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Aquariums

AQWA The Aquarium Of Western Australia

πŸ“ Hillarys, WA

β˜…4.4(5,938 Google reviews)πŸ’°$37-$195πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Western Australia's largest aquarium at Hillarys featuring WA-native marine species, interactive touch pools, mermaid shows, shark snorkelling sessions, and the acclaimed 'Dine Under the Sea' experience. Pram accessible with on-site cafe and parking.

βœ“ WA native sea lifeβœ“ Touch poolsβœ“ Mermaid showsβœ“ Shark snorkellingβœ“ Hillarys Boat Harbourβœ“ Great staff
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Drizzy Dreamr

I love everything about this place, as does my daughter β™₯️ their are so many different species of sea life 🧬 it is truly astounding. The gift shop might be a bit of a leap when it comes to it's prices but the cafe is worth every bite of its food. There are plenty of photo opportunities for the kids and family. The touch pool is a different experience entirely, teaching both kids and adults hands on about our astonishing sea life and it's ecosystems. You can also book to dine under the sea, a dream-like experience with top tier five star ⭐ dishes. The aquarium itself was built so beautifully and sophisticatedly, their are different sections for different types of sea life. My personal favourite is the massive viewing window downstairs outside, You can sit in the seats provided and watch hundreds of different fish 🐠🐟 and coral life living in one massive tank, co-existing and living peacefully. The room is so peaceful and dimely lit it's almost possible to fall asleep. Another "must-see" exhibit is "The mantis shrimp" these amazing creatures have the biggest blows of the ocean 🌊πŸ’ͺ🏻 small but mighty and Beautiful in color (rainbow). The service at aqua is amazing with no waits or lines usually, unless you're in the gift shop or cafe. Most of the exhibits are educational aswell so you learn as you explore. They have it all here, it's definitely a must see destination.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children of any age seeking an immersive marine encounter focused on WA's native sea life. Mermaid shows draw strong enthusiasm from younger children β€” check the schedule on arrival. The nearby family beach at Hillarys Boat Harbour extends the outing significantly on weekends.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Check the mermaid show schedule on arrival β€” popular with younger children and sells out during holidays
⏰Shark snorkelling is available as a bookable add-on for families with older swimmers
🎟️The family beach beside the aquarium is a natural extension of the visit, especially on weekends
πŸš—Arrive early to secure parking in the Hillarys Boat Harbour precinct

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.4
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

5,938 Google reviews

Diverse and engaging sea life displays40%
Interactive mermaid shows and touch pools30%
Friendly and engaging staff20%
High gift shop prices10%
D

Drizzy Dreamr

5 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œI love everything about this place, as does my daughter β™₯️ their are so many different species of sea life 🧬 it is truly astounding. The gift shop might be a bit of a leap when it comes to it's prices but the cafe is worth every bite of its food. There are plenty of photo opportunities for the kids and family. The touch pool is a different experience entirely, teaching both kids and adults hands on about our astonishing sea life and it's ecosystems. You can also book to dine under the sea, a dream-like experience with top tier five star ⭐ dishes. The aquarium itself was built so beautifully and sophisticatedly, their are different sections for different types of sea life. My personal favourite is the massive viewing window downstairs outside, You can sit in the seats provided and watch hundreds of different fish 🐠🐟 and coral life living in one massive tank, co-existing and living peacefully. The room is so peaceful and dimely lit it's almost possible to fall asleep. Another "must-see" exhibit is "The mantis shrimp" these amazing creatures have the biggest blows of the ocean 🌊πŸ’ͺ🏻 small but mighty and Beautiful in color (rainbow). The service at aqua is amazing with no waits or lines usually, unless you're in the gift shop or cafe. Most of the exhibits are educational aswell so you learn as you explore. They have it all here, it's definitely a must see destination.”

F

Fleur

2 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œAQWA is a great place to spend a few hours. Our group included two adults and three children aged between 9 and 17, and there was plenty to see and enjoy for all ages. The exhibits are engaging and well set up, making it an easy and interesting experience for both kids and adults. Afterwards, it’s a bonus that you can head over to Hillarys Boat Harbour and let the children go for a swim or grab something to eat. Parking can be a bit challenging, so be prepared for a short walk to AQWAβ€”but it’s well worth it overall”

S

Sharon Gayski

2 months ago

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β€œToday, my granddaughter and i spent the morning at AQWA. We got to see the mermaids, who were magnificent. These talented girls were so friendly and interactive with the kids. My granddaughter was so happy, she even dressed up as a mermaid. We also enjoyed walking around and looking at all the other activities. Even the crazy Pirate was a hoot with the kids. Totally recommend this a a school holiday must. Lovely service and helpful staff. Thank you so much.”

E

El pedrox

a month ago

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β€œShe would love this place. An awesome aquarium, really, Nice ambient, awesome variety of fishes, they all look cute, and there were Sharks too. With Even some fishes outside that You could touch, the food was also Nice (Fryed fish is the only thing I tried but was Awesome)”

Reviews from Google

Overview

AQWA displays marine life native to Western Australian seas including sharks, rays, and a wide range of fish species. Families can handle live creatures at outdoor touch pools. Mermaid shows run on weekends and during school holidays, with performers who interact directly with children. Shark snorkelling sessions are available as an add-on. The Hillarys Boat Harbour location adds a beach alongside the aquarium visit. On-site cafe serves food praised by reviewers.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 16:00
Tuesday09:00 – 16:00
Wednesday09:00 – 16:00
Thursday09:00 – 16:00
Friday09:00 – 16:00
Saturday09:00 – 16:00
Sunday09:00 – 16:00

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