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Illustration of two ancient sea salamaders.

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.
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A black and white photograph of a woman swimming.

Pioneering the Rottnest Channel Swim
On 13 April 1969, 23-year-old Lesley Meaney stood on the shore of Wadjemup/Rottnest Island and began swimming towards Fremantle. Approximately nine hours later, she reached the mainland, becoming the first woman to complete a solo crossing of the Rottnest Channel.
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Vintage photograph of a woman in a white wedding dress standing with a man in a suit.

Caterina Vallesi's Wedding
Caterina Vallesi (née Cardinali) was married in Porto San Giorgio, Italy, in 1955 — but her groom, Umberto Vallesi, was thousands of kilometres away in Western Australia!
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Two people deliver a workshop in front of a crowd of seated people

Australia and Indonesia Museum-to-Museum Collaboration
In November 2025, the Western Australian Museum worked with the Australian Embassy and the Indonesian Heritage Agency to deliver a two-day workshop on museum management and curatorial practice at the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta.
News
Underwater photo of a man diving next to a submerged ship

Not all shipwrecks are accidents
When we hear the word shipwreck, it tends to conjure up images of storms, navigation errors and even tragedy. But did you know some shipwrecks reach the seabed by design?
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A group of children are dancing together on a wooden stage, wearing colorful outfits and hats. In the background, a person dressed in dark clothing and a wide-brimmed hat appears to be leading or guiding the activity. Musical instruments, including a microphone stand and cables, are visible behind them, suggesting a live performance or interactive event

Dive into summer fun at the Museum of the Goldfields
This January, the Museum of the Goldfields is turning up the heat on creativity and cool vibes with a school holiday program that’s all about imagination, colour, and good old-fashioned fun.
Media release
Three children seated at a white table in a museum activity area, working on a craft project with colorful beads, pipe cleaners, and other art supplies. Clear containers of materials are on the table, and bright red structural elements and exhibit displays are visible in the background.

Celebrate the holidays with art, culture, and adventure at WA Museum

Across WA, our museums are packed with holiday activities that give kids a way to burn their energy, sharpen their minds, and ignite their imagination. Every Museum has its own mix of art, science and culture so families can choose what suits them best and make a day of it!
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