New Marine Discovery Centre on Busselton foreshore set for July opening

A new family friendly marine discovery experience will open on the foreshore of the Western Australian town of Busselton in July.

Busselton Jetty Inc’s Marine Discovery Centre is an interactive experience which will allow visitors to walk through seagrass meadows, make their own fish habitat, and even drive a virtual submarine - all while learning about the environment beneath the Jetty and beyond.

The all-weather indoor experience will meet the needs of many tourists who have limited time by offering a 30-minute semi-guided tour.

Busselton Jetty Inc (BJI) Chief Executive, Lisa Shreeve said the new attraction would also suit school groups who want to know more about Australia’s Marine Parks and why our local Ngari Capes Marine Park is so important.

Shreeve explained “there are often times we are unable to operate the train or open the Underwater Observatory in winter, so this on-shore experience will ensure that travelers from all over the world are able to immerse themselves in a new form of marine life tour.”

“We also cater for trade groups that arrive in buses and often just take a photo of the Jetty and leave because they don’t have time for a Train ride out and back or an Underwater Observatory Tour - this new product will fill that gap.”

The new experience is located in the Ballaarat Room while a decision about its permanent location is finalised.

BJI are continuing to partner with the City of Busselton, DPIRD and the SWDC on a new and exciting concept for the Busselton Jetty precinct.

BJI continues to focus on its mission to ensure the Jetty is here for future generations to enjoy by actively contributing funding to ongoing Jetty maintenance.

The current Ballaarat engine/timber industry exhibition is on display at the City of Busselton Administration Building and at the Community Resource Centre. The refurbished Ballaarat Engine can still be viewed free of charge in the Railway House building.

Image: Concept for the new marine discovery experience that will open at the Busselton Jetty in July.