AQWA - Aquarium of Western Australia

Sat. Feb. 8, 2014

Today we tried a new adventure, getting around on Perth's public transportation system.   We were headed to AQWA, which is on the far side of Perth, at Hillary's Boat Harbour. I discovered online that it is only $11.60 for the entire family to ride for the whole day on weekends and holidays (which would be less than it would cost to drive, as gas prices are between $1.48 -$1.60/L).  Ouch!  The first leg of the trip was by train.  The station is only a couple kilometers from our house, so it was a quick, easy drive to catch the train. The train ride was very comfortable and relaxing.  Much less stressful than driving on the freeways.  But I have to admit, driving over here is much different than back home in Canada because everyone does the speed limit.  WA has speed cameras set up all over the place to keep the drivers going the speed limit.  It actually feels much safer driving on the roads here because everyone is going the same speed. Maybe photo radar wasn't such a bad thing when they tried to introduce it years ago.  Of course, we haven't gotten a ticket yet either.  But back to the public transport. Stage 2 was a bus ride. Surprisingly, even the bus was modern and clean.  All in all, an enjoyable experience.

Much to our surprise when we arrived at Hillary's Boat Harbour, it wasn't just the aquarium that was there.  There was a small amusement park with water slides, rides, trampolines, and mini-golf.  A great little beach which was protected from the wind and waves of the ocean, and a whole wharf area with nice, little shops and restaurants.  This was going to be fun!  To the aquarium first.

Just inside the front door, you are greeted by this colourful coral reef with tropical fish.

Leafy Seadragon (Bottom), Weedy Seadragon (Top)

Part way through the aquarium, there is a viewing area with glass tunnel where you feel like you are swimming with the sharks. 

And the seaturtles,

And Stingrays!

This could be my best photo ever!

The dangerous Lionfish.

One of the ugliest creatures you will ever encounter, the Moray Eel.

Another tropical fish aquarium that you can walk through using scuba gear.

All of the exhibits at AQWA represent different parts of the 12,000 kms of coastline along 
Western Australia.  We are going to have fun snorkelling this year!

After visiting the aquarium, we had some lunch along the wharf, and wandered in and out of the shops, buying some Aussie souvenirs and some new sandals for Ellise.