Community Spotlight - Auslan at Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory

A visit to the iconic Busselton Jetty is more than just ajourney along the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere-it isan opportunity for everyone to connect with the remarkable underwater world ofGeographe Bay.

As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility andinclusion, the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory now offers an Auslan(Australian Sign Language) tour experience, ensuring deaf and hard-of-hearingvisitors can fully enjoy one of Western Australia’s most unique attractions.

The Underwater Observatory takes visitors eight metres belowthe surface, where vibrant corals, sponges, fish and other marine life can beviewed through eleven large observation windows. Traditionally, the experiencehas relied heavily on guided commentary to explain the fascinating ecosystembeneath the jetty.

Recognising that spoken narration alone can create barriers,Busselton Jetty has introduced an Auslan tour video featuring a localinterpreter signing the complete Underwater Observatory script. Complete withsubtitles, the video enables deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors to experiencethe same engaging stories, marine education and historical insights as hearingguests. Several tour guides have also received basic sign language training,helping create a more welcoming environment for visitors using Auslan.

The Auslan initiative forms part of a broader accessibilityprogram that reflects the Busselton Jetty’s commitment to ensuring everyvisitor can enjoy the experience.

Additional accessibility features include;

• A hearing loop to enhance audio during tours.

• Wheelchair-accessible Jetty Train services.

• Lift access within the Underwater Observatory.

• Accessible viewing areas and facilities.

• Social Stories help visitors prepare for their experience.

• Tour translations are available in multiple languages forinternational visitors.

These thoughtful initiatives demonstrate that accessibilityis not simply about creating meaningful experiences where everyone feelswelcome and included.

Tourism experiences become truly memorable when they can beshared by everyone. By incorporating Auslan into the Underwater Observatoryexperience, Busselton Jetty is setting an example for attractions acrossAustralia, showing that inclusive design benefits visitors, families andcommunities alike.

For members of the Deaf community, access to information intheir primary language creates a richer, more engaging visit. For hearingvisitors, it also raises awareness of Auslan and highlights the importance ofmaking public experiences accessible to all.

Whether you’re travelling with family, exploring WesternAustralia’s spectacular South West, or discovering the underwater world for thefirst time, the Busselton Jetty Observatory offers an experience whereinclusion is part of the journey.

By embracing Auslan alongside its broader accessibilityinitiatives, Busselton Jetty demonstrates that the wonders beneath the wavesshould be enjoyed by everyone – regardless of how they communicate. Inclusion,like the ocean.

Inclusion, like the ocean itself, is at its best wheneveryone can dive in.

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