The Aquarium of Western Australia, or as it’s better known, AQWA, has always been a family favourite for many, and it continues to be a favourite of ours. We visit several times a year, and it never disappoints. At AQWA, you can explore 12,000km of WA’s coastline in just a few hours!
AQWA currently houses over 45 unique displays showcasing the native marine life and corals found along our WA coastline.
Embark on a captivating journey through the aquarium’s diverse exhibits, each offering a unique glimpse into different marine ecosystems:
The Great Southern: Discover the rich biodiversity of Australia’s southern coastline.
Danger Zone: Come face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most formidable inhabitants, many packed with poisons or absurd defences!
Glowing Ocean: Marvel in the glowing ocean, the immersive UV lighting reveals the otherwise invisible fluorescence of corals, anemones and small creatures.
Far North Coast: here is where you’ll meet colourful characters like “Nemo” and notice as the landscape transforms from Perth’s hardy limestone reefs to tropical, soft coral lagoons. Plus, don’t forget to smile at a baby crocodile here!
One of the aquarium’s most iconic features is its breathtaking underwater tunnel, which traverses through the 3 million litre Shipwreck Coast. This immersive experience allows visitors to venture beneath the surface, where an awe-inspiring array of marine life glides overhead. Majestic stingrays, imposing sharks, graceful sea turtles, and a diverse collection of other aquatic species create a mesmerizing spectacle above.
For those who haven’t visited recently, there have been exciting new additions that are particularly appealing to younger children.
One standout feature is the kid’s crawl-through cave, which allows little ones to step behind the glass. This creates a perfect photo opportunity for parents to capture their children seemingly immersed among the vibrant clownfish, affectionately known as “little Nemos.”
The Ocean Play Room has undergone a fantastic renovation, making it a must-visit spot for families with children aged 2 and up.
This revamped area now features two captivating attractions:
An artistic hub complete with a colouring station and interactive art displays, perfect for nurturing creativity and marine education.
A cutting-edge 3D sandbox where children can watch in wonder as the projected landscape transforms with their sand creations, blending hands-on play with visual technology.
This room has quickly become a family favourite, particularly adored by my daughters. Its immersive and educational nature is so compelling that we often find ourselves drawn back to it multiple times during our visits. It offers a perfect balance of fun and learning.
Don’t miss the Coral Conservatory, an exclusive area offering a glimpse into AQWA’s coral cultivation facility. Here, you can explore the process of reef formation by constructing your own using Lego blocks. Marvel at The Coral Bank of Western Australia, a living collection showcasing native coral species. This ‘Bank’ serves a crucial role in preserving Western Australia’s coral diversity, protecting marine biodiversity, and securing the future of our oceans.
A firm favourite with kids is the interactive Touch Pool. Here, you can gently hold a starfish or even carefully touch a baby shark.
To maximize your visit, plan your exploration around the scheduled feed-and-talk sessions. During these informative presentations, knowledgeable staff members feed the marine life while sharing fascinating insights about the various species. These sessions offer a perfect blend of entertainment and education, providing in-depth information about the creatures’ habits, habitats, and conservation status.
After exploring the various exhibits, take a well-deserved break at the impressive viewing platform overlooking one of the world’s largest outdoor coral reef displays. This extraordinary feature offers a perfect opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world.
The viewing experience is thoughtfully designed to provide multiple perspectives:
Aerial View: From the platform above, observe the intricate ecosystem from a bird’s-eye perspective, appreciating the full scope and layout of the coral reef.
Underwater Gallery: Descend to the lower level for a mesmerizing underwater view, where you can observe the reef’s inhabitants up close through expansive glass panels.
The viewing area has comfortable seating, inviting visitors to linger and fully appreciate the spectacle before them. Sink into one of the plush chairs and be captivated by the kaleidoscope of colourful fish weaving gracefully through the coral formations.
An outdoor pirate-themed playground provides an exciting space for children to play and explore. Plenty of picnic benches surround the area, offering convenient seating for parents to supervise and visitors to relax.
AQWA offers a variety of engaging activity programs for different age groups and interests. For school holidays, they have “Eco Teen” programs like Shark Swim and Turtle Researcher, providing full-day immersive experiences for teenagers passionate about marine life and conservation. For younger children, the Junior Marine Scientist program combines animal care, hands-on science activities, and behind-the-scenes access.
During school terms, AQWA runs Sea School, an 8-week program for 3-5 year olds that incorporates music, movement, crafts, and close-up exploration of sea creatures. Find out more here
For those seeking to enhance their visit, several exciting options are available:
Glass Bottom Boat Tour: For $29, which includes aquarium entry, visitors can embark on a unique voyage aboard a glass-bottom boat, offering a different perspective of the marine world below. Read our review here.
Shark Dive Experience: Thrill-seekers can take their adventure to the next level by diving with sharks, an exhilarating opportunity for those brave enough to get up close with these magnificent predators.
Underwater Dining: For a truly unforgettable experience, the aquarium hosts exclusive “Dine Below the Sea” events. These special dinners are set within the tunnel itself, surrounding guests with the serene beauty of the underwater world as they enjoy their meal.
Maximize your aquarium experience with an annual membership to AQWA. For a single fee, enjoy unlimited free visits for 12 months and 10% savings on café purchases and gift shop items. This option is ideal for regular visitors, offering both convenience and cost savings. If you anticipate multiple trips within a year, the membership quickly pays for itself while providing added perks.
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AQWA
Find AQWA at Hillarys Boat Harbour, 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys.
Free car parking is available next to AQWA.
For more information visit www.aqwa.com.au
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Kat is a mum of two little girls, Emilia and recent new addition Eleanor. Kat shares her travels around Perth and beyond on her instagram @thethriftymumma_ . Helping families find activities that are budget friendly but still packed with fun. Determined to get the most out of what WA has to offer without it costing the bank.
[…] Discover Western Australia’s favourite indoor aquarium centre on a Perth rainy day. The majority of the exhibits are indoors, and the touch pool where kids can get up close and personal with a selection of sea life is undercover outside. Why not grab lunch at the cafeteria style cafe and make a day of it? Whether you’re a local or just visiting Perth, a visit to AQWA is a great way to spend the day! Read our AQWA review. […]