Welcome to the Western Australian Museum | Western Australian Museum
Source: https://museum.wa.gov.au
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:35
Welcome to the Western Australian Museum | Western Australian Museum
Skip to main content
Welcome to the
Western Australian Museum
Explore our collections
What's on
News and stories
Inspiring curiosity to explore the past, question the present and shape the future.
Explore the scientific and cultural collections of the State in our seven public locations and extensive online collections.
Learn more about the WA Museum >
phone_iphone
Contact us
1300 134 081
More ways to contact us >
@wamuseum
Our locations
Find us in Perth and Fremantle
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Perth Cultural Centre, Perth / Boorloo
Plan your visit
WA Maritime Museum
Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle / Walyalup
Plan your visit
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Cliff Street, Fremantle / Walyalup
Plan your visit
Explore regional Western Australia
Museum of the Great Southern
Kalyenup / Residency Road, Albany
Plan your visit
Museum of Geraldton
Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton / Jambinu
Plan your visit
Museum of the Goldfields
17 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie / Karlkurla
Plan your visit
Gwoonwardu Mia
146 Robinson St, Carnarvon
Gwoonwardu Mia website
open_in_new
Special exhibitions
OceanXperience
Embark on a journey beneath the waves—where innovative technology and advanced research come to life in immersive environments designed for families and curious minds, deepening understanding and inspiring ocean conservation.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Saturday 4 April
–
Sunday 11 October 2026
Learn more
What's on in the school holidays?
Join us at one of our WA Museum locations to take part in our school holidays activities! There’s always something new to learn.
We have a heap of fun filled activities, where you can express your creativity, learn and explore. No matter where you’ll be in WA these school holidays, there is something for everyone!
Explore our school holidays activities
Special exhibitions
Albany Then & Now: Historical Panoramas of Menang Noongar Boodja
Step into Albany’s past and present through panoramas spanning more than a century.
Museum of the Great Southern
Friday 12 December 2025
–
Sunday 7 June 2026
Special exhibitions
Reception this way
Travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel.
Museum of Geraldton
Friday 27 February
–
Sunday 24 May 2026
Friday 27 February – Sunday 24 May 2026
Special exhibitions
Legacies Karlkurla: Stories from Silky Pear Country
A powerful celebration of shared cultural heritage from ten respected Aboriginal Elders whose lives, leadership and knowledge have shaped communities across the Goldfields.
Museum of the Goldfields
Saturday 28 February
–
Sunday 3 May 2026
Explore all exhibitions and programs
WA Museum
Review of the Maritime Archaeology Act
The Western Australian Government, through the Western Australian Museum (WA Museum), has proposed changes to the
Maritime Archaeology Act
1973 (WA) to reflect changes in national legislation, international and best practice, and to take account of the changing context of maritime archaeology over the last 50 years.
Learn more
Members pay once to visit all year, and get heaps of additional benefits, including discounted exhibition tickets, pre-sale access and invitations to member-only events.
Store your member card, tickets, exclusive content and offers in the palm of your hand using the WA Museum member app!
Become a member
Download the app
Explore Western Australian stories
FameLab Australia 2026 national science communication competition open for entries
The Western Australian Museum will host FameLab Australia 2026, the nation’s premier science communication competition for postgraduate and early‑career STEM researchers.
Media release
14 April 2026
WA’s “little disc of happiness” makes top five in global mollusc competition
Australians are invited to vote for rare full moon clam found only along our southern coast. A tiny clam that lives under rocks in shallow and subtidal Western Australian bays is now competing on the world stage.
Media release
13 April 2026
Congratulations to our 200 Years.... 200 Words winners!
The results are in for the Museum of the Great Southern’s 200 Years… 200 Words Writing Competition, and the winning entries prove just how much can be said in very few words.
News
18 March 2026
First new Peroryctes bandicoot in a century discovered in West Papua
A new long-nosed bandicoot species, Peroryctes trigonodon, has been discovered in the remote Baliem Valley of West Papua — the first new species in the genus Peroryctes in a century.
News
15 March 2026
Kimberley fossils reveal ancient sea salamanders with global links
WA’s Kimberley region is now known for its red pindan dirt, rocky ground and long dry seasons but, around 250 million years ago, it was the shore of a shallow bay on the edge of a vast prehistoric ocean. Now, rediscovered fossils from the area reveal a surprisingly diverse marine amphibian community with unexpected global links.
