"The best attractions in Perth aren't on any tourist map," laughed Darren, a sun-tanned local we met during our last week in Western Australia. We'd been chatting about our favorite Perth experiences when he asked if we'd seen the underwater sculpture park. The blank looks on our faces must have given him the answer.
Three days and one mind-blowing snorkeling trip later, we couldn't believe this wasn't on every Perth travel itinerary. Between the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory and the growing collection of submerged art installations dotting Perth's coastline, we'd discovered an entirely new side to a city we thought we already knew.
How we stumbled upon Perth's best-kept secret
It started with an off-hand comment at a beachside café in Cottesloe. We were enjoying flat whites (Perth's coffee game is seriously strong) when we overheard a group of locals discussing some new underwater art installation. Curiosity piqued, we asked what they were talking about.
"You haven't heard about our underwater sculpture trail?" The surprise in their voices made us feel like we'd missed something obvious. "It's been growing for the past few years – artists creating these amazing sculptures that get installed on the seafloor. They become artificial reefs over time, so they're constantly changing as marine life grows on them."
After comparing notes with several locals and diving enthusiasts, we pieced together that Perth has been quietly developing one of the most innovative underwater art initiatives in the Southern Hemisphere. The project combines marine conservation with artistic expression – sculptures designed to become habitats for sea life while creating surreal underwater landscapes for divers and snorkelers.
We immediately adjusted our plans to make time for this unexpected discovery.
The Busselton Jetty: where art meets marine science
Our underwater art journey began at the iconic Busselton Jetty, located about 2.5 hours south of Perth's city center. At nearly 2 kilometers long, it's already an impressive structure above water. But what lies beneath is truly spectacular.
The Australian Underwater Discovery Centre at the end of the jetty houses one of the most accessible underwater observatories in the country. Through its 11 viewing windows, we watched an entirely different world unfold – schools of fish darting between colorful coral formations and, to our delight, several art installations strategically placed to create habitat diversity.
What makes this experience special is how the art seamlessly integrates with the natural environment. The sculptures – ranging from abstract reef-like structures to figurative pieces depicting local marine life – are designed specifically to encourage coral growth and provide shelter for fish.
"The sculptures change constantly," explained Emma, our enthusiastic guide. "What you're seeing today will look completely different in six months. The art is alive, literally growing and evolving as marine organisms make it their home."
One installation particularly captivated us – a series of human figures in various poses of contemplation, now partially covered with vibrant coral and sea sponges. The effect was both eerie and beautiful – like discovering the remains of an ancient underwater civilization being reclaimed by the sea.
Beyond Busselton: the expanding underwater art trail
While the Busselton Jetty Observatory provided our first glimpse into Perth's underwater art scene, we learned that numerous sites along the coast feature submerged sculptures – some accessible only to certified divers, others in shallow enough waters for casual snorkelers.
"The sculpture park off Marmion Marine Park is my personal favorite," Darren had told us back in Perth. "You can literally snorkel right off the beach and see multiple installations within an hour."
Taking his advice, we rented snorkeling gear and joined a small guided tour to explore the Marmion site. The water clarity was remarkable that day – allowing us clear views of the sculptures even from the surface.
Unlike the more contained experience at Busselton, swimming among these scattered art pieces felt like an underwater treasure hunt. We'd follow our guide for a while, then suddenly she'd point downward, and there beneath us would be another sculpture emerging from the seafloor – a giant octopus with tentacles creating hiding spots for small fish, a series of connected rings that schools of silver fish used as a highway, abstract geometric shapes already fuzzy with algae growth.
What struck us most was how each sculpture seemed to have developed its own mini-ecosystem. Fish species that typically wouldn't share territory were coexisting around these artificial reefs, creating vibrant underwater communities.
The perfect blend of art and environmental conservation
What makes Perth's underwater sculpture initiative particularly impressive is its dual purpose. Beyond creating unique experiences for visitors, these installations address serious environmental challenges facing Australia's marine ecosystems.
"Many of our natural reefs are under pressure from climate change, pollution, and overfishing," explained Dr. Lisa Morgan, a marine biologist we met during our exploration who works with the sculpture program. "These art installations provide alternative habitats that can help take pressure off natural reef systems while still supporting marine biodiversity."
