AQWA – the Aquarium of Western Australia – entered an exciting chapter in its relatively short history in 2017 when it opened its above ground outdoor aquarium called Adventure Bay. 

Redeveloped with value-adding interaction in mind, Adventure Bay stands in the former dolphin arena of the 1990s, which then became the flat pond aquarium for stingray viewings. 

With diversifying in mind, the area now doubles as a children’s entertainment hub during the day and function venue at night, displaying more of the flexibility AQWA has embraced since it opened its doors in 1988. 

The new area was a way of modernising the facility as it continually adds infrastructure and exhibits.  

AQWA wanted to make the iconic WA attraction ‘not just about more fish’ by providing entertainment for all ages and a visitor experience unmatched anywhere else. 

It now has playgrounds, an amphitheatre, an alfresco, kiosk and a dive hub.  

The continual upgrades mean more people can be entertained in different ways than what was on offer in the past, with weddings, presentations and corporate sundowners all now on offer.  

Featuring local herring visible from a large front panel, the development also plays host to the three dive and snorkel programs and children’s activities, including a Mermaid Magic show. 

The idea came about after it was discovered AQWA’S existing dive program was excluding a rather large chunk of its client base. 

While some could dive with the sharks in the main tank, it was limited to those who were not only comfortable getting in with sharks but also qualified divers. 

To further add to the AQWA experience, the replica sailing ship Duyfken also now berths at the attraction for several months of the year.