Maritime Open Day for Science Week 2026

Dates
-
Ages
All Ages
Cost

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

10am - 3pm Marine creature craft activities

Marine creature craft activities

10am - 3pm Microscopic Marvels digital microscope interactive

Microscopic Marvels digital microscope interactive

10am - 5pm Underwater Art activities

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.  
10am - 4pm Under the Dome

Session times

10am – Ningaloo: Australia's Other Great Reef
10.45am – Whale Super Highway
11.30am – Star Dreaming
12.15pm – Ningaloo: Australia's Other Great Reef
1pm - Whale Super Highway
1.45pm - Star Dreaming
2.30pm – Ningaloo: Australia's Other Great Reef
3.15pm – Whale Super Highway
4pm – Star Dreaming

Under the Dome cinema is air-conditioned and has two seats that can be removed to accommodate one wheelchair.

11am - 2pm Marine scientists in-gallery

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.

3pm - 4pm Public talk: The state of Western Australia's coral reefs

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.  

Book now

*Admission fees and session times apply for Life in the Great Barrier Reef and HMAS Ovens Submarine Tours on the day.


 

 

Supported by

Foundation for the WA Museum logo

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Foundation for the WA Museum.

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