Tour Western Australia Week 6 - Busselton - longest jetty in the southern hemisphere

[Jill H]

Welcome to week 6 of my tour around Western Australia. Today we go south of Bunbury to Busselton. Only around 3 hours from Perth, Busselton is one of our most popular holiday destinations for families.

Gateway to the wine regions of Yallingup and Margaret River, Busselton is located on the white sandy shores of Geographe Bay and is the business hub of the region. It is home to the 2 kilometre long Busselton Jetty. Built 143 years ago Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere and is a focal point for visitors to Busselton.

Perfect for families and children for fishing and squiding, or just walking, the jetty is also a unique eco-tourism site. Situated at the end of the Jetty is the Underwater Observatory - presently closed whilst a refurbishment is underway, and due to open again in mid 2010. My husband's family spent many summers at Busselton and fished from the jetty every day. After we were married we continued to come to Busselton - I loved to go squiding. At the end of the jetty in those days was a fish and chip shop - great for a feed of chips after a fishing trip.

There are heaps of accommodation options - from caravan parks along the beach front to international class resorts - catering for all budgets.

When people think of Busselton, they think of the jetty so my photos today are centred around here. In the photo here you can see the information and interpretive centre and gift shop. This lady is enjoying just laying on the beach relaxing - looks like a great way to spend the afternoon.

From Life Images by Jill

Here is another photo as the sun is setting -

From Life Images by Jill

This massive Morten Bay FIg Tree sits near the end of the jetty in front of the restaurant and cafe. In the photo you can see a small jetty on the beach front. This is all that remains of a second finger of the jetty which was blown away by a cyclone in the 1970's. This part of the jetty used to meet the remaining jetty at what was called "the elbow".

From Life Images by Jill

And so the sun sets into the west after another perfect summer day on the beach....

From Life Images by Jill

If you have missed any of the previous 5 weeks of my tour, you can hook into the threads by going to my index here - 52 week tour downunder Western Australia - come for a drive with me!

[martha36]

What a beautiful place, Jill. Thank you again for this fascinating tour of Australia. Although I have to admit, they are making me long for summer - and these especially make me think of our family trip down to North Carolina every year. There is a fishing pier that, while not nearly as long, is stil reminiscent

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

Love the warmth of that second shot. Simply beautiful.

[Jill H]

Thanks for coming along everyone. I am not sure how this stitched image will reproduce here, and I know the waves aren't matching up in the foreground.....but I wanted to try and show you the length of the jetty.

From Life Images by Jill

[pjflan7]

So many wonderful places in Australia and apparently, you have been fortunate to have seen much of it...thanks for sharing it with us!

[Preacherman]

Just taking a few deap breaths Jill as I take in the clean warm air. A stroll along the jetty and back, a cool glass of something refreshing and a meal whilst enjoying the sunset. Oh, and good company to share it all with. Don't get any better than that.

[Jill H]

thanks everyone. Tonight or tomorrow I will post Part 2 of week 6 - Meelup and Cape Naturalist - get your walking shoes on.

[leonaashlee]

Wow, that is long. I wonder if I could walk the whole thing...? These are wonderful shots Jill. Love the huge tree.

[Steves Shots]

Wow these are beautiful shots Jill!, does the train still run to the end of the jetty, I remember catching a small train out to the end about 7 years ago and really loved this place. you have done a great job capturing the length of the jetty, thanks for sharing, cheers Steve.

[Jill H]

Thanks for your comments everyone. I appreciate you coming along, looking and commenting. The jetty is a great place for a stroll in the morning or evening. The jetty is at the moment under a few repairs, but the train will be back up and running later this year.