AQWA (Under Water World), Perth

I went here recently having not been since highschool trips (when it was called Underwater World). There was a new seal area outside, and there used to be a pool that held dolphins but I think they released? them, I remember reading a news article a while back. I went during the Christmas break and it was insanely busy, so choose a week day if you can. There were many annoying children running around the underwater viewing area (a kind of circular walk where you view the marine life above you). Nearby is Sorrento Quay marina, there are water slides, trampolines, a beach, shops, a boardwalk and places to eat.

2 more images

15.000 kms of Western Australia's coastline are represented in the basins of the aquarium, from the tropical North to the chilly Southern Ocean. Further details on the AQWA website.

Ever wanted to see a Leafy Sea Dragon?

See my travelogue page for more pictures. There is also a video of the Leafy Sea Dragon on my Perth page.

Entrance fee: $ 26 for adults.

One of the must visited place if u r in WA is the underwaterworld near Hillary's Harbour known as AQWA.

My husband & I take a trip there using the ever realiable public transport.

It's very suitable for family with children to expose them to the marine life. We have the opportunity seeing the divers being blocked by a number of huge stingrays during the shark feeding time in the fish tank.

Dont forget your camera as u maywant to snap a photoe of the huge lobsters and some other exotic marine creatures which may only be found in OZ.

Generally, its a different kind of experience at AUD25 per pax!

HOW TO GET THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT????
Take a train on Joondalup Line to Warwick Station.
Hop onto bus No. 423, tell the driver where u r going. The bus driver will then call out loud when the bus arrived at the AQWA stop

NOTE: Do check the transperth website for changes before u decide to follow this route.

Pic courtesy of Haris

AQWA is basically a place for family vacation. Aquarium of Western Australia, they have a lot of collections of marine life, from tropical fishes, sea lions to penguins. AQWA is nestled in Hilarrys or Sorento Beach. This area is fuly equipped with large dining area or food court and shops. Its really - really a nice place to go, see the aquarium, and shops a bit, watch sunset, and have dinner later on. Adult : $ 24 aud

2 more images

With 12,500 kilometres of coastline, Western Australia has a wonderfully diverse marine world to explore. The magical underwater world of aqwa is a great place to begin. As well as tanks and exhibits devoted to all the different marine habitats to be found along the coastline, from the chilly waters of the Southern Ocean to the tropical seas of the Far North, there's a touch pool of fishy creatures, rare Australian fur seals and sea lions in an outdoor pool area, and a moving walkway that takes you on an underwater voyage to see the huge variety of marine life that inhabits the waters and reefs immediately outside the aquarium. Sharks, turtles and great winged rays glide right over your head as the walkway takes you around through the tunnel.

My absolute favourites are the leafy sea dragons, found only in the southern waters of the Great Australian Bight and surely one of the strangest fish you'll ever see, drifting silently in their tank with an extraordinary ethereal beauty all their own.

Not everything in this silent world is so harmless though - you'll also see tiny - and absolutely deadly - blue-ringed octopus, and the unprepossessing - and just as deadly - stone fish - two of the more lethal residents of this coastline.

Feeding-time in the tunnel is fun to watch as divers enter the tank and hand feed the rays, sharks and turtles.

Last time I was there with visitors from interstate, we were fortunate enough to be there as a mother humpback whale and her calf decided to come close enough to the shore for us to see them really clearly - a great end to a fishy day.

4 more images

This aquarium complex is located at Hillary’s Boat Harbour. Apparently it is the largest aquarium in the whole of Austraila, which has the typical submerged underwater tunnel. It has a wide variety of Australian fish and coral reefs. Nice close-ups of big sharks as well.

This complex also has a touch pool, where you can put your hand inside the aquarium and stroke turtles, rays and sharks that are harmless. And there are entertaining shows by bottlenose dolphins and seals!

New activities have been introduced at this aquarium including opportunities to dive/snorkel with sharks, which I think is cool stuff! For more info, go to their website.

Try to be here a little early as this place can get very crowded, especially during summer.

4 more images

Gotta do the touristy stuff and a visit to AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) was a must. And it was well worth the effort. We saw some amazing sights including sharks, stingrays, turtles and seals. Lots of colourful fish and unusual sea creatures.

AQWA is a must for anyone remotely interested in the undersea world as its one of the finest aquariums I’ve ever visited. There are various displays showing marine life from the 12,000km coastline of Western Australia including the amazing Leafy Sea Dragon. The main attraction, however, is the main tank containing sharks, rays, turtles and other fish. Twice a day, small groups of snorkelers or divers pay to go into the tank for about 40 minutes. I went into the tank for a dive (see travelogue for pictures). At A$99, it’s probably good value when you consider this price also includes the entrance fee and discounts are available for any family members who will watch you from the outside.