WA Iconic Aquarium Undergoes Historic Upgrade
Western Australia’s AQWA is poised for its most significant upgrade in 38 years, with a total investment of $13 million. The ambitious plans include a suite of new aquarium exhibits, a state-of-the-art dome theater featuring a 125-seat 3-D cinema, as well as a fresh café, gift shop, playground, and a dedicated sustainability center.
A Community Reaction
Local visitors are already expressing excitement over the planned enhancements. Stacey, a mother visiting AQWA with her sons, Cole, seven, and Hayes, ten months, stated, “We’re really excited, especially for our seven-year-old who loves sharks.” Her family has also purchased a membership, highlighting the anticipated value of the aquarium’s upcoming offerings.
Project Overview
The upgrade project is spearheaded by Coral World Australia, which has submitted a development application to the Western Australian Planning Commission. General Manager Catherine Buckley underscores the initiative’s mission to offer an engaging mix of innovative technology and ocean exploration.
Key Features of the Upgrade
- New Exhibits: The centerpiece will be the Ningaloo Reef elliptical aquarium, measuring 12 meters wide and 3.5 meters deep, featuring blacktip sharks along with various tropical marine species.
- Interactive Experiences: An Ocean Play zone is proposed to provide hands-on, interactive showcases of West Australia’s unique marine life.
- Two Oceans Theatre: This new 10-meter-tall dome theatre will house the 3-D cinema, the first of its kind in Western Australia.
- Accessibility Enhancements: The design includes a new street-level entrance, along with modern facilities to replace existing ones.
Visitor Engagement and Expectations
AQWA officials believe that these planned enhancements will secure the aquarium’s vitality, making it an appealing destination for visitors far into the future. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, AQWA has experienced a surge in visitor numbers, making the upgrades imperative to accommodate growing demand.
Educational Initiatives
The development will also focus on educational aspects, with a new standalone Sustainability Centre aimed at school groups. Future public consultations for the upgrades are currently open until February 17, with a decision from the WA Planning Commission anticipated in the months ahead.
In summary, the historic upgrade of AQWA aims to enhance visitor experience through innovative marine displays and engaging educational facilities, cementing its status as a premier destination in Hillarys Boat Harbour.
