The AQWA journey

Explore over 12,000km of coastline in just one day at AQWA

Western Australia's expansive coastline is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Up to 70% of the incredible marine species found here are endemic; meaning you won't find them anywhere else in the world.

AQWA celebrates this uniqueness and takes you on an underwater journey, from the icy southern waters to a northern tropical wonderland. As you explore AQWA you'll find yourself in one of four distinct zones; each showcasing the native marine life found along that section of WA's diverse and vibrant coastline.

Great Southern Coast

Great Southern Coast

Descend into the icy waters of the Great Southern, where wind and waves from Antarctica shape isolated shores. Protected amongst the granite boulders are idyllic sheltered bays - here you'll find obscure and rare sea creatures like leafy seadragons and pineapplefish!

Shipwreck Coast

Shipwreck Coast

Travel on our moving conveyor belt, through Australia’s largest single aquarium and underwater tunnel to discover giant sharks, stingrays, turtles and hundreds of shimmering temperate fish. Stretching from Lancelin to Kalbarri, the jagged red-rock cliffs and protruding limestone reefs of this region once sent many unprepared ships to their peril!

Perth Coast

Perth Coast

Meet the charismatic creatures of the Perth Coast; like the gloomy octopus, western rock lobsters, blue devil, Australian cuttlefish and gobbleguts fish! The stunning white sandy beaches of our metropolitan coast flow into flat seafloors, pulsing seagrass beds, little islands and limestone reefs.

Coral & Far North Coast

Coral & Far North Coast

From the tropical wonderland of corals reefs in Ningaloo to the muddy mangrove flats of Kununurra, the coral and northern coast is as ancient as the Earth and remains an untouched beauty. Meet colourful characters like "Nemo", watch the flux of delicate soft corals and don't forget to smile at a baby crocodile as you explore the north.

AQWA Exhibits

Encounter sharks, stingrays, turtles, crocodiles, 'Nemo' and so much more!

Peer in to more than 45 marine exhibits to witness iconic, unusual and even DEADLY sea creatures; all of which are found here in our big, blue backyard! AQWA only exhibits native Western Australian marine life, many of which are rare beauties endemic to our state.

Be immersed in stunning themed displays that represent our trademark sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, ancient archipelagos, remote mangroves and more!

Each exhibit has been crafted to replicate the beautiful native surroundings of the animals it houses, as well as offer an engaging experience for our visitors!

We simply can't list them all, but some standout exhibits not to be missed are found in AQWA's Walkthrough and Outdoor zones - learn more about these below!

Walkthrough: Danger Zone

Walkthrough: Danger Zone

Face a deadly lineup of marine creatures that can sting, stab, punch and bite to immobilise or even kill! The DANGERzone is an eye-opening exhibit of Western Australia’s most dangerous marine life and is not to be missed.

Walkthrough: Glowing Ocean

Walkthrough: Glowing Ocean

This feature exhibit is a celebration of light and colour! Our immersive UV lighting delivers a patchwork quilt of glowing corals and highlights the otherwise invisible fluorescent details of delicate fish, invertebrates and anemones.

Walkthrough: Coral Conservatory

Walkthrough: Coral Conservatory

Step into the Coral Conservatory; a dedicated space which allows you to peek behind the scenes into our coral growing room; discover how reefs form as you build one out of Lego; and behold The Coral Bank of Western Australia. This living catalogue of native corals aims to conserve WA’s coral species, preserve biodiversity and safeguard oceans for the future.

Outdoor: Rottnest Coral Reef

Outdoor: Rottnest Coral Reef

The jewel in AQWA's crown is the Rottnest Coral Reef, one of the world's largest living coral exhibits. This bustling underwater city features the many reef-building native corals of Rottnest Island and Perth, amid intricate limestone structures. Sit back in comfortable seating and enjoy the kaleidoscope of life and colour.

Outdoor: Turtle Rescue Pool

Outdoor: Turtle Rescue Pool

The Turtle Pool is funded by the AQWA Foundation to rehabilitate and release sick and injured sea turtles. You can meet and feed our rescue turtles and learn about the rehabilitation process with a Behind the Scenes Pass or during the Junior Marine Scientist school holiday program!

Outdoor: Touch Pool

Outdoor: Touch Pool

Discover so much more as you gently interact with marine life at the dedicated Touch Pool. Is a starfish rough or soft? Can sea cucumbers move? What will happen if I pat that baby shark... these are all questions you can answer for yourself after a visit to the Touch Pool!

Gloomy Octopus

AQWA Facts: Gloomy Octopus

Sea Snake

AQWA Facts: Sea snake

Western Rock Lobster

AQWA Facts: Western rock lobster

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

AQWA Facts: Peacock mantis shrimp

Saltwater Crocodile

AQWA Facts: Saltwater crocodile

Did you know?

AQWA is one of the very few aquariums worldwide that doesn’t use artificial corals in its exhibits; instead growing and displaying only living, local corals. The spectacular shapes and colours of each

Sea for yourself!

Explore Western Australia's distinct coastal zones and be immersed in stunning themed exhibits.

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