Snorkelling Busselton Jetty: Where, Best Time, Fees + More

Snorkelling at Busselton Jetty should be on everyone’s bucket list.

We’ve snorkelled the place three times already, and each time it’s been amazing – crystal-clear visibility, calm waters, and heaps of marine life to see!

Keep in mind that this is one of Australia’s largest artificial reefs, and the second-longest timber jetty in the world!

And all this awesomeness is just a 2.5-hour drive from Perth.

The best part? The Busselton Jetty is perfect for snorkellers and freedivers of ALL levels. They have set up the place so anyone can enjoy it, we’ll explain how below.

And if you’re worried about sharks – don’t be! A magnetic field around the jetty helps keep them at bay, so you can dive in with peace of mind.

To make the most of your experience, we’re sharing 5 insider tips to ensure you have a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience at the jetty.

Let’s dive in, pun intended!

5 Tips for snorkelling the Busselton Jetty

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Wadandi people.

1) Know where to snorkel

The best snorkelling area at Busselton Jetty is near the end, around 1km out! The maximum depth there is about 8 metres so it’s perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers of all skill levels.

You’ll see all the beautiful marine life clinging to the jetty pylons, tropical fish darting around, squids, and more!

You can get there in a few ways:

• Walk! It’s a 10-15 minute walk on the jetty to get to that point. If you’re carrying scuba diving equipment, hire a trolley at the Interpretive Centre.

• Hop on the jetty train. It’s a bit pricey ($4 a return ticket) but it’s fun! Kids love it. It usually departs on the hour. Can’t carry scuba equipment there, though.

• Take a tinny/boat there. This is what we did!

Just before the observatory, there’s a dedicated platform with a ramp down to the water. There are also ladders to help you get underwater easily.

Be aware of the exclusion zone, though! It’s 10m around the observatory, so stay south of the last row of pylons.

And don’t miss the sculpture park, located about 1.7km out at the jetty’s end. On a clear day, you can see seven of the thirteen sculptures from above the water.

2) Choose the best time to snorkel

Snorkelling is all about visibility, so aim to go on a calm, sunny day with low winds – usually between September and May.

The good news is that, since the Busselton Jetty sits in the calm Geographe Bay, you’re likely to have relatively low swell most of the time!

That said, mornings are generally better, as the water is calmer and the light is softer, showing off the marine life.

3) There’s an (small) entry fee

Keep in mind there’s an entry fee for snorkelling and diving at the jetty – the Dive/Snorkel Pass -, payable for anyone over 17.

It costs $4 (at the time of writing) and grants access for all day. So if you want to take breaks or explore, you can come and go as you like.

You can buy your ticket from the Interpretive Centre at the jetty entrance or online before you arrive.

You’ll also have to sign a waiver as well. This is done when you pay the fee, either online or at the Centre.

Now, if you visit outside the opening hours of the Interpretive Centre (8:30 am to 5:15 pm) you don’t have to pay the entry fee.

We can’t speak about the snorkelling conditions outside those times, but honestly, the place is worth paying the fee! Plus that money is for maintaining the jetty.

4) Where to park?

Thankfully, parking is a breeze there!

The Busselton Foreshore offers plenty of free parking close to the jetty, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.

5) Visit the Underwater Observatory too

Why visit the Observatory if you’ve already snorkelled the jetty? Because of the tour!

The tour guide will tell you everything about the jetty, the species that live there, the conservation efforts done, and more.

It gives another layer to your visit and you’ll fall even more in love with the place afterwards. Plus it’s an easy add-on, and you’ll see more of the beautiful marine life from a comfortable spot indoors.

We recommend booking this tour, as it also includes the train ride! Check it out here.

Top Tips

The Busselton Jetty has live webcams! Check them out to gauge visibility on the day of your snorkel. You can view them here.

If you’re certified in scuba diving, don’t miss the chance to do that there! You can hire the equipment from several local operators, which may also offer snorkel tours.

And if you want to snorkel more, head to Cape Naturaliste. It’s a short drive away, after Dunsborough. It’s a bit more rocky than the Jetty but very beautiful too.

Want more? Here are more things to do in Busselton!

Did you know?

The HMAS Swan wreck is another epic dive site located off the coast of Dunsborough, in Geographe Bay.

It was originally a Royal Australian Navy destroyer escort. It was decommissioned in 1996 and deliberately sunk in 1997 to create a marine habitat and a unique underwater attraction.

The spot is around 1.3km from Meelup Beach, 30 metres underwater. Several local dive operators based in Busselton and Dunsborough offer boat trips and guideddives.

If you’re not certified, know that many operators also offer introductory dive courses or Discover Scuba sessions, which allow beginners to experience the wreck’s upper areas without a full diving licence!

Regardless, it’s recommended to book a guided dive – the expansive wreck site can be disorienting if you don’t know the area.

Keep reading: The 20 Best Places to Visit in Western Australia (According To Locals)

FAQs

The bottom line

Snorkelling the Busselton Jetty is one of those experiences that makes you fall in love with Western Australia and the Southwest.

One time won’t be enough – we’ve been three times already! This spot always delivers on every level.

Just remember, timing and gear are key – bring your snorkel, pick a sunny morning, and you’re set.

Don’t sweat the entry fee, it’s all going to keep this gem maintained (and, let’s face it, it’s a small price for a full day in this stunning spot).

And if you’re after even more underwater action, consider a dive to the HMAS Swan or pop over to Cape Naturaliste for more snorkelling fun!