Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Less crowded but sometimes windy, with swimming, surfing, cafes and playground. Bus
to City Beach and walk north 800m.
Scarborough Beach
Popular young surfers' spot. Swim between flags as it can be dangerous. Has lots of shops
and eateries. Bus 400 from Wellington St.
BEACH
BEACH
Trigg Beach
Better surf and a more hardcore group of locals who come out when the surf's up; danger-
ous when rough and prone to rips - always swim between the flags.
Mettams Pool
This beach is like a turquoise paddle pool - good for snorkelling.
BEACH
Aquarium of Western Australia
(AQWA; 08-9447 7500;
www.aqwa.com.au
;
Hillarys Boat Harbour; adult/child $28/16; 10am-5pm)
Divid-
ing WA's vast coastline into five distinct zones (Far North, Coral Coast, Shipwreck Coast,
Perth and Great Southern), AQWA offers the chance to enjoy its underwater treasures
without getting wet. Or eaten, stung or otherwise poisoned (the displays of WA's most
poisonous fish, octopi, shells and sea snakes is particularly interesting).
Wander through a 98m underwater tunnel as gargantuan stingrays, turtles, fish and
sharks stealthily glide over the top of you. Moon jellyfish billow iridescently through a gi-
ant cylinder lit up like a school disco, while sea horses and sea dragons drift on delicate
underwater currents.
The daring can snorkel or dive with the sharks in the giant aquarium with the help of
the in-house dive master; book in advance ($159 with your own gear; hire snorkel/dive
gear $20/40; 1pm and 3pm). Another interactive option is donning a wetsuit and breathing
tube and negotiating an underwater seascape as a Reefwalker ($20). You can also simply
dip your hands into the touch pool and get to know harmless guys like the Port Jackson
shark, sea stars, sea cucumbers and the Western stingaree.
To get here on weekdays, take the Joondalup train to Warwick station and then transfer
to bus 423. By car, take the Mitchell Fwy north and exit at Hepburn Ave, or take the
coastal road north from Scarborough Beach. AQWA is by the water at Hillarys Boat Har-
bour, behind Hillarys shopping centre.
AQUARIUM
TOP OF CHAPTER
