Maritime Open Day for Science Week 2026
Free entry for Museum General Admission*
*Admission fees with session times apply for Life in the Great Barrier Reef and HMAS Ovens Submarine Tours on the day.
Site access information
WA Maritime Museum is mostly accessible, excluding tours aboard the HMAS Ovens. Call 1300 134 081 for assistance. More about accessibility and amenities >
Come and celebrate National Science Week at the WA Maritime Museum Open Day 2026
Dive into the wonders of ocean science with a splash of free, fun activities for all ages! Watch, listen, and get hands-on as you uncover the incredible world beneath the waves.
Meet real marine scientists who have explored the depths of the Western Australian coastline, peer into the tiny universe of our Microscopic Marvels digital microscope, and immerse yourself in Ningaloo: Australia’s Other Great Reef in our 180° curved dome cinema.
From the smallest sea life to vast reef ecosystems, there’s so much to discover, so come along and explore, learn, and be amazed!
See the full program of activities below, included with free Museum General Admission.
Program
Marine creature craft activities
Craft your own stained-glass style silhouette Stripey Fish or decorate a turtle puppet to take home with you.
Microscopic Marvels digital microscope interactive
Explore life down the microscope, and the fascinating features of the tiny organisms that grow, multiply and create nutrients for larger creatures, playing their part in the glorious web of marine life.
Underwater Art activities
- ReMida Undersea Animals recycled art workshop
Use unique upcycled industrial waste materials to make your own underwater animal, guided by the recycled 'creative re-use' experts from ReMida. - Reef Wonders collective activity
Using colourful materials, join our artistic team to make a beautiful reef scene and some of the animals that live there.
Join in creative dot-painting fun with artist Fiona Reidy-Carroll. Inspired by ocean animals, you can contribute to a collective canvas or even decorate your own animal design. Djinda Kaal Dreaming (Star Fire) is Fiona’s artist name which defines her creative identity and is a symbol of her connection to family, Culture and heritage. Her ties to the Whadjuck and Balardongi clans play a pivotal role in shaping her artworks, vision, and direction.
Film: Ningaloo: Australia’s Other Great Reef
Session times
10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm, 3.15pm, 4pm
Under the Dome cinema is air-conditioned and has two seats that can be removed to accommodate one wheelchair.
Marine scientists in-gallery
Check out the weird, wild and wonderful world of creatures living off the Western Australian coast and meet the team of scientists who have been exploring and researching marine waters in some of the exotic parts of our great state, from the shallower parts of our tropical and temperate reef environments, to the remote island habitats and deep canyons further off the coast.
Music: West Coast Soul with Reuben De Melo
Winner of The Voice Australia 2024, Reuben De Melo is a captivating singer and guitarist renowned for his powerful, soulful vocals and effortless ability to connect with an audience. With a warm acoustic sound spanning contemporary favourites, soulful classics and his signature indie-folk style, Reuben brings honest storytelling and songwriting to his own style of West Coast soul. Following The Voice, Reuben has toured nationally and internationally, establishing himself as one of Perth’s standout live performers.
Join Dr James Gilmour (AIMS) and explore the biodiversity that a reef environment can support and discover more about how scientists understand whether a reef system is flourishing or under stress.
*Admission fees and session times apply for Life in the Great Barrier Reef and HMAS Ovens Submarine Tours on the day.
Supported by
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This project was made possible through the generous support of the Foundation for the WA Museum.
