Busselton Underwater Observatory — Attraction in Busselton

Busselton and Busselton jetty are our favourite places to visit. We have watched the town and jetty flourish into the awesome place that it over the 35 years since our first trip. A little piece of paradise. However, sadly some of the staff let the experience down. My husband and I thought we would do the underwater observatory tour as it has been many years since we did it and we walk the jetty every other day. On Monday 7th April around 3.30 when walking the jetty I stopped by the kiosk shop at the end of the jetty and politely asked the lady how much for observatory guided tour. I was the only one in the shop. She rather bluntly told me that all info was on the website. I asked if she could just please tell me the cost while I was there which she did reluctantly telling us about the full train and observatory package only and again at $40 and told me again to check the website. I left feeling that it was a very awkward terse exchange. I checked the website when home and couldn't find cost for guided tour minus train ride which I needed as prefer to walk. Today 9th April when walking the jetty again I popped into the shop/kiosk again and there was another lady there ( I hung around until the other lady from prior visit was in the back room). I asked the same question politely and got an equally cold response. She pointed to a little blackboard on the end of the counter and looked at me like I was a moron for not noticing it. I apologised and asked again for price as I am a pensioner and did not have my glasses to read the board. She told me you can't get a guided tour alone, you must pay the $40 which includes the train ride. Or $20 for a strict 15 minute self guided tour. It was like getting blood out of a stone. I was the only one in the shop! There is no doubt that these people need to partake in customer service training, or do a much needed refresher. They make what is a wonderful experience very unpleasant. I must also add that I see no reason why there is no pass for walkers to do guided tour ... other than being a money making machine which wants to bleed people dry! Come on....do...

Return on investment not matching admittance fee. Having visited many tourist attractions across this great land I feel the 'return-on-investment" in terms of what you pay and what you recieve is out of kilter at this venue. The most popular fee is the $40@adult providing train ride to and from the observatory and a 15min guided tour within the underwater observatory although you can remain inside longer. The train ride out on the hour is jammed packed with 6 persons to a carriage and if you liked playing packed sardined this is for you. Ride was ok but not exceptional with the train travelling at 6km walking pace or slower. Yr not missing out on too much... The tour group all gathered at the top of the stairs and we led down the three tiers to the bottom sea floor being provided a commentary by a professional and engaged tour guide. The commentary lasted 15 min and she departed leaving group to do their own thing. Contrary to many other reviews, I found the sights underwater to be drab and uninspiring without colour. Not to say its not worthwhile just underwhelming for the price you pay. Looking at pier pylons out the viewing windows did not excite or garner my interest. Most people had vacated the observatory after about 10 minutes. You then walk to the end of the pier 50mts away for the obligatory photo / selfie and then wait for the return train ride. Most people choose the 1.8km walk back to shore rather than wait for the return sardine train ride. Definitely less busy after lunch. Take a coat as it does get cold out there even on a sinny 21degC day. $80 for 2 adults is poor value for the experience in my opinion. I suggest you pay the $4 fee to walk out on the pier to the observatory and choose if you then want to pay $20 for the underwater tour which you can pay for at the cafe / souvineer shop at the end of the pier. Not knocking this popular tourist attraction but the admittance fee just did not equate to the interest / enjoyment provided. Stay well and...

Another incredible experience at the Busselton Underwater Observatory! It's fantastic to be back this time with our young family, and it was just as captivating as I remembered. Giving it another well-deserved five stars!

It's truly fascinating to learn that the funding for the upkeep and maintenance of this unique attraction comes from tourism itself. Knowing that our visit directly contributes to preserving this amazing underwater world makes the experience even more meaningful. Hearing about the installation process of the observatory was also really interesting – quite an engineering feat!

Our kids were absolutely mesmerized by the marine life we saw through the viewing windows. It's such a unique and educational experience for all ages. We visited on a weekday and were pleased that there was "no wait" to enter, making it easy to navigate with little ones.

This is an absolute must-see! The Busselton Underwater Observatory offers a truly special glimpse into the underwater ecosystem, and it's wonderful to know that our support helps to keep it running for future...