AQWA expansion & redevelopment
sea for yourself
AQWA expansion and redevelopment
A 3D virtual shark-swim, vast living reefs, ‘do & sea’ discovery spaces plus a seaside eatery and new outdoor play arena are all part of an exciting expansion and redevelopment project for the Aquarium of Western Australia.
The multistage project is set to extend and redefine the aquarium’s journey of aquatic discovery, blending the natural beauty and diverse habitats of Western Australia’s magnificent coastal regions with state-of-the-art technology and interactive learning.
Having welcomed almost 10 million visitors since opening, the project will advance the aquarium’s status as a major tourist attraction, enhancing the local destination and enriching Western Australia’s visitor experience.
Works for the multi-million-dollar project are commencing in 2026, with the first new attractions expected to open to the public in 2027.
The initial stage of the expansion will feature the aquarium’s signature new attraction, the Two Oceans Theatre, a 10-meter-high, 125 seat 3D dome cinema and event venue.
Immersing visitors in a spectacular underwater experience (where no one gets wet), the theatre will blend innovative technology and ocean discovery into groundbreaking cinematic wonder.
Supporting the aquarium’s commitment to enhancing community awareness and understanding of the marine world, stage one will also incorporate a vibrant new interpretive zone. A place where hands-on learning and interactive technologies celebrate and showcase the unique marine life of Western Australia.
The centrepiece of stage 2 will be the sprawling 12 meter wide, 3 metre high elliptical aquarium that will come to life with Blacktip and Whitetip reef sharks (some of the ocean’s speediest fish).
Accompanying this will be a towering coral wall and an expansive open-top exhibit, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity of WA’s reefs and atolls.
Opening in the later stages, a new ground floor entrance, large foyer and multiple entryways will streamline visitor access.
On arrival, visitors will be welcomed by a new pedestrian boulevard, complete with grassed parklands and native gardens.
A new café with outdoor terraces overlooking Perth’s stunning northern coastline will also come with the later stages of the expansion.
For younger visitors, a new outdoor activity space will be just as exciting. Unique custom-built structures and play equipment will surprise, delight, and engage children of all ages.
Ensuring minimal disruption to visitors, a refurbishment of the aquarium’s current exhibits and interior spaces will take place following the opening of new visitor areas.
Drawing on WA’s vast coastal environments, the interior refurbishments will see the creation of unique new exhibits, including an elevated mangrove walkthrough, plus new visitor amenities.
The projects final stage will see construction of the AQWA Foundation’s multi-purpose facility supporting the Foundation’s mission to protect and conserve Western Australia’s marine life.
Housing the aquarium’s coral conservation activities along with new animal nursery and rehabilitation spaces, the centre will also include a theatrette for education group programs and community events.
The Aquarium of Western Australia General Manager, Mrs Catherine Buckley
‘This project is an incredibly exciting venture for the aquarium, for Western Australia and the local community. It is so much more than a redevelopment; we’re creating spaces and new experiences that will spark curiosity in all our visitors, creating a deeper appreciation of our marine world while celebrating Western Australia’s rich and unique ocean life.’
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our answers to common questions below.
When will construction start and finish?
- Works are scheduled to commence mid-year in 2026.
- The project is multi-staged, with the first of multiple new attractions and exhibits expected to open in 2027.
- Refurbishments of existing spaces to be completed thereafter.
Will AQWA still be open during construction?
Yes. The redevelopment has been planned and phased to ensure minimal disruption to visitors. At this stage, no full-venue closures are planned.
Some partial exhibit closures may occur and we will do you best to communicate these via the website.
What is being added or upgraded?
The expansion and redevelopment will be multi-faceted and multi-staged, including the following:
- A purpose built, 125 seat, 3D domed-cinema
- Multiple large and small scale aquariums
- New seaside dining venue
- A large children’s playground
- Dedicated multi-purpose conservation centre
- Relocated entry/reception and gift shop
- Interpretive learning zone and discovery spaces
- Remodelling of some existing exhibits and interior spaces.
What are the new exhibits/aquariums?
There will be new exhibit galleries, featuring 3 aquariums of scale and additional smaller aquariums.
- Reef Sharks: a 12 meter wide, 3 metre high elliptical aquarium with blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.
- Coral Coast: a large coral wall, 3 additional coral exhibits plus an open-top, lagoon style exhibit, highlighting reefs, bays and atolls of WA’s coral coast.
- Following the opening of new visitor areas, sections within the existing aquarium will be reconfigured to include new exhibits and new visitor amenities.
- No marine mammals will be introduced and the grey nurse sharks will continue to be the largest sharks in our care.
- A dedicated megafauna interpretive space, alongside the new domed-theatre, will be developed to provide engaging learning experiences and virtual encounters with some of WA’s hugest inhabitants.
What exactly is the domed cinema and what can visitors expect from it?
This state-of-the-art 3D domed-cinema will be purpose-built. The unique technology utilises specially recorded vision of the marine world to create immersive cinematic encounters with some of WA’s hugest inhabitants; think swimming with great white sharks, orcas and other ocean predators!
Will there be changes to accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility aids and prams?
Yes. A ground-level Entry, additional internal elevator levels and compliant ramp access will be key features of the new building.
There will also be additional ACROD accessible car parking bays with compliant ramping to the aquarium entry.
Are tickets or opening hours changing?
No, not as is currently planned.
Can I still use my Annual Membership?
Yes, Annual Memberships will remain active and valid throughout the development period.
Some partial exhibit closures may occur and we will do you best to communicate these via the website.
Can I still book excursions, birthday parties, experiences and private events?
Yes.
As is currently planned, no experiences or bookings will need to be suspended. If however this changes due to unforeseen circumstances, the Bookings Manager will contact those affected.
Is parking affected during construction?
- All public parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour is overseen by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI)
- AQWA does not own or manage any of the Harbour’s car parking bays.
- The project will involve the construction of 7 ACROD accessible parking bays along the front of the existing building.
- Beyond this, the project works will take place on our property, and we do not anticipate this to affect the public parking within Hillarys Boat Harbour.
What times of the day will the building works be taking place?
With a project of this scale, works may occur at different times throughout the day. It is however anticipated that the majority of this will occur between the hours of 7am and 4pm to minimise disruptions.
Will ownership or operation be changing?
No, this expansion and redevelopment has been initiated by the current owners and operators, and existing staff will be retained. AQWA is privately owned and operated and will be self-funding the project without government assistance.
Are you still going to be ‘AQWA’?
Yes, we’re staying as AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia!
How does the project support marine conservation in WA?
AQWA is committed to improving community awareness, understanding and respect of Western Australia’s marine life. The project will see the construction of the AQWA Foundation’s multi-purpose conservation facility, which will facilitate the Foundation’s practical works in animal rehabilitation, sustainable coral cultivation, conservation breeding and community education.
AQWA's many iterations
AQWA has undergone numerous expansions and developments since it's opening in 1988
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