Aquariums in Western Australia

Western Australia's three family aquarium options are spread far apart and work quite differently, so the choice usually comes down to where you are and what kind of encounter your kids will actually enjoy.

AQWA The Aquarium Of Western Australia in Hillarys is the conventional aquarium of the three, and the biggest by a distance. Wikipedia describes its underwater acrylic tunnel as the largest in Australia and counts over 45 displays of native WA marine life and living corals, while WhichMuseum notes it still has the country's largest single tank. Reviewers talk about the touch pool, stingrays and sharks, and the mermaid shows are the thing younger children get excited about, so check the schedule as you arrive because they sell out in holidays. It is fully indoors, has baby change facilities, and the family beach at Hillarys Boat Harbour sits right beside it. The one recurring gripe is gift shop prices.

Busselton Jetty is not an aquarium in the usual sense: the reef fish are viewed from an underwater observatory at the far end of a long walk over the water. Reviewers rate the ocean scenery highly, and the train that runs from both ends means you can walk one way and ride back with tired legs or a pram. Observatory entry is separate from jetty entry, and the wind picks up on the way back.

Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury flips the model. Its free morning beach sessions bring wild dolphins in close, though appearances are voluntary and not guaranteed, and the swim tour suits older children comfortable in open water. The aquarium inside, with turtles, octopus and hands-on displays, is worth the visit on its own.