Discovering a Subaquatic Wonderland: Unveiling the Busselton Artificial Reef Trail

Stretching an impressive 1.8 kilometres into the ocean, the Busselton Jetty, a renowned landmark in the southern hemisphere, has taken on a new identity as a gateway to an extraordinary underwater world.

Nestled beneath the waves, a mesmerising sculpture park awaits, offering visitors an immersive experience like no other. This marvel of art and conservation, installed in June, not only captivates the senses but also brings forth a trifecta of advantages.

The Underwater Sculpture Park, a brainchild of Busselton Jetty Inc., represents an intersection of art, tourism, and ecology. It offers a distinctive journey for water enthusiasts and sightseers alike, contributing to the region’s thriving tourism industry and generating economic benefits. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the park serves as an artificial reef, attracting a plethora of marine species and sea sponges that work harmoniously to maintain a cleaner ocean and absorb carbon, thus yielding environmental advantages.

Managed independently by the nonprofit organization Busselton Jetty Inc., each visitor’s entry fee allocates a substantial 25 percent of gross revenue to the Jetty Maintenance Fund, a unique and sustainable business model. The previous fiscal year alone saw a contribution of $1.1 million to the City of Busselton, responsible for the maintenance of the historical jetty.

Over its 158-year existence, the jetty has naturally transformed into one of Australia’s most splendid artificial reefs, boasting a rich tapestry of marine invertebrates across its submerged timber and steel structures. The underwater sculptures have further invigorated this vibrant habitat, as evidenced by the swift colonisation of the first sculpture – a replica of the SS Pericles shipwreck – by marine life within hours of its installation.

The Busselton Jetty Inc.’s call for sculpture submissions resulted in over 60 artistic proposals, from which 13 outstanding designs were selected. With a clear emphasis on local talent, all 13 chosen artists hail from Western Australia, a majority from the southwestern region. This deliberate localisation fosters a connection between the artworks and the surrounding marine environment.

A diverse array of sculptures awaits discovery, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Among these captivating creations, the Shark and the

Crab stand out, a collaborative effort by Shaun Williamson and David Gaze. These life-sized sculptures, constructed from mild steel, pay homage to the local marine life while facilitating the growth of marine organisms.

The park is anchored by the SS Pericles Replica, an awe-inspiring homage to maritime heritage and history. This steelhulled replica mirrors the ill-fated ship that met its demise off the coast of Cape Leeuwin in 1910. As a catalyst for the Underwater Sculpture Trail & Artificial Reef Project, the SS Pericles Replica embodies the intersection of history, education, and marine life preservation. Diverse in form and function, the underwater sculptures include the Southern Right Whale by Alan Meyburgh Visual Artist, Ophelia the octopus by Brendan Booth, the Bronze Mermaid by Cerys Heyring, the Mermaid’s Muse by Daniel Fisher, the Lighthouse by David Barbour, the Diver’s Helmet by Gavin Cochrane, the Postmaster by Georgia Zoric, the Seahorse by Jake Coghlan, Stella the Stingray by Melanie Maclou, and the Queen of the Bay by Scott Michell. Each sculpture weaves a story, inviting visitors to explore the depths and engage with marine conservation in a novel way.

The Busselton Jetty Inc. continues to collaborate closely with the City of Busselton, aiming to enhance the jetty’s end-of-the-line experience. Future plans encompass the addition of periscopes for surface-level viewing of the sculptures, as well as QR codes linked to live webcams, enhancing accessibility, interaction and education for all visitors.

As the underwater sculptures shimmer and sway beneath the waves, the Busselton Underwater Sculpture Park transcends the boundaries of traditional art galleries. With a vision of fostering marine appreciation, ecological awareness, and artistic immersion, this innovative project stands as a testament to the powerful union of creativity, conservation, and community engagement. The potential for the world’s longest marine trail beckons, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the wonders of the ocean and underscore the significance of preserving its health for generations to come.