The Queen Mary 2 will anchor in Geographe Bay on Monday Feb. 13 and over 2,000 passengers are expected to come ashore in Busselton, Western Australia. 

The QM2 will anchor near Buselton Jetty on the morning of 13 February. Passengers will be provided with a unique view of the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. Passengers will disembark via tender using the new purpose-built berthing platforms on the Busselton Jetty (weather permitting), according to a statement. 

Mayor Henley said: “The QM2 is one of the most admired and famous ocean liners in the world. Attracting her to the region is a significant achievement. This visit from the QM2 marks an important coming of age for the region in terms of establishing Geographe Bay as a world-class destination point for cruise ships.”

“Passenger satisfaction surveys rate Busselton as one of the friendliest destination points on the Australian cruising circuit,” said Mayor Henley. “This is thanks to the friendly welcome offered by the many volunteers who greet passengers on arrival and the enthusiasm of local business and community members.

Activities scheduled for the arrival of the QM2 include live music, a choir and a bush band. These will be held at the Busselton Forshore and within the Busselton Cultural Precinct. City retailers will be open for business on Monday offering cruise-day specials and decorating their shopfronts to provide a special welcome.