- Cook Labor Government making WA Museum entry free this summer
- Attractions include WA Museum Boola Bardip, the WA Maritime Museum and Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre
- Free general admission available from 15 December to 31 March
- Initiative to help Western Australians experiencing cost-of-living pressures enjoy a great day out visiting some of the State's top cultural and tourism attractions
Western Australians can visit any of the Western Australian Museum's seven sites, including Boola Bardip, for free this summer thanks to the Cook Government's free museum initiative.
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 15 December 2024 and 31 March 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 removal of entry charges will mean admission to all of the WA Museum's venues will be free of charge, providing free entertainment for Western Australians and an even better value-for-money experience for tourists.
The WA Shipwreck Museum, Museum of the Great Southern, Museum of Geraldton and Museum of the Goldfields will remain free to enter.
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'.
Free general admission to the WA Maritime Museum will include entry to the 'Empress Josephine's Garden' exhibition (bookings essential) and the opportunity to explore the vast riches of Western Australia's maritime history, including the America's Cup-winning Australia II. It 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, in Carnarvon, 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 caf.
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 Household Electricity Credit, free public transport for school students and on Sundays, boosting the Regional Pensioner Travel Card, and the Perth Zoo Free Pass.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"As a dad from Kwinana, I know the value of a great day out during the school holidays.
"Summer is also the perfect time to socialise and explore our great State with friends and family.
"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.
"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."
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"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.
"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."
"During the holidays, all our museums are also offering a wide variety of activities, suitable for all ages and interests.
"So why not come and explore the wonders of our State in the comfort of our excellent museums at no cost - which means you can keep coming back all summer long!"
