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, bringing an ocean-charged line-up of exhibitions and events to Perth Cultural Centre.
From deep-sea dives without the wetsuits to glowing projections of WA’s coastline and sea creatures, the program plunges headfirst into the mysteries of the big blue, reeling in curious kids, culture-loving grown-ups and everyone in between. Over in Fremantle, WA Maritime Museum takes the adventure further with a virtual reality experience exploring life on the Great Barrier Reef.
With science, history and imagination at every turn, start your ocean adventure at WA Museum Boola Bardip. Here’s what’s making a splash.
OceanXperience
Closing Sunday 11 October 2026
There’s still time for an ocean adventure these school holidays, but you’ll need to get aboard before OceanXperience closes at WA Museum Boola Bardip on Sunday 11 October.
Step aboard a recreation of OceanXplorer, one of the world’s most advanced exploration and research vessels, and take on missions inspired by real ocean expeditions. Journey through Mission Control, the Bridge, Wet Lab and Dry Lab as you explore the ocean’s depths without getting your feet wet.
Packed with hands-on activities, fascinating technology and spectacular visuals, OceanXperience reveals how scientists map the seafloor and study marine life. Round up the family for a final voyage before the exhibition sets sail. No scuba gear required.
Illuminate: Oceans
Closing 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.
Life In The Great Barrier Reef At WA Maritime Museum
Closing Sunday 8 November 2026
Ready to swap solid ground for life beneath the waves? Life in the Great Barrier Reef at WA Maritime Museum 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.
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Images: Supplied.