The $1.1 million program provides an opportunity for Western Australians and visitors to enjoy a memorable day out at WA’s top museums for free between December 15th, 2024 and March 31st, 2025.
General admission will be free for the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the WA Maritime Museum, and Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre. The WA Shipwreck Museum, Museum of the Great Southern, Museum of Geraldton, and Museum of the Goldfields will also remain free to enter.
Free entry to WA Museums this summer
“We know many Western Australians are experiencing cost-of-living pressures, which is why my government continues to deliver relief where we can through a range of measures,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“This initiative will mean everyone can afford to enjoy our fantastic WA museums and the fun, educational and enriching experiences they provide across seven locations this summer,” Cook said.
The free museum initiative builds on more than $1.1 billion in cost-of-living measures being delivered by the Cook Labor Government to support WA families this year, including the WA Student Assistance Payment, the $700.00 Household Electricity Credit, free public transport for school students and on Sundays, boosting the Regional Pensioner Travel Card, and the Perth Zoo Free Pass.
“Summer school holidays is a time when many families are looking for ways to entertain their children and young people, as well as their visitors from overseas,” Culture and the Arts Minister, David Templeman said.
“Providing free general admission to all our WA Museum sites affords the opportunity to everyone to explore the scale, diversity, and the extraordinary stories of our state,” Templeman said.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
The WA Museum is the State’s premier cultural institution, showcasing the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage, and sharing stories about our ancient landscapes, enduring cultures, diverse people, and remarkable biodiversity.
Visitors to WA Museum Boola Bardip will be able to take in its latest special exhibition, Spinifex People: Art and stories from Pila Nguru, explore the eight permanent galleries, say hello to Otto the Blue Whale, discover WA’s own dinosaurs, and take part in a wide range of free tours, activities and events on offer every day. A range of paid experiences will also be available, including the museum’s latest virtual reality experience, The Great Kimberley Wilderness.
WA Maritime Museum
Free general admission to the WA Maritime Museum will include entry to the Empress Josephine’s Garden exhibition and the opportunity to explore the vast riches of Western Australia’s maritime history, including the America’s Cup-winning Australia II. It also offers free daily tours and activities, as well the immersive Under the Dome boutique cinema experience sessions.
Paid experiences will include a cinematic journey into French history during The French Collection Film Festival.
Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Culture Centre
Carnarvon’s Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Culture Centre celebrates the Aboriginal culture and heritage of WA’s Gascoyne region and features extraordinary stories, such as the natural wonder that is Dawson’s Burrowing Bees. You can also kick back and enjoy authentic bush tucker in the centre’s Jardilunji Mia café.
