Perth zoos & aquariums

Zoos and aquariums in Perth range from a day among sharks and stingrays on the Sunset Coast to a guided night walk in the Wheatbelt looking for native mammals. This page explains what each kind of visit involves, how long to allow and which suits the people you're travelling with. For the wider trip, see things to do in Perth, or browse zoos and aquariums across Australia and New Zealand if you're moving on.

Aquarium tickets in Perth

General admission tickets such as single entry to AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia are sold for adults, children and infants, and they cover the main exhibits plus the talks and tours that run through the day. The aquarium is at 91 Southside Drive in Hillarys.

Ride the conveyor belt through the underwater tunnel while sharks and stingrays pass overhead, touch a starfish in the Discovery Pool, and read up on the jellyfish displays. The DANGERzone covers the deadly side of marine life. Ocean Guide talks and tours are free with entry, and the aquarium's free guided tour can be downloaded from the Everythere app.

Younger children are catered for. Storytime, a toddler playground, colouring-in and outdoor picnic facilities are all free, and AQWA Cafe has free WiFi. The aquarium is listed as wheelchair friendly.

How long to allow and when to visit an aquarium

Plan on at least a 3-hour visit, because the touch pools and animal presentations are what stretch a visit out. Schools and families tend to arrive in the morning, which makes the afternoon quieter and more relaxed.

The aquarium is busiest in summer and over school holidays. May, June and September have a calmer feel, though there's still a bit of a crowd.

The whale watching meeting point at Hillarys Boat Harbour is on the same road. From September to November you can pair the aquarium with a Perth whale watching tour in the same day.

Native animals and night skies in the Wheatbelt

For native animals in the bush, a guided day tour such as the Dryandra wildlife tour with dinner and stargazing collects from Perth city between 1pm and 2pm, depending on the time of year, and runs as a 9-hour trip with Quokka Adventure Tours, so it finishes late in the evening. Dryandra Woodlands sits in the Western Australian Wheatbelt and is a biodiversity hotspot, with more than 850 plant species, over 100 bird species and 24 mammal species, including the endangered numbat.

The day starts with a guided bushwalk. A picnic dinner with wine or soft drink follows at sunset, then a guided night visit to Barna Mia, the nocturnal wildlife sanctuary, where entry fees are not included. It ends with a 15-minute stargazing session.

Bring a hat, sunglasses and walking shoes, plus warm clothes in the cooler months.

Choosing between an aquarium day and a wildlife tour

An aquarium visit is a half-day plan that suits small children, wheelchair users and anyone who wants to be back in the city for dinner. A bush wildlife tour takes most of a day and finishes late, so it suits adults and older children who want native animals in the wild and a night sky with no city lights.

More day-trip ideas are under Perth tours, and other family-friendly stops sit in Perth attractions.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need at AQWA in Perth?

Plan on at least a 3-hour visit to AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia, to fit in the underwater tunnel, the touch pools and the free Ocean Guide talks.

What is the best time to visit AQWA?

The afternoon is the best time to visit AQWA for a quieter visit, because schools and families generally come in the morning. The aquarium is busiest in summer and school holidays, and May, June and September are more relaxed.

Is AQWA good for young children?

Yes. AQWA sells child tickets for ages 3 to 15 and infant tickets for ages 0 to 2, and it has free Storytime, a toddler playground, colouring-in and picnic facilities.

What is included in an AQWA general admission ticket?

An AQWA general admission ticket includes single entry, the jellyfish displays, the DANGERzone, the underwater tunnel conveyor belt, the Discovery Pool and complimentary Ocean Guide talks or tours throughout the day.

Can you cancel AQWA tickets?

AQWA general admission tickets can be cancelled for free, with a 24-hour cut-off before the experience.

Where does the Dryandra wildlife tour from Perth go?

The Dryandra wildlife tour goes to Dryandra Woodlands in the Western Australian Wheatbelt, with pick-up from Perth city. It includes a guided bushwalk, a picnic dinner, a night visit to Barna Mia nocturnal wildlife sanctuary and stargazing.

Are children allowed on the Dryandra wildlife tour?

Yes. The Dryandra wildlife tour sells child tickets for ages 3 to 18 alongside adult tickets.

Choose an aquarium afternoon on the Sunset Coast or a night among the Wheatbelt's wildlife, then book it online. If it rains, Perth rainy day ideas has more to look at.