Western Australia's beloved AQWA aquarium is poised for its most significant transformation in nearly four decades, with ambitious plans for a $13 million expansion and comprehensive redevelopment. The iconic facility at Hillarys Boat Harbour will undergo a major upgrade that promises to enhance visitor experiences while showcasing the state's unique marine environments.
A New Era for Perth's Premier Aquarium
The aquarium's owner, Coral World Australia, has formally lodged a development application with the Western Australian Planning Commission, seeking approval for what represents the largest investment in AQWA's 38-year history. The proposed extension will be constructed on vacant grassed land to the east of the existing centre, with seamless connection to current facilities.
Signature Attractions and Innovative Exhibits
The centrepiece of this ambitious project will be a breathtaking elliptical aquarium dedicated to the Ningaloo Reef ecosystem. This impressive 12-metre wide and 3.5-metre deep exhibit will house blacktip sharks alongside a diverse range of tropical marine species, creating Western Australia's first combined shark and coral display.
Planners working on behalf of the owner describe this exhibit as revolutionary, noting that "the expansive layout invites engagement from multiple perspectives and distances, offering a captivating experience for all." This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in aquarium design and marine presentation.
Immersive Technology and Educational Spaces
Another standout feature will be the Two Oceans Theatre, a stunning 10-metre high dome housing a 125-seat 3-D cinema. This cutting-edge facility promises to immerse visitors in underwater experiences "without a drop of water in sight," blending advanced technology with ocean exploration in a format unprecedented in Western Australia.
The development also includes a dedicated Sustainability Centre, providing enhanced educational opportunities for school groups and visitors interested in marine conservation. This standalone facility represents AQWA's commitment to environmental education alongside entertainment.
Enhanced Visitor Flow and Additional Facilities
Visitors moving through the new extension will encounter four focus tanks and numerous smaller exhibits highlighting Western Australia's diverse marine life before reaching the new Lagoon Terrace. This area will feature two main displays showcasing the Rowley Shoals, including a 3-metre high reef tank with tropical corals and colourful anthias fish, plus a shallow exhibit representing the atoll's internal lagoons.
Additional planned improvements include:
- A new Ocean Play zone with interactive technology for hands-on learning
- A Megafauna Gallery of the Southwest
- Completely refreshed cafe and gift shop facilities
- A new street-level entrance improving accessibility over the current staircase entry
- An upgraded playground area for younger visitors
Responding to Changing Visitor Patterns
The substantial investment comes at a crucial time for AQWA, which experienced declining visitor numbers between 2012 and 2018 but has seen record attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic. The aquarium management acknowledges that current facilities have reached capacity during peak periods and believes visitor numbers would likely decline without significant investment in new displays and experiences.
In their planning application, AQWA representatives state: "AQWA has formed the view that enhancement of the facility by addition of a fifth-generation aquarium extension would significantly enhance the attraction and contribute further to its popularity with visitors to Hillarys." They emphasise that the development's key objective is enhancing visitor experience through thematic presentations focusing on West Australian habitats, animal species, and the influential Leeuwin current.
Community Consultation and Next Steps
Public consultation on the proposed upgrades is currently open through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage until Tuesday, February 17. Following this consultation period, the WA Planning Commission will evaluate the application with a decision expected in the coming months.
If approved, this $13 million transformation will ensure AQWA remains vibrant, engaging, and appealing to visitors for years to come, solidifying its position as one of Western Australia's premier tourist attractions while advancing marine education and conservation awareness.