News
13 March 2026
Explore all news and stories
Discover the collections
Anthropology and Archaeology
Documenting, caring for and researching collections related to cultural anthropology and archaeology — exploring and communicating the complex relationships between society, culture, and language.
Aquatic Zoology
Documenting and researching most of the marine, estuarine and freshwater — and, where appropriate, terrestrial — faunal groups of Western Australia, and related regions.
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Maintaining, researching and documenting the Museum’s collections of Fossils, Minerals, Rocks, Gems, Meteorites and Tektites — delivering frequent research publications, material loans and identification services.
Genetic Resources
Facilitating the collection and analysis of molecular data from the Museum’s fauna collections, to expand knowledge of specimens and the diversity of life.
History
Collecting, caring for, researching and sharing stories related to Western Australia’s social history. Our aim is to share diverse stories which reflect a range of experiences.
Maritime Heritage
Maintaining collections, undertaking research, and developing exhibitions to communicate the ongoing local and global significance of Western Australia’s maritime history and cultural heritage.
Materials Conservation
Analysing and preserving the State’s collections — ensuring their longevity through the application of preventative techniques, practical treatments and scientific research.
Terrestrial Zoology
Maintaining large collections of terrestrial animals, including both terrestrial invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as marine species of the major groups studied (e.g. sea snakes). Taxonomic research is carried out on these collections.
More to explore at the Museum
Museum shop
Purchase a memento of your visit, a stunning piece for your home, or an educational activity perfect for young, curious minds.
Volunteer with us
Contribute your skills, life experience, diverse background, and interests to a broader purpose.
Everyone is included
The WA Museum welcomes visitors of all abilities. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Support the Museum
The Foundation for the WA Museum mobilises, harnesses, and directs your support for the Western Australian Museum to increase the Museum's cultural, scientific, educational, and social impact.
Subscribe to be the first to know about all the latest in exhibitions, events, discoveries and much more!
Join our mailing list
We recognise and respect the Traditional Owners of this Country and their connection to the lands, waters and skies.
Western Australian Museum
Skip to main content
Welcome to the
Western Australian Museum
Explore our collections
What's on
News and stories
Inspiring curiosity to explore the past, question the present and shape the future.
Explore the scientific and cultural collections of the State in our seven public locations and extensive online collections.
Learn more about the WA Museum >
phone_iphone
Contact us
1300 134 081
More ways to contact us >
@wamuseum
Our locations
Find us in Perth and Fremantle
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Perth Cultural Centre, Perth / Boorloo
Plan your visit
WA Maritime Museum
Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle / Walyalup
Plan your visit
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Cliff Street, Fremantle / Walyalup
Plan your visit
Explore regional Western Australia
Museum of the Great Southern
Kalyenup / Residency Road, Albany
Plan your visit
Museum of Geraldton
Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton / Jambinu
Plan your visit
Museum of the Goldfields
17 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie / Karlkurla
Plan your visit
Gwoonwardu Mia
146 Robinson St, Carnarvon
Gwoonwardu Mia website
open_in_new
Special exhibitions
OceanXperience
Embark on a journey beneath the waves—where innovative technology and advanced research come to life in immersive environments designed for families and curious minds, deepening understanding and inspiring ocean conservation.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Saturday 4 April
–
Sunday 11 October 2026
Learn more
What's on in the school holidays?
Join us at one of our WA Museum locations to take part in our school holidays activities! There’s always something new to learn.
We have a heap of fun filled activities, where you can express your creativity, learn and explore. No matter where you’ll be in WA these school holidays, there is something for everyone!
Explore our school holidays activities
Special exhibitions
Albany Then & Now: Historical Panoramas of Menang Noongar Boodja
Step into Albany’s past and present through panoramas spanning more than a century.
Museum of the Great Southern
Friday 12 December 2025
–
Sunday 7 June 2026
Special exhibitions
Reception this way
Travel around Australia revisiting your memories of the classic Aussie motel.
