AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia

Overview The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is a marine life attraction located at Hillarys Boat Harbour. It exclusively showcases the marine animals and environments found along Western Australia's 12,000km coastline. The aquarium is organised into distinct zones representing different coastal regions, from the cold waters of the Great Southern to the tropical reefs of the Far North.

Key exhibits include Australia's largest single aquarium, the 'Shipwreck Coast', which holds three million litres of seawater and features a 98-metre underwater tunnel with a moving walkway. AQWA is home to approximately 400 species of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, turtles, and living coral. In addition to general admission, the facility offers experiences such as a glass-bottom boat tour, diving with sharks, and behind-the-scenes passes for an additional fee.

Highlights

• Features Australia's largest walk-through underwater tunnel, which passes through the 3-million-litre Shipwreck Coast aquarium.
• An interactive touch pool where visitors can make contact with marine life like starfish and small sharks under supervision.
• Hosts one of the world's largest living coral reef exhibits, displaying corals and fish from the waters around Rottnest Island.

Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")

What parents like: The interactive elements, such as the touch pool and the large underwater tunnel with its moving walkway, are frequently mentioned as highlights for children. The variety of marine life and the educational talks are also noted as positives.

What to watch out for: The venue can become very crowded, particularly during school holidays, on weekends, and on rainy days. Parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour can be limited during these peak periods, so arriving early is often recommended. Some visitors note the admission price can be a considerable expense for a family outing that typically lasts 2-3 hours.

Logistics & Tips

Best for: All ages. Specific educational programs are available for different age groups, including a Sea School for 3-5 year olds, a Junior Marine Scientist program for ages 6-12, and Eco Teen programs for ages 12-16.

Facilities: Café, gift shop, toilets, baby change facilities, picnic area, and free parking are available. The venue has ramp access, a lift to the underwater tunnel, and offers complimentary wheelchair hire.

Note: Tickets can be pre-purchased online. The aquarium is open 7 days a week, closing only on Christmas Day. Some experiences, like the Glass Bottom Boat, have a minimum age requirement of 4 years.