value owing to the unique marine environment
that has developed around the jetty’s piles.
• The place is a State icon and its importance to the community is
demonstrated through efforts for its preservation by the local and
wider community, and the State Government.

Physical Description

Busselton Jetty is a timber jetty, now refurbished in a combination of timber, steel and concrete, with a total length of
approximately 1820m and a maximum width of 12m, situated at the eastern end of Geographe Bay.
Buildings constructed as part of the use of the jetty for recreational and tourism purposes include the Interpretive
Centre at the southern end (2001) and the Underwater Observatory at the northern end (2003).

History

Busselton Jetty was constructed in stages from 1865 onwards to 1911 for the West Australian Timber Company.
Although declining in importance as a general transport route, coastal shipping still provided a vital link in Busselton’s
transport, and this relied upon the Busselton Jetty.
The original portion of the jetty was built in 1865 and, throughout the following 25 years, a total of 5919 ft was built.
In 1911, a railway spur line to the jetty was erected to cope with the traffic from the large timber export trade from
the hinterland. It was the longest jetty to be constructed in the southern hemisphere. One of Busselton’s main town
features is its jetty. With the closure of the port in 1972, maintenance on the jetty ceased.
In 1978, Cyclone Alby demolished the promenade section of the jetty and caused extensive damage to the rest of the
structure. The town was essentially deprived of a popular tourist attraction.
In October 1987, the people of Busselton formed the Busselton Jetty Preservation Committee to accept the huge
responsibility of raising funds to restore the jetty. Together with the State Government, they have raised over
$1,500,000. Repairs and renovations to the narrow railway jetty, including decking and side railings, and maintenance
to the main structure, made it safe for use by pedestrians and fishermen and, in March 1995, a new tourist train
commenced running.
In 1999, a fire damaged the jetty, cutting off access to the last 150 metres of the structure. The final stage of
development was the construction of an underwater observatory. The interpretative centre opened in 2001 and the
observatory opened in 2003.
Because of ongoing deterioration, further investigations were undertaken into the structural viability of the jetty in
2006. It was revealed that further reconstruction works were needed and a period of lobbying and fundraising ensued.
Significant funds were secured from the State and Federal governments and private donations.
In 2009, the jetty was closed and a major program of works followed including replacement of piles, decking and
structural elements. Other works completed as part of the refurbishment included new timber balustrades,
fishing/swimming platforms, a disabled access ramp to a low level fishing/swimming platform, seats and fish cleaning
stations.The refurbished jetty was opened on the 5th February 2011 by Premier Colin Barnett. The jetty train service
recommenced in March 2011 and the full scope of conservation and reconstruction works were officially completed
in June 2012.
In the following years the City of Busselton embarked on a major program of improvement works for the foreshore
adjacent to the jetty. This included the relocation of the former Busselton Railway Station to create a new Visitors
Centre, and alongside a new shed was built for the jetty train. These works meant there were some minor works at
the junction of the jetty to the foreshore.
At present (2024) the jetty continues to be an popular destination for tourists and local residents.

Archaeology

There is likely to be a good deal of seabed material in the vicinity of the jetty.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: Although no longer a working jetty its use remains readily apparent. The place retains a high degree of integrity.

Authenticity Notes: The jetty has been subject to numerous repairs and maintenance programs as is typical of marine structures. Although the intent remains authentic, a good deal of the fabric is replacement.

High Degree/Moderate-High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.