Museum of Geraldton
Friday 27 February
–
Sunday 24 May 2026
Friday 27 February – Sunday 24 May 2026
Special exhibitions
Legacies Karlkurla: Stories from Silky Pear Country
A powerful celebration of shared cultural heritage from ten respected Aboriginal Elders whose lives, leadership and knowledge have shaped communities across the Goldfields.
Museum of the Goldfields
Saturday 28 February
–
Sunday 3 May 2026
Explore all exhibitions and programs
WA Museum
Review of the Maritime Archaeology Act
The Western Australian Government, through the Western Australian Museum (WA Museum), has proposed changes to the
Maritime Archaeology Act
1973 (WA) to reflect changes in national legislation, international and best practice, and to take account of the changing context of maritime archaeology over the last 50 years.
Learn more
Members pay once to visit all year, and get heaps of additional benefits, including discounted exhibition tickets, pre-sale access and invitations to member-only events.
Store your member card, tickets, exclusive content and offers in the palm of your hand using the WA Museum member app!
Become a member
Download the app
Explore Western Australian stories
FameLab Australia 2026 national science communication competition open for entries
The Western Australian Museum will host FameLab Australia 2026, the nation’s premier science communication competition for postgraduate and early‑career STEM researchers.
Media release
14 April 2026
WA’s “little disc of happiness” makes top five in global mollusc competition
Australians are invited to vote for rare full moon clam found only along our southern coast. A tiny clam that lives under rocks in shallow and subtidal Western Australian bays is now competing on the world stage.
Media release
13 April 2026
Congratulations to our 200 Years.... 200 Words winners!
The results are in for the Museum of the Great Southern’s 200 Years… 200 Words Writing Competition, and the winning entries prove just how much can be said in very few words.
News
18 March 2026
First new Peroryctes bandicoot in a century discovered in West Papua
A new long-nosed bandicoot species, Peroryctes trigonodon, has been discovered in the remote Baliem Valley of West Papua — the first new species in the genus Peroryctes in a century.
News
15 March 2026
Kimberley fossils reveal ancient sea salamanders with global links
WA’s Kimberley region is now known for its red pindan dirt, rocky ground and long dry seasons but, around 250 million years ago, it was the shore of a shallow bay on the edge of a vast prehistoric ocean. Now, rediscovered fossils from the area reveal a surprisingly diverse marine amphibian community with unexpected global links.
News
13 March 2026
Explore all news and stories
Discover the collections
Anthropology and Archaeology
Documenting, caring for and researching collections related to cultural anthropology and archaeology — exploring and communicating the complex relationships between society, culture, and language.
Aquatic Zoology
Documenting and researching most of the marine, estuarine and freshwater — and, where appropriate, terrestrial — faunal groups of Western Australia, and related regions.
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Maintaining, researching and documenting the Museum’s collections of Fossils, Minerals, Rocks, Gems, Meteorites and Tektites — delivering frequent research publications, material loans and identification services.
Genetic Resources
Facilitating the collection and analysis of molecular data from the Museum’s fauna collections, to expand knowledge of specimens and the diversity of life.
History
Collecting, caring for, researching and sharing stories related to Western Australia’s social history. Our aim is to share diverse stories which reflect a range of experiences.
Maritime Heritage
Maintaining collections, undertaking research, and developing exhibitions to communicate the ongoing local and global significance of Western Australia’s maritime history and cultural heritage.
Materials Conservation
Analysing and preserving the State’s collections — ensuring their longevity through the application of preventative techniques, practical treatments and scientific research.
Terrestrial Zoology
Maintaining large collections of terrestrial animals, including both terrestrial invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as marine species of the major groups studied (e.g. sea snakes). Taxonomic research is carried out on these collections.
More to explore at the Museum
Museum shop
Purchase a memento of your visit, a stunning piece for your home, or an educational activity perfect for young, curious minds.
Volunteer with us
Contribute your skills, life experience, diverse background, and interests to a broader purpose.
Everyone is included
The WA Museum welcomes visitors of all abilities. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Support the Museum
The Foundation for the WA Museum mobilises, harnesses, and directs your support for the Western Australian Museum to increase the Museum's cultural, scientific, educational, and social impact.
Subscribe to be the first to know about all the latest in exhibitions, events, discoveries and much more!
Join our mailing list
We recognise and respect the Traditional Owners of this Country and their connection to the lands, waters and skies.
Western Australian Museum