Dive Bar

Unwind at the Dive Bar for an evening of immersive visuals and insightful conversation, featuring a compelling double bill focused on capturing extraordinary underwater moments.

Sonic Aquarium brings an immersive after-dark experience combining ocean imagery, creative interpretation, and marine science within a fully projected environment. Inspired by the movement and rhythms of underwater worlds, this projection installation invites audiences to slow down, observe, and engage more deeply. Watch as the walls of our museum transform into a responsive aquarium of light and sound, where shifting imagery creates a dynamic dialogue between the space and its audience.

The evening also features an intimate in‑conversation and masterclass with the West Australian Underwater Photographic Society Inc, offering insight into the practice of underwater photography. From navigating light and motion to balancing documentation with artistic and scientific intent, the discussion opens a window into working below the surface.

Meet the Speaker

Tammy Gibbs 

Tammy Gibbs is a Busselton-based underwater photographer known for capturing the region’s unique and often overlooked marine life, sharing both striking imagery and the stories behind each encounter.

She began diving in 2004 and soon after took up underwater photography to document her experiences beneath the surface. Since then, Tammy has explored dive sites around the world, including Indonesia, Norway, the Galapagos Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Bonaire, Mexico, The Bahamas, and across Australia.

Leafy Sea Dragon

Yvonne Hoppe

Follow the evening's journey into the stories, science, and technology shaping our understanding of the marine world. Across the night, leading voices in marine biology, ocean advocacy and technology start up companies guide you through compelling projects that are helping shape our future. As the conversation unfolds, audiences dive deeper into the challenges and marvels of our oceans—gaining insight into research, conservation, advancing technology, and the urgent work being done to protect these vital ecosystems.

Meet the Panelists 

Ocean Hex - Jurgen Valckenaere & Oscar Backhouse

Ocean Hex is a Perth-based nature-tech company integrating marine science, engineering, autonomous systems and digital assessment.

Ocean Hex is redefining how we think about coastal infrastructure. Every seawall, pylon, and port has the potential to be more than just grey concrete — it can be a living, thriving ecosystem. Our patented Grey-to-Green technologies don’t wait decades for nature to return. They deliver faster marine growth, measurable biodiversity gains, and the data that proves real impact. For governments, communities, and project developers, this means healthier oceans, stronger coastlines, and a clear path to meeting ESG and climate resilience goals.

But Ocean Hex goes beyond ecological restoration — they make sustainability a cost-saving tool. By reducing downtime during inspections, accelerating approvals, and providing automated monitoring, Ocean Hex can help project holders cut expenses while unlocking access to green financing, biodiversity credits, and blue bonds. Backed by global partnerships, award-winning recognition, and large-scale pilot project, Ocean Hex is the first mover in transforming grey infrastructure into blue assets. Choosing Ocean Hex means choosing a solution that is good for oceans, smart for business, and essential for our coastline’s future.

Fremantle Seaweed - Chris de Cuyper

Chris de Cuyper is the Founder and Managing Director of Fremantle Seaweed, a company that grows the red seaweed Asparagopsis that has been proven by CSIRO to lower methane emission from cattle when added as a feed supplement. Chris’s started his career as an electrician in the mining industry before moving into construction project management. Founding Fremantle Seaweed in 2020, he has been on a steep trajectory in the aquaculture industry and with his proven project delivery record and passion for the ocean, Chris is pioneering the responsible development of the offshore seaweed industry. As an elected Non executive Director of the Aquaculture Council of WA, Chris is supporting the seaweed sector at the regulatory decision-maker level. Chris has a passion for the ocean and loves nothing more than being out on his boat. Through Fremantle Seaweed his purpose is to make a significant impact to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

How much do you really know about the ocean?

Deep in Trivia invites you into the museum after hours for a late‑night trivia experience inspired by the wonders and weirdness of the deep sea. Designed for curious minds rather than competitive quiz fiends, this evening explores marine science, deep‑ocean environments, underwater life, exploration technology, and the unanswered questions that still lie beneath the surface.

Across themed rounds, expect everything from astonishing deep‑sea facts to unexpected ocean science and phenomena, echoing the ideas and discoveries of the OceanXperience exhibition. This is trivia at a different depth: less about speed, more about insight, conversation and shared curiosity.

Bring a team, join one on the night, or play solo to test your knowledge, debate your answers, and learn something new between sips. All you need to do is grab a question sheet from one of our Visitor Services Officer’s, nab a table and follow the prompts of the MC. 

Quiz 1 - 6pm to 6.45pm 

Quiz 2 - 7.45pm to 8.30pm  

Not interested in the quiz? That’s fine too. The bar and gallery will remain open for the duration of the evening for all ticket holders, so if Deep in Trivia isn’t your vibe feel free to roam the exhibition or lounge out with an ocean themed cocktail in hand.

 We look forward to seeing you there, whether you’re quizzing or not.

