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 marine species found in our southwest 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 icy southern waters to northern tropical wonderlands. As you move through AQWA you'll explore four distinct zones; each showcasing the native marine life found along that section of WA's 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.

Did you know?

AQWA only exhibits native Western Australian marine life, many of which are rare beauties endemic to our state.

AQWA Exhibits

Discover more with unique themed exhibits

Along your journey you will be immersed in stunning displays that represent the best in the West; including our trademark sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, ancient archipelagos and remote mangroves.

But the journey doesn't end here... after you complete your coastline expedition, there's even more exhibits to explore in our Walkthrough and Outdoor zones. There's the chance to touch and interact with marine life; meet rescue turtles; uncover a hidden, glowing world; witness one of the world's largest coral reef aquariums & discover the most dangerous and deadly of creatures!

Danger Zone

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.

Glowing Ocean

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.

Coral Conservatory

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: 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!

Underwater Gallery: Coral Reef

Underwater Gallery: Coral Reef

The jewel in AQWA's crown is the 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.

Underwater Gallery: Seagrass Meadow

Underwater Gallery: Seagrass Meadow

Seagrass beds and coral reefs are natural neighbours, found together, just like in our gallery. Seagrass seeds and coral eggs travel in ocean currents, then settle alongside each other to form dynamic ecosystems. Seagrass meadows calm the shifting sand, soothe the waves and hold extra nutrients so that corals can grow and thrive! They're also the ocean's nursery, giving safety to the smallest crustaceans and fry.

AQWA's Animals

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

Meet some of the colourful creatures you might encounter at AQWA, ranging from humongous predators to intricate and elusive beauties that you might never have imagined could exist!

Gloomy Octopus

AQWA Facts: Gloomy Octopus

Western Rock Lobster

AQWA Facts: Western rock lobster

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

AQWA Facts: Peacock mantis shrimp

Saltwater Crocodile

AQWA Facts: Saltwater crocodile

Moon Jellyfish

AQWA Facts: Moon Jellyfish

Did you know?

AQWA is one of the very few aquariums worldwide that doesn’t use artificial corals; instead growing and displaying only living, local corals! It's painstaking work, but immeasurably worthwhile.

Sea for yourself!

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

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