Australia’s new underwater discovery center will become the world’s largest marine observatory

The whale-inspired marine observatory at the end of a heritage-listed jetty in Western Australia will soon become the largest of its kind in the world. Scheduled to open in mid-2023, the Australian Underwater Discovery Center (AUDC)—called “The Cetacean”—will feature exhibition spaces, marine research centres, art galleries and underwater dining experience.

A collaboration between British firm Baca Architects, marine contractor Subcon and project engineers Coremarine boasts an underwater section with 18-foot-high windows overlooking the seagrass meadows and an above-water section with views. ocean and Busselton Pier. extends over a mile over the shallow, protected waters of Geographe Bay.

A 2.5-hour drive south of Western Australia’s capital, Perth, Geographe Bay is a resting area for southern humpback whale migrations and southern right whale spawning grounds, and Busselton enjoy the famous whale watching season that starts very early. September and ends around the end of November. On rare occasions, a lucky few also get to see blue whales and spear whales.

Cetacean aims to help educate visitors about marine protection and the impact of climate change on the oceans. The structure itself is also designed to provide a thriving habitat for fish and corals, with bio-receptive materials used that allow barnacles and algae to attach—just as they do with whales.

With a price tag of around AU$30 million, the project has received funding from both the federal and state governments, the City of Busselton and Busselton Jetty Inc, the company that operates the current underwater observatory.