Special Entry

Schools gain special entry through our Marina Bay access gate or Function Centre Entrance. This reduces crowding and enables you to be greeted in a shaded area, before accessing our popular outdoor exhibits first. On arrival please keep your group at the base of our main entrance while the designated teacher checks in at reception. An Ocean Guide will then welcome your group.

An excursion in a nutshell

A visit to AQWA is about being surrounded by three million litres of water and having sharks and stingrays swim overhead; seeing a rescue turtle for the first time; and learning how to hold a starfish in your hand. It is about being in front of floor to ceiling windows, imagining you're a real diver as you peer into the secret world of a living coral reef! Not to mention, staring straight into the eyes of dangerous (yet FASCINATING) sea creatures! Show them a new perspective. Spark their curiosity. Discover the unknown... and inspire a lifelong passion. Start the journey with an AQWA Excursion!

Excursion length

AQWA is open from 9am – 4pm and a Standard Excursion is 2.5 hours. Our themed Excursion Packages include either a 1 hour activity or a 'full day' program.

Bus parking

Bus parking is available directly in front of AQWA’s entrance. Free 4-hour car parking is also available.

Tickets

You can book your excursion online now - Click to view options and available dates. You will receive an instant email confirmation when you complete your booking. This email includes all required paperwork including; covid safety plan certificate, curriculum links and evacuation procedures.

Logistics (Standard Excursion)

AMENITIES: AQWA’s indoor exhibits are air conditioned; there is a free water fountain (by the touch pool); shaded picnic areas are available for groups to eat FOOD: AQWA provides an allocated space at our outdoor areas for groups to eat, or shared use of our function centre in wet weather. Picnic areas are located at our Marina Bay, Coral Reef and Touch Pool. Groups can also make use of the grassed area adjacent to AQWA if they need to be close to their bus to retrieve eskies etc. Lunch can be pre-ordered from the Cafe. STORAGE: AQWA can provide an allocated space for bags/lunch storage if requested. Students are not to leave bags unattended throughout the venue.

Accessibility

ACCESS: there is an access ramp or elevator to all areas, except our Great Southern exhibit. FACILITIES: there are large unisex disabled toilets available

Resources

An extensive range of resources are available for download, including over 50 animal fact sheets, lesson plans, stories and curriculum linked activities. Teachers are also offered a free planning visit to familiarise yourselves with our exhibits and the learning environment.

AQWA Cafe

Never fear parent helpers - the AQWA cafe is open from 9.30am-3pm and serves coffee and tea to save your sanity! A range of meals and snacks also available. Our cafe at Hillarys also offers a selection of School Lunch Orders, at discounted prices, which can be ordered in advance.

Gift Shop

AQWA’s exit is through the gift shop. Teachers may wish to pop in prior to exiting as there is a wide range of educational resources including an extensive range of ocean themed story books.

What’s on

Check out any special programs that may be happening for schools above. You can also check our free activities for the public that may be happening during your scheduled visit.

School holidays

Vacation Care groups are welcome on Public and School Holidays and receive 10% off standard AQWA entry. Must be pre-booked. Follow this link >