Saturday 7 February 2015

Iconic Busselton Jetty Turns 150

Busselton Jetty 1960
The magnificent Busselton Jetty has stood the test of time, with the tourism icon celebrating its 150th year in February.

One of the most recognizable historical attractions in Western Australia, the Jetty was built in 1865 and currently stands at 1841 metres in length - making it the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is now used exclusively for tourism and recreation but it has a colourful past as a working jetty.

Mr Don Tomkinson, President of the Busselton Jetty Environment and Conservation Association (BJECA), affirmed that the Busselton Jetty was one of Western Australia's most unique attractions.

“Visitors can walk or catch the Jetty Train all the way out to the end - it really does feel like you're in the middle of the ocean,” said Mr Tomkinson.

“The Underwater Observatory allows visitors an up-close and personal view of the stunning marine life in Geographe Bay - it's a once in a lifetime experience. We [BJECA] are delighted to play an important role in preserving the Jetty for future generations of locals and visitors to the region,” he said.

Mr Tomkinson also confirmed that all funds which come in go back into the jetty in one form or the other - primarily for maintenance and infrastructure development.

Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Pip Close affirmed the Jetty's long-standing contribution to tourism in the Margaret River Region.

"With over 400,000 visitors every year, the Busselton Jetty is undoubtedly one of the region's, and the State's, most iconic historical attractions," said Ms Close.

"It's remarkable to witness its 150th anniversary, and BJECA does a wonderful job of maintaining the Jetty for the enjoyment of our visitors and locals," she said.

Busselton Jetty 2015
To celebrate the historic occasion, a free family concert and fireworks will be held at the Busselton Foreshore on Saturday 7th February 2015.


For more information about the Busselton Jetty, visit the website.

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