The sculptures themselves are made from pH-neutral materials that don't harm the marine environment – specialized concrete mixtures, marine-grade stainless steel, and other substances designed to encourage coral attachment and growth. Some even incorporate fragments of damaged corals, giving them a new foundation to regenerate.
It's a perfect example of how human creativity can work with nature rather than against it – creating beauty while simultaneously supporting fragile ecosystems.
Unexpected encounters beneath the waves
The highlight of our underwater art expedition came unexpectedly during our second snorkeling trip. We'd ventured to another site off Rockingham, about 40 minutes south of Perth's city center, known for its clearer waters and larger installation pieces.
As we floated above a sculptural piece resembling a partially submerged building (inspired by climate change awareness), we noticed unusual movement around its "windows." Approaching cautiously, we discovered what our guide later identified as a blue-ringed octopus – one of Australia's most venomous marine creatures – that had made its home in one of the sculpture's crevices.
While maintaining a very safe distance, we watched in awe as this beautiful but deadly creature, no bigger than a golf ball, moved fluidly across the sculpture's surface. Its vibrant blue rings pulsated subtly – a warning sign we respected by keeping well away.
"That's incredibly rare to see during daylight hours," our guide whispered when we surfaced. "They're usually nocturnal and very shy. This is exactly why these sculptures are so important – they're creating habitats for species we rarely get to observe."
That brief encounter highlighted something profound about the underwater art experience – unlike traditional museums where you observe static displays, these living galleries create opportunities for genuine wildlife encounters that are unpredictable and thrilling.
How to experience Perth's underwater art scene (even if you're not a diver)
The beauty of Perth's underwater art initiatives is that they're designed to be accessible at various comfort levels:
For non-swimmers and those who prefer staying dry:
- The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory offers air-conditioned viewing 8 meters below the surface
- Several tour operators run glass-bottom boat tours specifically focused on the sculpture sites
- The Western Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle has exhibits about the underwater art program, including videos and scale models
For casual swimmers and snorkelers:
- Guided snorkeling tours depart regularly from several Perth beaches, with all equipment provided
- Some sculptures are placed in protected, shallow waters perfect for beginners
- Several beaches have marked underwater trails leading to nearby sculptures
For certified divers:
- Numerous dive shops offer specialized tours of the deeper installation sites
- Night dives provide a completely different perspective on the sculptures
- Photography-focused dive trips help you capture these surreal underwater landscapes
We opted for the guided snorkeling experience since Michael's diving certification had expired years ago, and it proved to be the perfect middle ground – allowing us close interaction with the sculptures without requiring technical diving skills.
Planning tips from our experience
If you're heading to Perth and want to explore this hidden underwater world, here are our practical suggestions:
Time your visit wisely: Water clarity varies seasonally. Locals recommended late spring (October-November) and autumn (March-April) for the best visibility and comfortable water temperatures.
Book observatory visits in advance: The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory often sells out, especially during summer and school holidays. We secured our spots three days ahead and still barely made it in.
Consider the weather: Even light winds can affect water clarity for snorkeling sites. We rescheduled our Marmion snorkel trip by one day after strong overnight winds and were rewarded with much clearer conditions.
Bring an underwater camera: We kicked ourselves for not having a proper underwater camera setup. A basic waterproof action camera will capture these unique experiences far better than trying to describe them later.
Talk to locals: The underwater art scene is constantly evolving, with new installations appearing regularly. Local dive shops and visitor centers have the most up-to-date information about recently added sculptures.
Why Perth's underwater art deserves more recognition
After experiencing Perth's underwater art scene firsthand, we were genuinely surprised it isn't more widely celebrated in travel guides and international art circles. These installations represent a fascinating evolution in public art – creating works that serve ecological functions while delivering unique aesthetic experiences.
Unlike traditional art that remains static in climate-controlled museums, these sculptures transform over time, becoming more integrated with their environment with each passing year. The coral growth doesn't obscure the art; it completes it – fulfilling the artists' intentions of creating living, evolving pieces.
For travelers who think they've "seen it all," Perth's underwater sculpture parks offer something genuinely novel – an art experience that engages all your senses while connecting you with the natural world in unexpected ways.
As we reluctantly packed our bags to leave Western Australia, we added these underwater art experiences to our growing list of reasons to return to Perth – a city that continues to surprise us with its creativity and connection to the ocean that defines it.
Have you discovered any unexpected art experiences in your travels? Or have you visited any of Perth's underwater installations? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
