Information
Landmark: AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia)City: Perth
Country: Australia
Continent: Australia
AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia), Perth, Australia, Australia
Overview
AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia – is the state’s largest and most striking aquarium, where visitors wander past shimmering coral reefs and discover the full sweep of its rich marine life.AQWA brings WA’s coastline to life, from the flash of bright coral reefs to the shadowy glide of deep-sea predators.At AQWA, you can wander through Australia’s biggest underwater tunnel, watch sharks and stingrays glide past just inches away, or even dive in beside the ocean’s most incredible creatures-an experience you’ll never forget, no matter your age.You’ll find it at 91 Southside Drive in Hillarys, about 20 km (12 miles) northwest of Perth-roughly a 25‑minute drive.The easiest way to get there is by car, and there’s free parking right at Hillarys Boat Harbour.From Perth Station, hop on a train to Joondalup, then catch a bus that winds its way to Hillarys Boat Harbour.So, why check out AQWA?It’s home to one of Australia’s biggest living coral reefs, where bright fish dart between branching corals.Step into the underwater tunnel and watch sharks and rays drift silently overhead, their shadows rippling across the glass.Here’s your chance to dive or snorkel among bright fish gliding through clear, warm water.Dip your hands into the touch pools and feel the rough skin of a starfish or the cool, soft body of a sea cucumber.Go behind the scenes to see how marine conservation works, from feeding sea turtles to caring for fragile coral.lowAt AQWA, the star of the Shipwreck Coast is a 98‑meter underwater tunnel, where you stroll beneath gliding sharks and rays that drift just overhead.In the tunnel, massive sharks glide past, including the grey nurse shark with its rows of jagged teeth.Giant stingrays drift overhead, their wings slicing the water like slow, silent fans.Schools of large fish glide past, weaving through the rusted beams of a sunken ship.Stretching farther than any other in Australia, this single aquarium tunnel surrounds you with a full 360-degree view-sharks gliding overhead, stingrays sweeping past your feet.Number two.The Coral Reef – a dazzling burst of color where bright corals sway beside anemones, and schools of reef fish flash past like scattered jewels.AQWA’s coral reef display ranks among Australia’s largest living coral exhibits, where clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish weave between bright coral arches and swaying fronds.Blue tangs dart past while parrotfish flash bright streaks of turquoise.Seahorses and pipefish vanish into the seagrass, their shapes melting into the swaying green.This exhibit brings to life the vibrant reefs of Western Australia, from Ningaloo’s turquoise shallows to the coral gardens of the Abrolhos Islands.Number three.highNumber four.AQWA’s touch pools invite you to roll up your sleeves and meet the ocean’s gentlest residents-like bumpy starfish, slippery sea cucumbers, curious baby sharks, and spiny sea urchins-making it a perfect hands-on adventure for kids and anyone eager to feel and observe marine life up close.Number five sits right after four, a small mark with a sharp top and a curved belly.Adventure with Sharks – Snorkel or dive in the aquarium, where AQWA lets you slip into the clear blue and come face-to-face with its largest residents for a true once-in-a-lifetime thrill.Snorkel with Sharks – Drift over huge sharks and graceful rays, watching their shadows ripple through the clear blue water on a safe, unforgettable adventure.Dive with Sharks – If you’re certified, this is the big one: slip into the tank and glide past sharks, rays, and other ocean giants, close enough to see the glint in their eyes.Experts lead every step, keeping the experience completely safe, so it’s ideal for thrill‑seekers chasing that rush of wind in their face.Number six sat on the page like a lone pebble in the dust.At AQWA’s Outdoor Adventure Bay – Penguins and More Outside – you’ll find a sparkling ocean lagoon where sea turtles glide past stingrays and bright, darting fish.A real treat is the little penguin enclosure, where you can see the tiny birds waddle across the rocks and slip into the water with a splash.Go behind the scenes at AQWA to see how the team cares for sea creatures, chops fresh fish for their meals, and keeps the towering blue tanks sparkling clean.Glass Bottom Boat Tour – glide over the Shipwreck Coast exhibit and watch sharks drift below, their shadows sliding across the sand.Have dinner after hours in the underwater tunnel, where fish glide past and the light shimmers like rippling glass.If you want to avoid the crowds, head to AQWA on a weekday when the halls feel calmer than the busy weekends.Go in the morning or wait until late afternoon, when the paths feel quieter and the crowds have thinned.School holidays mean more families crowding in, and the lines can feel twice as long.Fun fact: AQWA opened its doors in 1988, making it Australia’s first big aquarium, with tanks shimmering under the lights.It’s home to Australia’s largest single aquarium, where a wall of glass reveals hundreds of fish gliding through blue water.Showcases more than 400 marine species found along WA’s rugged coastline, from bright blue sea stars to darting silver fish.The walk-through tunnel holds three million liters of seawater, enough to feel the cool, salty air brush your face as you pass through.AQWA’s tanks hold genuine seawater, drawn straight from the Indian Ocean and still carrying the faint scent of salt and kelp.Final thoughts-AQWA isn’t just an aquarium; it’s a vivid journey along Western Australia’s coast, where bright tropical reefs give way to the shadowy hush of the deep sea.At AQWA, you can wander through a glowing underwater tunnel, spot venomous sea creatures, snorkel alongside sleek sharks, or touch the rough skin of a starfish-there’s something here for everyone.It’s a great spot for families, ocean lovers, and thrill-seekers, where you can watch a sea turtle glide past and feel the magic of the creatures that live in Australia’s waters.
