The Aquarium Of Western Australia Is Set To Undergo A Major Expansion

If you’ve ever lost a solid hour at AQWA pressing your face against the glass (same), you’ll want to sit down for this. The Aquarium of Western Australia has just announced a seriously ambitious, multi-stage expansion that’s set to roll out later this year (and it’s shaping up to be one of WA’s biggest marine tourism glow-ups yet). We’re talking immersive tech, massive new shark exhibits, a first-of-its-kind 3D theatre and enough new spaces to make repeat visits a must. 

What’s Being Built At AQWA?

This isn’t a quick spruce-up, it’s a $13 million-plus redevelopment designed to completely reimagine the AQWA experience. Rolling out in stages, the expansion blends Western Australia’s diverse marine environments with state-of-the-art technology, interactive learning zones and brand-new visitor spaces. 

Having already welcomed close to 10 million visitors since opening, AQWA is doubling down on its status as a major tourism drawcard not just for locals, but for interstate and international visitors looking to dive deep into WA’s underwater world. The end goal? Bigger, bolder, more immersive ways to explore our coastline, reefs and ocean life (without getting wet).

Image credit: AQWA | Facebook

New Attractions To Look Forward To

There’s a lot coming, and yes, it’s all very exciting. Here’s what’s locked in across the different stages of the expansion:

• Two Oceans Theatre: A purpose-built, 10-metre-high, 125-seat 3D dome cinema and event space (making it the first of its kind in Western Australia). Expect full sensory immersion and jaw-on-the-floor visuals.  
• Virtual shark-swim experiences: All the thrill of swimming with sharks, none of the wetsuit panic.
• Living reef and coral lagoon exhibits: Vast, biodiverse spaces spotlighting WA’s reefs and atolls.
• A 12-metre-wide elliptical shark aquarium: Home to Blacktip and Whitetip reef sharks (aka some of the ocean’s fastest residents).  
• Hands-on discovery zones: Interactive tech and “do & sea” learning spaces designed to spark curiosity at every age.
• A new cafe with coastal views: Outdoor terraces overlooking Perth’s northern coastline? Yes please.
• Outdoor kids’ play and activity space: Custom-built structures designed to surprise, delight and burn off energy before (or after) aquarium laps.  

Later stages will also bring landscaped pedestrian boulevards, upgraded entrances and, eventually, a new AQWA Foundation conservation facility complete with coral conservation labs, animal rehabilitation spaces and education areas. 

When It’s Happening And What Visitors Need To Know

Construction is scheduled to kick off in May 2026, with the first new attractions opening in 2027. The project will roll out in multiple stages, with AQWA committed to keeping disruption to visitors as minimal as possible during works.

Once the new spaces are open, existing exhibits inside the aquarium will also be refurbished. Think upgraded interiors, new visitor amenities and even an elevated mangrove walkthrough inspired by WA’s coastal environments.

According to AQWA General Manager Catherine Buckley, the expansion is about more than just shiny new exhibits, it’s about creating deeper connections with WA’s marine world and inspiring long-term care for it. And honestly? With sharks, coral lagoons, immersive cinema and ocean-view coffee all on the cards, we’re already planning our first post-opening visit.

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Main image credit: AQWA | Website