AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) | Perth

AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia

AQWA is Western Australia’s largest and most impressive aquarium, offering visitors an immersive journey through the state’s diverse marine life. From vibrant coral reefs to deep-sea predators, AQWA showcases the incredible biodiversity of WA’s coastline. Whether you want to walk through Australia’s largest underwater tunnel, get up close with sharks and stingrays, or even dive with the creatures of the sea, AQWA is an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Location and How to Get There

Address: 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys, WA

Distance from Perth: About 20 km (12 miles) northwest of the city

Travel Time: Around 25 minutes by car

Best Way to Visit:

By Car: Free parking available at Hillarys Boat Harbour.

By Public Transport: Take a train from Perth Station to Joondalup, then a bus to Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Why Visit AQWA?

Home to one of Australia’s largest living coral reefs.

Walk-through underwater tunnel where sharks and rays glide above.

Chance to dive or snorkel with marine life.

Interactive touch pools to feel starfish and sea cucumbers.

Behind-the-scenes tours for a deeper understanding of marine conservation.

Top Experiences at AQWA

1. The Shipwreck Coast – Australia’s Largest Underwater Tunnel

AQWA’s main attraction is its 98-meter-long underwater tunnel, where you can walk beneath a breathtaking display of marine predators. The tunnel features:

Massive sharks, including the fearsome grey nurse shark.

Giant stingrays gliding gracefully above.

Schools of large fish, all swimming through a recreated shipwreck environment.

This is the longest single aquarium tunnel in Australia, giving you an unmatched 360-degree view of the ocean’s top predators.

2. The Coral Reef – A Vibrant Explosion of Color

Step into a world of brilliantly colored corals, anemones, and reef fish. AQWA’s coral reef display is one of the largest living coral exhibits in Australia, featuring:

Clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish darting between coral formations.

Blue tangs and parrotfish adding pops of color.

Seahorses and pipefish blending into their surroundings.

This exhibit captures the magic of Western Australia’s tropical reefs, including those of Ningaloo and the Abrolhos Islands.

3. Danger Zone – Meet the Ocean’s Deadliest Creatures

Not all sea creatures are friendly—AQWA’s Danger Zone is dedicated to the most venomous and dangerous marine species, including:

Deadly box jellyfish

Blue-ringed octopus

Stonefish and lionfish

Sea snakes

Learn about their toxins, behaviors, and why these creatures are both feared and respected.

4. Touch Pools – Hands-On Marine Encounters

For a fun and educational experience, AQWA’s touch pools let you interact with gentle marine creatures, including:

Starfish and sea cucumbers

Baby sharks

Crabs and sea urchins

This is perfect for kids and anyone curious about how marine animals feel and behave up close.

5. Adventure with Sharks – Snorkel or Dive in the Aquarium

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, AQWA offers two incredible opportunities to swim with its biggest residents.

Snorkel with Sharks – Float above the massive sharks and rays in a safe snorkeling adventure.

Dive with Sharks – For certified divers, this is the ultimate thrill—swimming inside the tank alongside sharks, rays, and other ocean giants.

These experiences are completely safe and guided by experts, making them perfect for thrill-seekers.

6. The Outdoor Adventure Bay – Penguins and More

Outside, AQWA features a natural ocean lagoon, home to sea turtles, stingrays, and playful fish. One of the highlights is the little penguin enclosure, where you can watch these adorable birds waddle and swim.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours and Special Experiences

Behind the Scenes Tour – Learn how AQWA cares for its marine life, prepares food for the animals, and maintains its massive tanks.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Float above the Shipwreck Coast exhibit and see sharks from a unique perspective.

Dine Beneath the Sea – Special after-hours dinner events inside the underwater tunnel.

Best Time to Visit AQWA

Weekdays – Less crowded than weekends.

Morning or Late Afternoon – Ideal for avoiding peak visitor times.

School Holidays – Expect more families and longer wait times.

Fun Facts About AQWA

It was Australia’s first major aquarium, opening in 1988.

Home to the largest single aquarium in Australia.

Features over 400 species of marine life from WA’s coastline.

Its walk-through tunnel holds three million liters of seawater.

AQWA’s tanks are filled with real seawater, pumped in directly from the Indian Ocean.

Final Thoughts – Why AQWA is a Must-Visit

AQWA is more than just an aquarium—it’s a journey through Western Australia’s entire coastline, from the tropical reefs to the deep sea. Whether you want to walk through an underwater world, see venomous sea creatures, snorkel with sharks, or get hands-on with marine life, AQWA offers something for everyone.

It’s the perfect place for families, ocean lovers, and adventure seekers, giving you a chance to connect with the amazing creatures that call the Australian waters home.