Aquarium of Western Australia
Immerse yourself in Western Australia's vibrant underwater world at AQWA, featuring a stunning tunnel and interactive touch pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Aquarium of Western Australia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in Western Australia's vibrant underwater world at AQWA, featuring a stunning tunnel and interactive touch pools.
"The underwater tunnel is truly breathtaking, and the exhibits showcase Western Australia’s marine life beautifully."
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The vibrant colors and unique creatures make for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll to Breakwater
For more dining options, take a short walk to Breakwater.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Tunnel
Main Exhibit
Walk through a breathtaking tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and vibrant fish. A truly immersive experience!
Touch Pools
Interactive Zone
Get hands-on with marine creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers in these engaging, educational pools. Fun for all ages!
Western Australian Marine Life
Various Exhibits
Discover the unique and diverse aquatic life native to Western Australia, from delicate seahorses to majestic sharks.
Friendly Octopus Encounter
The Point
Meet the aquarium's resident octopus, known for its friendly demeanor and fascinating intelligence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan Your Visit Around Feeding Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The vibrant colors and unique creatures make for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll to Breakwater
For more dining options, take a short walk to Breakwater.
AQWA - any good?
Trip to AQWA the other day
⏰ Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around feeding sessions for an extra treat!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and potentially save money by booking in advance.
AQWA Stingray Bay
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The vibrant colors and unique creatures make for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll to Breakwater
For more dining options, take a short walk to Breakwater.
⏰ Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around feeding sessions for an extra treat!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and potentially save money by booking in advance.
👶 Kid-Friendly Fun
Perfect for families with young children, offering interactive and educational experiences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise AQWA for its breathtaking underwater tunnel and engaging touch pools, making it a fantastic family outing. The aquarium's focus on Western Australian marine life is a significant draw, offering a unique and educational experience. While generally well-organized and clean, some visitors note it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
"A great place to visit, especially if you have young kids. It's perfect for a weekend trip during the summer. They have their own café, but if you'd like more options, you can walk to Breakwater, which is within walking distance.
There are plenty of interactive and educational tools for children to learn about marine life. Definitely a good destination for families with young kids."
Deric Chan
"The aquarium was so cool! It had a glow in the dark feel to it. My friend and I really enjoyed it, as we saw many different sea creatures such as clown fish, sea dragon, stingray and shark. It was nice to see all the kids with their parents enjoy it so much too, as it adds to the positive vibe. Also a very close walk from the Hillarys Boat Harbour too~"
David Bui
"AQWA is a wonderful experience! The underwater tunnel is truly breathtaking, and the exhibits showcase Western Australia’s marine life beautifully. My daughter especially enjoyed the touch pools, and the whole place was clean, well-organized, and engaging. It’s not the largest aquarium I’ve visited, but it’s definitely a must-see in Perth."
Paulo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is located at Southside Drive, Hillarys Boat Harbour, WA 6025. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Public transport options include bus routes that connect to the harbour.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Hillarys Boat Harbour, which is adjacent to AQWA. You can usually find a spot without much difficulty.
Absolutely! AQWA is conveniently located within Hillarys Boat Harbour, making it a very short and pleasant walk from the parking areas and other attractions.
Several Transperth bus routes service the Hillarys Boat Harbour area. You can check the Transperth website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules from your location.
Yes, AQWA is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and prams, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly from the official AQWA website, which is often recommended for booking in advance to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. Tickets are also available at the entrance.
Ticket prices can vary, but it's best to check the official AQWA website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and family passes. Booking online may offer discounts.
Keep an eye on the AQWA website for any special offers or promotions. Sometimes, booking in advance or purchasing family packages can lead to savings.
AQWA typically opens daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can change seasonally or for special events.
Refund policies can vary, so it's important to review the terms and conditions when purchasing your tickets online. It's advisable to book for a time you are sure you can attend.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The underwater tunnel is a major highlight, offering a 360-degree view of marine life. Don't miss the touch pools for an interactive experience and the exhibits showcasing Western Australia's diverse marine species.
Yes, AQWA is highly recommended for families with children. It features interactive touch pools, educational displays, and a captivating underwater tunnel that kids love.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside AQWA, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the marine life. Be sure to check for any specific signage.
AQWA offers interactive touch pools where you can gently touch sea stars and other creatures. They also sometimes have keeper talks and feeding demonstrations.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring AQWA, allowing time to see all the exhibits, enjoy the touch pools, and perhaps catch a feeding demonstration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, AQWA has its own cafe offering a selection of food and beverages. It's a convenient spot to grab a bite during your visit.
You can easily walk to other dining establishments within Hillarys Boat Harbour, which offers a variety of cafes and restaurants with different cuisines.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium, but it's always best to check their specific policy on their website or by contacting them directly.
The cafe typically offers light meals, snacks, and drinks suitable for a family outing. Expect items like sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and juices.
Cafe prices can be comparable to other tourist attractions. For more budget-friendly options, exploring the wider Hillarys Boat Harbour precinct might be beneficial.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater tunnel offers incredible opportunities for photos with marine life. The vibrant coral displays and unique creatures in other exhibits also make for great shots.
Flash photography is usually discouraged or prohibited inside aquariums to avoid disturbing the animals. Always look for signs indicating where flash is not allowed.
Generally, personal cameras and smartphones are fine. However, professional photography equipment or tripods might require special permission, so it's best to inquire if you plan on extensive shoots.
Expect to capture stunning images of sharks swimming overhead, schools of fish darting past, and graceful stingrays gliding by. It's a truly immersive photographic experience.
Use a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode. Stabilize your camera to avoid blur, and focus on capturing the vibrant colors of the marine life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The on-site cafe provides convenient food options, or you can explore the many eateries at Hillarys Boat Harbour. The aquarium's layout is generally stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of flash photography restrictions, as they are in place to protect the animals. Look for opportunities to capture the graceful movements of stingrays or the imposing presence of sharks. The diverse exhibits provide a range of subjects, from delicate seahorses to colorful reef fish.
🐠 Marine Life Aficionados
The detailed information provided for each species offers a deep dive into their ecological roles and conservation status. The aquarium's commitment to regional focus makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the specific marine life of this part of the world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Western Australia's Marine Wonders
One of the most popular features is the underwater tunnel, which allows visitors to walk through a simulated ocean environment. Here, you're surrounded by a diverse array of marine life, including large sharks, graceful stingrays, and schools of shimmering fish. This immersive experience provides a unique perspective and is a highlight for many visitors. The touch pools offer a more hands-on encounter, allowing guests to gently interact with creatures like sea stars and sea cucumbers under the supervision of AQWA staff.
While AQWA might not be the largest aquarium globally, its focus on regional marine life makes it a special destination. It offers a comprehensive and engaging journey through the underwater world of Western Australia, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in marine conservation and the beauty of the ocean. The aquarium also plays a role in conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of protecting these delicate ecosystems.
Family Fun and Educational Experiences
The underwater tunnel provides a captivating visual spectacle that mesmerizes both children and adults. Watching sharks and rays glide overhead creates a sense of wonder and awe. Beyond the visual appeal, AQWA incorporates educational elements throughout the exhibits, with informative signage and sometimes keeper talks that explain the habits and importance of various marine species. This makes the visit not just fun, but also enriching.
With its convenient location at Hillarys Boat Harbour and on-site cafe, AQWA is well-equipped to handle family visits. The layout is generally easy to navigate with prams, and the overall atmosphere is positive and welcoming. It's a perfect spot for a day out, offering a memorable experience that combines discovery with enjoyment for the whole family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit