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
Making waves at WA Museum Boola Bardip until 11 October, OceanXperience invites you to explore the ocean’s depths without getting your feet wet. Step aboard a recreation of the OceanXplorer, one of the world’s most advanced exploration and research vessels. Take on the role of an OceanXplorer and journey through Mission Control, the Bridge, Wet Lab and Dry Lab as you complete missions inspired by real ocean expeditions.
Packed with hands-on activities, fascinating technology and spectacular visuals, OceanXperience reveals how scientists map the seafloor, study marine life and uncover the secrets of our oceans. 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 Friday night pop-up bar, where marine science and weekend mischief collide. Choose from two timed entry sessions, arriving at either 5.30pm or 7.30pm, then explore the exhibition after hours, grab a drink and enjoy a changing line-up of entertainment until 9pm.
Each Dive Bar brings something different. September’s Depths and Discoveries features local marine innovators exploring ocean science, conservation and technology. October’s Deep in Trivia puts your ocean knowledge to the test, hosted by drag superstar Cougar Morrison. Expect fascinating stories, curious discoveries and plenty of deep-sea surprises.
Malu: Where Tides Leave Their Mark
Until Wednesday 23 September
Experience the spirit of Sea Country through the work of acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson in Malu Exhibition.
Malu, the Kala Lagaw Ya word for sea or ocean, explores the deep connections between water, ancestry, spirit, memory and identity.
Rich in humour, wonder and cultural storytelling, the exhibition honours the ocean as a living presence that continues to shape people and place.
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.
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.