AQWA — Aquarium of Western Australia

Overview

AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) is the largest aquarium in the country, showcasing marine life found along WA's 12,500-kilometre coastline. Located at Hillarys Boat Harbour, it features an underwater tunnel, touch pools, and over 200 species.

Highlights

• 98-metre underwater tunnel: Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and loggerhead turtles.
• Danger Zone: Get face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles, blue-ringed octopuses, and stonefish.
• Dive with sharks: A cage-free snorkel or dive experience inside the main tank (bookings required).

History

Opened in 1988 as Underwater World, the aquarium was rebranded as AQWA in 2001 and expanded with a major reef exhibit. It holds 3 million litres of seawater drawn from the adjacent Indian Ocean.

Visitor Tips

• Animal encounters: Bookable shark dives and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Getting there: Located at Hillarys; take the Joondalup line to Warwick then Bus 423.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours.