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Coordinates: 31°49′36″S 115°44′17″E / 31.82668°S 115.738118°E / -31.82668; 115.738118 (Aquarium of Western Australia)
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|logo_caption = AQWA logo
|logo_caption = AQWA logo
|logo_width =138px
|logo_width =138px
|image = AQWA_SMC_06.jpg
|image = AQWA Main Entrance.jpg
|image_caption = Front Entrance to AQWA
|image_caption = Front Entrance to AQWA
|location = [[Hillarys, Western Australia|Hillarys]], [[Western Australia]]
|location = [[Hillarys, Western Australia|Hillarys]], [[Western Australia]]
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|members =
|members =
|exhibits =
|exhibits =
|mapframe={{Infobox mapframe
|website = {{Official URL}}
| marker = aquarium}}|website = {{Official URL}}
}}
|module=}}


The '''Aquarium of Western Australia''' ('''AQWA''') is a privately owned [[aquarium]] in [[Hillarys, Western Australia]]. Located approximately {{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-west of Perth City, it is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The '''Aquarium of Western Australia''' ('''AQWA''') is a privately owned [[aquarium]] in [[Hillarys, Western Australia]]. Located approximately {{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-west of Perth City, it is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.


AQWA was Australia's largest aquarium when it opened and still possesses Australia's largest single aquarium and [[Shark tunnel|underwater tunnel]]<ref name="westernaustralia" />, the 3 million litre ''Shipwreck Coast'' exhibit.
AQWA was Australia's largest aquarium when it opened and still possesses Australia's largest single aquarium and [[Shark tunnel|underwater tunnel]],<ref name="westernaustralia" /> the 3 million litre ''Shipwreck Coast'' exhibit.


==History==
==History==
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The aquarium opened on 13 April 1988 as Underwater World, Perth. It was acquired by the current owners, Coral World International and Morris Kahn, in 1991, and changed its name to AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia on 1 January 2001.
The aquarium opened on 13 April 1988 as Underwater World, Perth. It was acquired by the current owners, Coral World International and Morris Kahn, in 1991, and changed its name to AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia on 1 January 2001.


AQWA (then Underwater World, Perth) opened with only a handful of aquariums, including the feature walk-through aquarium which has been listed as one of the largest aquariums in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Mike |title=10 Largest Aquariums in the World |url=https://www.touropia.com/largest-aquariums-in-the-world/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Touropia |language=en-US}}</ref>
AQWA (then Underwater World, Perth) opened with only a handful of aquariums, including the feature walk-through aquarium which has been listed as one of the largest aquariums in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Mike |title=10 Largest Aquariums in the World |url=https://www.touropia.com/largest-aquariums-in-the-world/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Touropia |date=16 February 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 1992, following unsuccessful attempts by the defunct [[Atlantis Marine Park]] to rehabilitate three of its previously captive dolphins to the wild; a new sea pen was constructed at Underwater World to provide the dolphins a new home. They later died due to unknown causes (possibly stress) and in 1999 the sea pen was removed.
In 1992, following unsuccessful attempts by the defunct [[Atlantis Marine Park]] to rehabilitate three of its previously captive dolphins to the wild; a new sea pen was constructed at Underwater World to provide the dolphins a new home. They later died due to unknown causes (possibly stress) and in 1999 the sea pen was removed.
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the ''Great Southern'', the ''Shipwreck Coast'', the ''Perth Coast'' and the ''Far North''. Each zone represents the unique marine life and habitats found along WA's expansive and varied coast.
the ''Great Southern'', the ''Shipwreck Coast'', the ''Perth Coast'' and the ''Far North''. Each zone represents the unique marine life and habitats found along WA's expansive and varied coast.


The unequivocal highlight of AQWA is the main ''Shipwreck Coast'' aquarium. It is {{Convert|40|m}} long and {{Convert|20|m}} wide and holds {{Convert|3000000|l|gal|-3}} of flowing seawater. It incorporates a {{Convert|98|m|0|adj=on}} underwater acrylic tunnel, the largest in Australia,<ref name="Frommer's Review" /> with a motorised conveyor belt walkway.
The unequivocal highlight of AQWA is the main ''Shipwreck Coast'' aquarium. It is {{Convert|40|m}} long and {{Convert|20|m}} wide and holds {{Convert|3000000|l|gal|-3}} of flowing seawater. It incorporates a {{Convert|98|m|0|adj=on}} underwater acrylic tunnel, the largest in Australia,<ref name="Frommer's Review" /> with a motorised conveyor belt walkway.


This temperate exhibit features a limestone (non-coral) reef at its core and is home to {{Convert|3 - 4|m|0|adj=on}} [[grey nurse shark]], {{Convert|4|m|0|adj=on}} [[smooth stingray]]s, large [[loggerhead turtle]] and over 70 other species of [[Ray (fish)|ray]]s, [[octopus]]es, [[shark]]s and [[fish]] natively found in Western Australia.
This temperate exhibit features a limestone (non-coral) reef at its core and is home to {{Convert|3 - 4|m|0|adj=on}} [[grey nurse shark]], {{Convert|4|m|0|adj=on}} [[smooth stingray]]s, large [[loggerhead turtle]] and over 70 other species of [[Ray (fish)|ray]]s, [[octopus]]es, [[shark]]s and [[fish]] natively found in Western Australia.
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Highlights include:
Highlights include:
* ''DangerZone:'' a line-up of W.A.'s most dangerous marine life including [[stonefish]], [[blue ringed octopus]], [[lion fish]], [[Mantis shrimp|mantis shrimps]] and [[Tetraodontiformes|puffer and porcupine fishes]]
* ''DangerZone:'' a line-up of W.A.'s most dangerous marine life including [[stonefish]], [[blue ringed octopus]], [[lion fish]], [[mantis shrimp]]s and [[Tetraodontiformes|puffer and porcupine fishes]]
* ''Coral Conservatory''; home to the Glowing Ocean aquariums, showcasing [[Fluorescence|coral fluorescence]], and the Coral Bank of Western Australia, an initiative to create a ''living'' catalogue of Western Australia's hard coral species.
* ''Coral Conservatory''; home to the Glowing Ocean aquariums, showcasing [[Fluorescence|coral fluorescence]], and the Coral Bank of Western Australia, an initiative to create a ''living'' catalogue of Western Australia's hard coral species.
* ''Interactive Touch Pool''; encounter the local reef sharks, [[starfish]] and other [[Echinoderm|echinoderms]].
* ''Interactive Touch Pool''; encounter the local reef sharks, [[starfish]] and other [[echinoderm]]s.
* ''Turtle Rehabilitation Pool''; caring for sick and injured rescue turtles for the purpose of rehabilitation and release.
* ''Turtle Rehabilitation Pool''; caring for sick and injured rescue turtles for the purpose of rehabilitation and release.
* ''Coral Reef Underwater Gallery''; AQWA's Coral Reef underwater gallery is one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world, featuring stunning living corals and reef fish from [[Rottnest Island]].
* ''Coral Reef Underwater Gallery''; AQWA's Coral Reef underwater gallery is one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world, featuring stunning living corals and reef fish from [[Rottnest Island]].


Other featured animals include the rare [[leafy seadragon]]s, [[Weedy Seadragon|weedy seadragon]], [[moon jellyfish]], [[clownfish]], juvenile [[saltwater crocodile]]s, [[octopus]], [[cuttlefish]], [[rock lobster]]s, [[scorpionfish]], [[eagle ray]], [[sandbar shark]], [[Port Jackson shark]], rescued [[Sea turtle|sea turtles]] and many more.
Other featured animals include the rare [[leafy seadragon]]s, [[Weedy Seadragon|weedy seadragon]], [[moon jellyfish]], [[clownfish]], juvenile [[saltwater crocodile]]s, [[octopus]], [[cuttlefish]], [[rock lobster]]s, [[scorpionfish]], [[eagle ray]], [[sandbar shark]], [[Port Jackson shark]], rescued [[sea turtle]]s and many more.


[[File:Grey Nurse Shark.JPG|thumb|right|[[Grey nurse shark]] at the aquarium]]
[[File:Grey Nurse Shark.JPG|thumb|right|[[Grey nurse shark]] at the aquarium]]
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==Experiences==
==Experiences==


For additional fees, visitors can book [https://www.aqwa.com.au/experience/ guided experiences] that bring them closer to the animals and allow them to gain behind the scenes knowledge.
For additional fees, visitors can book guided experiences that bring them closer to the animals and allow them to gain behind the scenes knowledge.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aqwa.com.au/experience/ | title=Swim with Sharks Perth &#124; Shark Cage Diving & Snorkelling - AQWA }}</ref>


Snorkelers and qualified [[scuba diver]]s can enter the water to encounter hundreds of fish, large sharks, stingrays and turtles by joining the aquarium's dive-master in the Dive or Snorkel with Sharks program. It is held in the main Shipwreck Coast aquarium.<ref name="aqwa_snorkel" /> Bookings are essential.
Snorkelers and qualified [[scuba diver]]s can enter the water to encounter hundreds of fish, large sharks, stingrays and turtles by joining the aquarium's dive-master in the Dive or Snorkel with Sharks program. It is held in the main Shipwreck Coast aquarium.<ref name="aqwa_snorkel" /> Bookings are essential.
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==The AQWA Foundation==
==The AQWA Foundation==


The AQWA Foundation is a registered non-profit environmental organisation, established by AQWA in 2002<ref>{{Cite web |title=AQWA Foundation |url=https://www.aqwa.com.au/foundation/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=AQWA |language=en-AU}}</ref>. It's purpose is to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of Western Australia’s unique marine environment.
The AQWA Foundation is a registered non-profit environmental organisation, established by AQWA in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AQWA Foundation |url=https://www.aqwa.com.au/foundation/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=AQWA |language=en-AU}}</ref> Its purpose is to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of Western Australia's unique marine environment.


It is dedicated to supporting projects that promote better understanding of the marine environment, drive conservation action and foster positive relationships between people and the sea.
It is dedicated to supporting projects that promote better understanding of the marine environment, drive conservation action and foster positive relationships between people and the sea.


Past and current initiatives include:
Past and current initiatives include:


* Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release programs, including the Turtle Rehabilitation Pool
* Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release programs, including the Turtle Rehabilitation Pool
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|work=aqwa.com.au
|work=aqwa.com.au
|publisher=AQWA
|publisher=AQWA
|accessdate=9 July 2012
|access-date=9 July 2012
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|work=touropia.com
|work=touropia.com
|publisher=Touropis
|publisher=Touropis
|accessdate=10 December 2012
|access-date=10 December 2012
}}
}}
</ref>-->
</ref>-->
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|work=aqwa.com.au
|work=aqwa.com.au
|publisher=AQWA
|publisher=AQWA
|accessdate=10 December 2012
|access-date=10 December 2012
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|work=aqwa.com.au
|work=aqwa.com.au
|publisher=AQWA
|publisher=AQWA
|accessdate=10 December 2012
|access-date=10 December 2012
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|work=frommers.com
|work=frommers.com
|publisher=Frommer's
|publisher=Frommer's
|accessdate=10 December 2012
|access-date=10 December 2012
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|work=aqwa.com.au
|work=aqwa.com.au
|publisher=AQWA
|publisher=AQWA
|accessdate=9 July 2012
|access-date=9 July 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710053744/http://www.aqwa.com.au/aqwa-adventures/
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710053744/http://www.aqwa.com.au/aqwa-adventures/
|archive-date=10 July 2012
|archive-date=10 July 2012
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|work=westernaustralia.com
|work=westernaustralia.com
|publisher=Tourism Western Australia
|publisher=Tourism Western Australia
|accessdate=28 August 2010
|access-date=28 August 2010
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114733/http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Attraction.aspx?n=AQWA_-_The_Aquarium_of_Western_Australia&pid=9001723
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114733/http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Attraction.aspx?n=AQWA_-_The_Aquarium_of_Western_Australia&pid=9001723
|archive-date=16 July 2011
|archive-date=16 July 2011
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|work=abc.net.au
|work=abc.net.au
|publisher=ABC News
|publisher=ABC News
|accessdate=28 August 2010
|access-date=28 August 2010
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|work=madphin.com
|work=madphin.com
|publisher=MadPhin
|publisher=MadPhin
|accessdate=28 August 2010
|access-date=28 August 2010
}}
}}
</ref>-->
</ref>-->

Latest revision as of 18:22, 30 August 2024

"AQWA" redirects here. For the capital of Abkhazia, see Sukhumi.

Aquarium of Western Australia
AQWA logo
Front Entrance to AQWA
Map
31°49′36″S 115°44′17″E / 31.82668°S 115.738118°E / -31.82668; 115.738118 (Aquarium of Western Australia)
Date opened1988 (as Underwater World, Perth)
2001 (as AQWA)[1]
LocationHillarys, Western Australia
No. of species400
Volume of largest tank3,000,000 litres (793,000 US gal)
Location
Websitewww.aqwa.com.au Edit this at Wikidata

The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is a privately owned aquarium in Hillarys, Western Australia. Located approximately 20 km (12 mi) north-west of Perth City, it is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

AQWA was Australia's largest aquarium when it opened and still possesses Australia's largest single aquarium and underwater tunnel,[2] the 3 million litre Shipwreck Coast exhibit.

History

[edit]

The aquarium opened on 13 April 1988 as Underwater World, Perth. It was acquired by the current owners, Coral World International and Morris Kahn, in 1991, and changed its name to AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia on 1 January 2001.

AQWA (then Underwater World, Perth) opened with only a handful of aquariums, including the feature walk-through aquarium which has been listed as one of the largest aquariums in the world.[3]

In 1992, following unsuccessful attempts by the defunct Atlantis Marine Park to rehabilitate three of its previously captive dolphins to the wild; a new sea pen was constructed at Underwater World to provide the dolphins a new home. They later died due to unknown causes (possibly stress) and in 1999 the sea pen was removed.

Today in 2023, AQWA houses over 45 unique displays which showcase only native Western Australian marine life and living corals, many of which are endemic to WA's waters.

