Before Entry
Visitors preparing to attend OceanXperience are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the exhibition environment ahead of time. Sensory and visual planning tools can help structure the visit, especially for visitors who benefit from predictability and orientation in new spaces.
Step aboard an interactive recreation of the OceanXplorer research vessel and preview the exhibition layout, lighting, sound and interactive experiences before your visit.
Beat the Queue
Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, particularly during weekends, school holidays and peak periods. Upon arrival, visitors will register with a Museum volunteer before entering the exhibition. Visitors may experience a short wait during busy periods. Marine specimens and displays are available to view while waiting to enter the exhibition.
Visual Planning Tools
Printable supports and visual resources are available below to help visitors prepare for their experience and understand exhibition flow. These resources may assist with: managing transitions, understanding the order of activities, preparing for sensory elements and identifying quieter rest areas
Visit Checklist – PDF [117.54 KB]
Visual Supports – Galleries – PDF [248.92 KB]
Visual Supports – Symbols – PDF [571.25 KB]
Access Considerations
The following information outlines key accessibility features and barriers across the exhibition, with a focus on vision, hearing, mobility, and sensory needs.
Visitors who are Blind or with Low Vision
OceanXperience includes digital screens, projections, interactive displays and varied lighting conditions. Some areas are dimly lit and may affect independent navigation or label reading. Assistance from a companion may be beneficial. The WA Museum accepts Companion Cards.
Some areas contain moving digital content, videos and visual effects which may impact screen-reader or text-to-speech app performance.
Tactile and Interactive Access
OceanXperience is a highly interactive exhibition with a range of hands-on activities and digital experiences throughout the space.
Visitors can engage with activities including:
- Touchscreen interactions
- Wristband scanning stations
- Interactive games and controls
- LEGO building stations
- Mission-based activities
- Submarine and ocean research simulations
Some activities may require fine motor control or hand movement to operate interactive elements.
Use of Assistive Apps
Visitors using text-to-speech apps (e.g. Seeing AI) or image description apps may find that lighting conditions, screen glare or moving digital content affect app performance in some areas. Museum staff are generally understanding and available to assist where possible.
Lighting and Visibility
The exhibition includes changing lighting conditions, projections, screens and animated digital environments throughout the experience. Some spaces are brighter and more open, while others include darker environments, illuminated displays and moving visuals. Visitors who are sensitive to lighting changes may wish to move through the exhibition at their own pace and take breaks where needed.
Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
OceanXperience includes soundscapes, audio effects, whale sounds and video-based content throughout the exhibition. Visitors who benefit from assisted listening, captioning or additional support are encouraged to contact the venue in advance to discuss available accessibility options.
Mobility and Dexterity
OceanXperience is largely accessible for visitors with physical disability. The exhibition includes wide pathways, elevator access and seating areas throughout the experience for rest breaks. Many interactive activities are positioned at accessible heights and are designed for self-paced participation. Some activities involve touchscreens, buttons, wristband scanning or movement-based controls, which may require varying levels of fine motor control.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with activities in a way that feels comfortable for them. Museum staff are available to assist where needed.
Cognitive and Sensory Considerations
Museum staff are approachable and generally responsive to visitor needs. OceanXperience includes interactive technology, changing lighting conditions, screens, sound effects and movement-based activities throughout the exhibition. Some visitors may find these elements stimulating or distracting. The exhibition also includes quieter seating areas and rest spaces where visitors can pause and regulate as needed.
Visitors who benefit from predictability and routine may find the Visual Story and sensory planning resources helpful before attending.
Exhibition Flow
The experience follows a structured journey through a series of themed spaces inspired by the OceanXplorer research vessel. Visitors begin with registration and mission selection before moving through interactive environments including Mission Control, the Bridge, Wet Lab, Dry Lab and Sub Hangar. The exhibition is self-guided and follows a logical path, allowing visitors to move at their own pace, revisit activities or take breaks when needed.
Exhibition Registration and Wristbands
Before entering the exhibition, visitors are provided with a wristband to wear throughout the experience. Visitors then register with a Museum volunteer using a touchscreen station. Visitors choose one of three missions:
- Humpback Whales
- Great Hammerhead Sharks
- Orcas
The wristband is tapped at checkpoints across the exhibition to activate personalised mission content and interactive activities.
This process includes:
- Touchscreens
- Lighting effects
- Audio prompts
- Interactive digital responses
Visitors who prefer not to interact with certain stations may continue through the exhibition at their own pace.
Companion Card
The museum is part of the Companion Card program for people with disability and their families and support workers.
We hope you enjoyed your OceanXperience
OceanXperience is an interactive exhibition designed to encourage curiosity, exploration and hands-on learning. The experience includes digital storytelling, interactive activities, tactile engagement opportunities and self-guided exploration through a series of themed environments inspired by the OceanXplorer research vessel.
The exhibition’s structured flow, variety of engagement methods and welcoming Museum staff help support many visitors with diverse access needs.
However, some barriers remain, including low lighting throughout some of the space and a lack of audio descriptions for key displays. Visitors who rely on screen readers, consistent lighting, or auditory support should plan accordingly. Some activities may also require fine motor control or interaction with digital interfaces.
With thoughtful preparation and the support of museum staff, many visitors with diverse access needs can enjoy a meaningful and engaging experience.
For further information, please contact reception@museum.wa.gov.au or call 1300 134 081.
The WA Museum has collaborated with the Centre for Accessibility Australia to develop the access information available.
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