AUDC - Busselton Pier

Location: Busselton Jetty, WA, Australia
Client: Subcon
Scale: 900 sqm
Cost: $AU30 million
Design Team:
Main Contractor - Subcon Blue Solutions
Lead Architect - BACA architects
Marine Engineering - Core Marine

Black and white photo of a long wooden pier extending into the water with people and a horse-drawn carriage on it.

Background

BACA architects have been appointed Lead Architects by marine contractor Subcon to deliver the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre (AUDC) and to retrofit the Busselton Jetty, Western Australia.

With a budget of AU$30million, the AUDC will become Australia’s largest natural marine observatory, located 2 km out at sea.

The project will include underwater dining, a retrofitted pier, and an upgraded existing café. Beyond its architectural significance, the AUDC is expected to generate around 200 direct jobs and catalyse thousands more in the local economy through hospitality, transport, retail, and trade, with an estimated AU$200 million economic benefit to the region.

Modern architectural interior with a wooden slatted suspended ceiling and wooden tables and chairs below.
Architectural elevation drawing of a building with a curved roof section and a traditional gable roof structure on the left, showing structural supports and interior layout outlines.
Architectural model of a pier structure with a series of repeating upright elements on a wooden base, placed on a green cutting mat on a wooden table.

Process

The design process was inspired by the “Spy Hop” behaviour of whales, where they raise their heads above water to observe their surroundings, reflecting the centre’s marine-focused ethos. Community engagement played a key role: three design proposals were presented to the Busselton public, and the whale-inspired “Cetacean” design was selected as the most favoured. This collaborative approach ensured the project resonated both with local identity and environmental sensitivity, fostering strong community support for the development.

Construction workers guide a large pipe being lowered by a Caterpillar excavator near a sandy trench by the waterfront.
Modern cafe interior with large windows overlooking water, featuring hanging plants, wooden ceiling, and people sitting and walking.
People dining on an outdoor deck overlooking calm ocean water at sunset with pink and purple clouds.

Architecture

The AUDC’s architectural concept, named the ‘Cetacean,’ draws from whale-like forms, creating a striking visual identity while integrating functional requirements for the underwater observatory. The design incorporates a tessellated, ribbed structural system for the retrofitted pier, allowing it to accommodate the new program while respecting existing infrastructure. The underwater and above-water elements are carefully harmonised, combining aesthetic innovation with technical performance. The structure is intended to immerse visitors in the marine environment while supporting the complex engineering and environmental demands of a large-scale observatory 2 km offshore.

Pier extending over calm ocean waters with people walking, a modern building with a slanted roof, and a platform where people are swimming and diving.
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