Australia’s coastline is around  16,000 miles ( 25,760 km) in length, and Australia is home to some of the world’s best islands, so it’s no wonder that the country has some of the best aquariums in the world.

Here are five of Australia’s best aquariums.

The Aquarium of Western Australia (Perth)

Aquarium of Western Australia by Sheila Thomson on Flickr

Just outside of Perth,The Aquarium of Western Australia is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. You can view sealife in an glass walled tunnel under the aquarium, and even accompany dive masters into the aquarium’s main tank.

Reef HQ Townsville

Shark -at Reef HQ Townsville by Mads Bødker on Flickr

With highly interactive exhibits and an emphasis on education, Reef HQ is a great aquarium for kids. They have a special Turtle Hospital program for rehabilitating injured turtles and special kids’ programs.

Reef HQ is in the heart of Townsville, and only a short walk from the Townsville CBD, The Strand and the Magnetic Island ferry terminal.

The Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium

Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium by Navin on Flickr

Sydney’s SEA LIFE Aquarium shows off its marine life in specially designed environment. Check out the Shark Walk, a tropical Bay of Rays and the mangrove swamps. There’s a new Shark Valley ocean tunnel to walk through as well.

UnderWater World, Queensland

UnderWater World by Ari Bakker on Flickr

UnderWater World is on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba an hour north of Brisbane. The aquarium offers shark dives, a chance for families to sleep under the sea and a series of interactive exhibits.

Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium

Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium Gordon Flood on Flickr

The Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium was completely refurbished (to the tune of $8 million dollars) in the summer of 2013. The aquarium boasts a seahorse nursery, croc lair and nesting Gentoo penguins.

Have you been to any of these aquariums? What did you think?