Stingray in the main tank

Exhibits

[edit]

The aquarium specializes in marine animals that inhabit the 12,000-kilometre (7,500 mi) long coastline of Western Australia.[2] In total AQWA holds over 4,000,000 litres (1,057,000 US gal) of water and is home to approximately 400 species of marine life.[4]

AQWA is themed as an underwater journey along W.A.'s coastline and is broken up into distinct zones.[5] These include: the Great Southern, the Shipwreck Coast, the Perth Coast and the Far North. Each zone represents the unique marine life and habitats found along WA's expansive and varied coast.

The unequivocal highlight of AQWA is the main Shipwreck Coast aquarium. It is 40 metres (130 ft) long and 20 metres (66 ft) wide and holds 3,000,000 litres (793,000 US gal) of flowing seawater. It incorporates a 98-metre (322 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel, the largest in Australia,[6] with a motorised conveyor belt walkway.

This temperate exhibit features a limestone (non-coral) reef at its core and is home to 3–4-metre (10–13 ft) grey nurse shark, 4-metre (13 ft) smooth stingrays, large loggerhead turtle and over 70 other species of rays, octopuses, sharks and fish natively found in Western Australia.

Beyond the main "coastline journey", visitors will explore a feature exhibit zone and an outdoor zone. These areas showcase some of AQWA's specialities - including coral cultivation & conservation; large integrated reef systems, turtle rescue & rehabilitation, dangerous marine life education and creatures frequently encountered in the rock pools, marine park and marina adjacent to AQWA.

Highlights include:

  • DangerZone: a line-up of W.A.'s most dangerous marine life including stonefish, blue ringed octopus, lion fish, mantis shrimps and puffer and porcupine fishes
  • Coral Conservatory; home to the Glowing Ocean aquariums, showcasing coral fluorescence, and the Coral Bank of Western Australia, an initiative to create a living catalogue of Western Australia's hard coral species.
  • Interactive Touch Pool; encounter the local reef sharks, starfish and other echinoderms.
  • Turtle Rehabilitation Pool; caring for sick and injured rescue turtles for the purpose of rehabilitation and release.
  • Coral Reef Underwater Gallery; AQWA's Coral Reef underwater gallery is one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world, featuring stunning living corals and reef fish from Rottnest Island.

Other featured animals include the rare leafy seadragons, weedy seadragon, moon jellyfish, clownfish, juvenile saltwater crocodiles, octopus, cuttlefish, rock lobsters, scorpionfish, eagle ray, sandbar shark, Port Jackson shark, rescued sea turtles and many more.

Grey nurse shark at the aquarium

Experiences

[edit]

For additional fees, visitors can book guided experiences that bring them closer to the animals and allow them to gain behind the scenes knowledge.[7]

Snorkelers and qualified scuba divers can enter the water to encounter hundreds of fish, large sharks, stingrays and turtles by joining the aquarium's dive-master in the Dive or Snorkel with Sharks program. It is held in the main Shipwreck Coast aquarium.[8] Bookings are essential.

For those wanting to keep dry but experience more, visitors can upgrade their entry to include a Behind the Scenes Pass or Glass-Bottom Boat Ride; bookings are recommended.

AQWA also hosts one of Perth's most unique dining experiences; the opportunity to enjoy a three course meal in the underwater tunnel surrounded by marine life. The Dine Beneath the Sea experience is held after-hours regularly throughout the year. Bookings are essential.

The AQWA Foundation

[edit]

The AQWA Foundation is a registered non-profit environmental organisation, established by AQWA in 2002.[9] Its purpose is to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of Western Australia's unique marine environment.

It is dedicated to supporting projects that promote better understanding of the marine environment, drive conservation action and foster positive relationships between people and the sea.

Past and current initiatives include:

  • Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release programs, including the Turtle Rehabilitation Pool
  • The Coral Bank of Western Australia
  • Plastic and waste management programs
  • 'Clean Marine' volunteer beach clean-ups
  • Great white shark tagging and migration research, joint project with CSIRO

The AQWA Foundation is funded by AQWA, portion-of-sales fundraising, direct donations, sponsorships and grants.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About AQWA". aqwa.com.au. AQWA. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b "AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia". westernaustralia.com. Tourism Western Australia. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  3. ^ Kaplan, Mike (16 February 2020). "10 Largest Aquariums in the World". Touropia. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  4. ^ "About AQWA". aqwa.com.au. AQWA. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  5. ^ "AQWA Journey". aqwa.com.au. AQWA. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  6. ^ "Frommer's Review". frommers.com. Frommer's. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  7. ^ "Swim with Sharks Perth | Shark Cage Diving & Snorkelling - AQWA".
  8. ^ "AQWA Adventures". aqwa.com.au. AQWA. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  9. ^ "AQWA Foundation". AQWA. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
[edit]
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