Western Australia
Busselton & Dunsborough
Busselton Jetty and the HMAS Swan — two very different flagship dives in one region.
Two major attractions make this area important, and they have almost nothing in common beyond geography.
Busselton Jetty provides structure, marine life and relatively accessible diving beneath one of the longest timber-piled jetties in the world. The HMAS Swan is a purpose-scuttled naval vessel and one of Australia's major artificial wreck dives.
The region also benefits from the shelter of Geographe Bay, which keeps conditions diveable when the exposed southwest coast is not.
| Water temperature | Roughly 16–23°C. |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Commonly 10–25 m, better in settled summer conditions. |
| Season | Year-round. Summer and autumn generally offer the most settled conditions in Geographe Bay. |
| Diving types | Jetty, Wreck, Macro, Structure |
| Businesses documented | 0 |
| Dive sites documented | 2 |
The jetty extends well over a kilometre from shore, and the underwater observatory area at the seaward end carries dense coral and sponge growth that is remarkable for the latitude.
Access logistics are a real part of the dive, since divers generally use the jetty train or arrive by boat rather than swimming the full length.
- access arrangements and permits
- transport along the jetty
- entry and exit points
- marine life and coral growth
- depth, which is modest throughout
- current and visibility
- night diving availability
The HMAS Swan should be treated separately from ordinary reef diving. It is a large vessel prepared for diving, with multiple access points and interior spaces.
Content about the wreck should explain certification requirements, depth, whether penetration is involved, boat access and conditions rather than presenting it as a single undifferentiated dive.
- certification and experience requirements
- depth range across the wreck
- penetration versus external touring
- boat access and permits
- conditions and visibility
- local operators servicing the site
Before you book
Capabilities and requirements change. Read how to choose a dive centre for what to actually evaluate, and confirm certification requirements, equipment hire and conditions directly with the operator before travelling.