Immerse yourself in Australia's rich heritage and natural wonders at the Western Australian Museum. Headquartered at WA Museum Boola Bardip in the Perth Cultural Centre, this statutory institution encompasses six main sites across the state, including branches in Fremantle, Albany, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Originally established in 1891 in the Old Perth Gaol, the Perth location blends cutting-edge modern space with five preserved heritage structures, such as the 1855 Old Perth Gaol and Hackett Hall.
When you visit the flagship Perth site, you will encounter diverse exhibitions detailing the formation of the Universe, local technological inventions, pre-solar diamonds, dinosaur specimens, and indigenous history. Walk through Hackett Hall to gaze upon "Otto," a preserved blue whale skeleton suspended inside the historic building, or admire Australia's oldest grapevine, believed to date back to the 1850s or 1860s. Beyond Perth, the museum's network showcases legendary maritime archaeology, such as the reconstructed hull of the 1629 Dutch vessel Batavia at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, regional biodiversity, and mining history.
Whether you are exploring natural science, anthropology, or historic shipwrecks, a visit offers an essential window into Western Australia's past and present.
What to see at Western Australian Museum
- WA Museum Boola Bardip in the Perth Cultural Centre
- Otto the blue whale skeleton in Hackett Hall
- Historic 1855 Old Perth Gaol building
- Reconstructed hull of the 1629 shipwreck Batavia
- Historic yacht Australia II at the WA Maritime Museum
Visiting tips
Be sure to look for Australia's oldest grapevine growing within the Perth complex, estimated to date from the 1850s or 1860s.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Western Australian Museum is easy to reach on Perth’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Art Gallery of Western Australia. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Perth travel guide.
See the full Perth travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.