WA Museum Has A Stacked Line-up For 2026, Here’s The Must-See Exhibits For The Whole Fam
Maddie Wallman
Contributor | Urban List
Looking for a museum experience that’s anything but dry? WA Museum Boola Bardip is making serious waves in 2026, flooding Perth Cultural Centre with an ocean-charged line-up of exhibitions and events.
From deep-sea dives without the wetsuits to sensory-stretching encounters inside a whale’s world, this year’s program plunges headfirst into the mysteries of the big blue, reeling in curious kids, culture-loving grown-ups and everyone in between.
It’s science, history and imagination all wrapped into one dazzling, boredom-squashing experience, waiting for you to explore at the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Here’s what's making a splash.
Life In The Great Barrier Reef
Saturday 27 June–Sunday 8 November 2026
Ready to swap solid ground for life beneath the waves? Life in the Great Barrier Reef is a jaw-dropping 360° VR experience that drops you right into the heart of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Filmed using custom-built 8K underwater cameras, you'll come face-to-face with turtles, manta rays, sharks, whales and dazzling coral ecosystems—without getting so much as a drop of water on you.
Guided by Traditional Owners, reef stewards and scientists, the experience dives into the powerful connection between land, sea and climate, while shining a light on the challenges facing the reef and the inspiring work being done to protect it. Expect breathtaking encounters, fascinating insights and a whole new appreciation for Australia's underwater world.
OceanXperience
Saturday 4 April–Sunday 11 October 2026
Sending ripples through WA Museum Boola Bardip from now ‘til October, OceanXperience gives you a chance to dive deep into the mysterious depths of the big blue without so much as a soggy sock.
This fully interactive exhibition drops you straight onto the OceanXplorer—a replica of the real-life high-tech research ship—where you can wander through mission control, wet and dry labs, the bridge and the sub hangar, peeking at the tech and tricks scientists use to uncover the ocean’s best-kept secrets.
Packed with hands-on exhibits, epic visuals and clever interactive surprises, this is as easy as it gets to dive headfirst into deep-sea science, no scuba gear required.
Dive Bar
First Friday Each Month Until October 2026, 5.30pm–9pm
Ride the tide from OceanXperience straight into Dive Bar, Boola Bardip’s monthly pop-up bar, where marine science and weekend mischief collide. From 5:30pm one Friday each month, the museum morphs into an under-the-sea after-work drink destination, with local DJs (including the very ocean-coded Ningaloo Records) spinning tunes ‘til 9pm.
Each night also serves up a fresh catch of surprises, from Sir David Attenborough’s birthday shenanigans to expert marine scientists joining the party to share what they’ve been working on.
QUoir
Second Wednesday Of The Month From 5.30pm–7.30pm
Looking for a midweek mood boost? QUoir is WA Museum Boola Bardip's monthly LGBTQIA+ community choir, bringing people together for an evening of feel-good singing. Led by the fabulous duo Queency and Tara John from the WA Bad Ass Gospel Choir, it's an inclusive, welcoming space for community members, allies, families and anyone keen to give their vocal cords a workout.
The setlist is packed exclusively with queer anthems and beloved hits from queer artists and icons. Expect everything from Madonna and Cher to Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Robyn and Sam Smith. Held every second Wednesday of the month, each session sees the group learn and perform a different crowd-pleasing track.
Illuminate: Oceans
Wednesday 18 March–Sunday 11 October 2026, 6.00pm–10.30pm
Turn up after-hours to see the WA Museum Boola Bardip drenched in colour with Illuminate: Oceans, a giant, glowing projection celebrating our wild coastline and the curious creatures that call it home.
Produced by multi-disciplinary artists Michael Haluwana and Sam Price, think whales cruising by, octopus scurrying up the walls, bioluminescent tides and aerial shots of WA’s best beaches.
Naval Sea Power In Miniature
Tuesday 24 February–Sunday 26 July 2026
Tiny ships with titanic tales—Naval Sea Power in Miniature shrinks centuries of sea lore into pint-sized perfection. Globally renowned ship modeller Gerry Westernberg’s fleet of over 170 model ships sails through 4,000 years of salty sea adventures, from ancient Egyptian barges and Columbus’ famously wobbly trio to Tudor warships, sleek Royal Navy vessels and Aussie naval icons.
Every miniature deck, rig and cannon comes with a story of daring, disaster or discovery (or sometimes all three), while videos and digital extras let you spy on the lives of crews braving storms, battles and high-seas hijinks.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by WA Museum and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.