Meet your MC

Cougar Morrison

Cougar Morrison is the 2023 Favourite Drag Artist, and one of Australia’s most exciting drag superstars (if you ask her mum). Cougar recently starred as Tick in “Priscilla The Musical”, and is also known for their work with Drag-Storytime, The Perth Cabaret Collective, as a TEDtalk presenter, and as a host of Dragfactory at The Court Hotel. "A fabulously glamourous, funny, and multi-faceted drag talent who represents the breadth of artistic brilliance our city has to offer." -OUTinPerth 2022. 

July 10 | The Abyss Sound Club

Dive into an evening of live experimental music, sound and atmosphere at The Abyss Sound Club. This event features two live performances, with one artist per set, each exploring electronic and experimental approaches to sound using live technology and real‑time processing.

Throughout the night, both artists respond to a shared theme revealed on the evening—the sounds of the deep sea—creating immersive soundscapes that slowly evolve and shift. Expect music that moves through vast, echoing spaces, heavy pressure, shadow and stillness, with moments of strange and unexpected beauty.

Before and between sets, wander down to the dive bar for a drink, settle in, and let the soundscapes set the mood for the OceanXperience exhibition ahead. This is a night to listen closely, relax into the environment, and experience sounds unfolding beneath the ocean surface.

Meet the artists

Nicholas Huston

Nicholas Huston is a Boorloo based ambient musician who works with cassette tape looping. Well known for his experimental and innovative approach to live improvisation, Nicholas first began tinkering with tapes in 2021. Refining his improvisational technique, Nicholas released his debut album Winter’s Tapestry, a collection of live recordings inspired by the introspection of winter and the emotional ebb and flow of isolation, melancholy and contentment. Nicholas’ works seek to demonstrate the fragility of cassette tape loops as an autonomous tool for composition and reveal their hidden potential to his audiences.

Pavan Kumar Hari

Pavan Kumar Hari is is a dynamic multidisciplinary artist whose work spans composition, performance, dance, acting, and directing. Recognised for his vibrant and emotive musical language, he creates dramatic and expressive work for theatre, film, dance, and the concert hall.

Beginning his training at age three at Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya (SMV), Pavan Kumar developed a strong foundation in Indian classical and folk traditions across both music and dance. He later completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Composition and Percussion at WAAPA and a Graduate Certificate in Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music.

Pavan Kumar’s accolades include the Performing Arts WA Award for Best Composition or Arranging for 'Fully Sikh' (2020), a Green Room Award for 'Once The Musical' (2024), a 2025 nomination for Best Supporting Role and Best Composition for 'An Imaginary Life', and a 2026 nomination for Best Composition for 'Child'.

A passionate educator and collaborator, he continues to fuse cultures and art forms to create boundary-pushing, emotionally rich work.

June 12 | An Evening with Simone Craddock

An Evening with Simone Craddock invites audiences into the Dive Bar for an intimate, atmospheric night of live jazz and cabaret, led by one of Australia’s most globally travelled vocalists. With elegant charisma and warm, expressive delivery, Simone transforms the space into a late‑night lounge where vintage glamour meets contemporary reinterpretation.

Performed as a trio, Simone presents her acclaimed cabaret show Beyond the Sea—a curated, two set musical journey inspired by oceans, coastlines, and a life shaped by travel and performance.
 

About Simone

Born by the Southern Ocean in Esperance and raised alongside the Indian Ocean in Perth, Simone’s connection to the sea runs deep. Her career has carried her across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond performing in leading jazz clubs, theatres, cruise liners, and prestigious venues including the Yacht Club de Monaco. Returning home, Beyond the Sea reflects both global influence and local connection, offering audiences a musical voyage shaped by water, movement, and memory.

Doors open at 5:30pm, with the performance commencing at 6:00pm.

May 8 | Happy Birthday, David! Quiz Night

Join us as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough—the beloved broadcaster, natural historian, and environmental icon whose work has shaped how we see the natural world.

Happy Birthday, David! Quiz Night is a lively evening of trivia, games, music and surprises inspired by Attenborough’s extraordinary life, legendary documentaries, and enduring impact on science, conservation and global culture. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or a casual viewer, expect questions that range from the wild and wonderful to the deeply fascinating.

Dress to impress in your best safari suit, explorer chic or nature‑inspired look, and get ready for a fun, social night celebrating the great man.

The evening will be MC’d by Lisa Woodbrook, a world‑class performer renowned for her powerhouse vocals, quick wit and larger‑than‑life stage presence. With award‑winning shows, spectacular singing and sharp comedic flair, Lisa brings warmth, humour and unforgettable entertainment to the stage.

April 24 | The Indian Ocean: Corals to Canyons 

Western Australian marine scientists join us to discuss under the surface of the Indian Ocean. From marine forests to deep sea ecosystems the Indian Ocean has been the subject of countless hours of research and exploration, hear these experts in a 15-minute pitch about their latest projects followed by question time.

• Albert Pessarrodona - UWA Oceans Institute - Research Fellow Marine Forest ecosystems
• Jess Kolbusz - UWA Oceans Institute 
• Jenny Shaw - Western Australian Marine Science Institution - Research Director
• Cindy Bessey  - CSIRO - Benthic Ecologist   
• Mat Vanderklift - CSIRO- Senior Principal Research Scientist - Senior Principal Research Scientist