Busselton is a popular tourist spot just two hours drive south of Perth, and its no wonder with its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, art galleries and quaint township. In the warmer months the foreshore is a thriving scene of locals and tourists sipping on their coffees from one of the many beachfront cafes, or in the evening feasting on fresh fish and chips whilst relaxing and soaking up the great vibe. But there is one thing about Busselton that will stick in your memory and that is the iconic and beautiful Busselton Jetty.
History of the Busselton Jetty
Construction of the Busselton Jetty began in 1865 and it was used as a stopping point for many passenger ships passing through which is what began Busselton’s life as a tourist town in the 1880s. Further extensions were made to the jetty over the next 100 years creating the remarkable 1.8 kilometre length it is today, making it the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and the second longest in the world.
After more than a century of use and servicing over 5000 vessels, the Jetty closed as a Port in 1972 and that meant government funding also ceased. Due to a lack of maintenance and the damage done by Cyclone Alby in 1978, the jetty was looking worse for wear. A bunch of passionate locals came to the rescue forming a community group to raise funds for much needed restoration.
