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Zoo & Aquarium

The Aquarium of Western Australia

📍 Hillarys Boat Harbour, 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys WA 6025, Australia
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4.5/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Australia, Perth
Category
Zoo & Aquarium
Duration
Allow 1.5-2 hours
Address
Hillarys Boat Harbour, 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys WA 6025, Australia
Coordinates
-31.8250, 115.7370

Introduction

The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) at Hillarys Boat Harbour, about 25 km north of Perth, is the largest aquarium in Western Australia. Themed zones re-create the range of marine ecosystems from Western Australia's northern coast to its southern seas, with highlights including a coral-reef underwater tunnel and a deep-ocean exhibit viewed from a glass-bottom boat (one of the largest single marine-tank experiences in the country). Resident wildlife includes sharks, turtles and seahorses. AQWA is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and is a firm favourite with families.

✨ Highlights

1
One of Australia's largest marine tanks
A range of tanks from coral reefs to a deep-ocean habitat, some with underwater tunnels.
2
Glass-bottom boat ride
Glide over a huge tank in a glass-bottom boat to see sharks and other large marine life.
3
Native marine wildlife
See Western Australian coastal species including turtles, seahorses and sharks.
4
Themed marine-ecosystem zones
Zones reflect WA's distinct marine regions with strong education and interactivity.
5
Harbourside setting
Set at Hillarys Boat Harbour, easy to pair with marina shops and dining.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit:Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.
→Transport:Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.
→Climate & dress:UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.
→On site:Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.
→Accessibility:Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.
→Opening Hours:Open 7 days a year-round except Christmas Day (25 Dec); generally 9:00-16:00 Mar-Nov, 9:00-17:00 Dec-Jan, and 16:00 weekdays/17:00 weekends in February, with last admission about an hour before close.
→Transportation:Drive about 25-30 minutes from central Perth along the West Coast Highway, or take public transport to Hillarys Boat Harbour.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open 7 days a year-round except Christmas Day (25 Dec); generally 9:00-16:00 Mar-Nov, 9:00-17:00 Dec-Jan, and 16:00 weekdays/17:00 weekends in February, with last admission about an hour before close. Confirm on the official site.; admission: Standard adult entry about A$37; children (3-15), family passes and experiences such as the glass-bottom boat are priced separately. Please confirm at the official venue..
• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.
• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.
• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of The Aquarium of Western Australia?

Open 7 days a year-round except Christmas Day (25 Dec); generally 9:00-16:00 Mar-Nov, 9:00-17:00 Dec-Jan, and 16:00 weekdays/17:00 weekends in February, with last admission about an hour before close.

Any practical tips for visiting The Aquarium of Western Australia?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open 7 days a year-round except Christmas Day (25 Dec); generally 9:00-16:00 Mar-Nov, 9:00-17:00 Dec-Jan, and 16:00 weekdays/17:00 weekends in February, with last admission about an hour before close. Confirm on the official site.; admission: Standard adult entry about A$37; children (3-15), family passes and experiences such as the glass-bottom boat are priced separately. Please confirm at the official venue.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

How long should I spend at The Aquarium of Western Australia?

A typical visit takes Allow 1.5-2 hours.

This entry is compiled from public Australian and international travel sources. Tickets, opening hours and transport may change; please confirm with official sources on site.