A world-first collection of Terracotta Warriors is coming to WA

By Taylah Darnell
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The major exhibition marks a first for Australia and the world.

One of the world’s most significant art collections is coming to Australia this June – and it’s not Renoir or Picasso. In a global first, collaborating with China’s Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre and the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, the WA Museum Boola Bardip presents Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor.

The monumental exhibition will feature over 225 authentic artefacts from the original archaeological site in China, including an assembly of the Terracotta Warriors themselves. It’s a historic occasion that marks a major milestone in the arts, not only for the Perth institution and the state of Western Australia, but for the world, too.

What makes this exhibition a global first?

Art enthusiasts and history buffs may be shaking their heads right now, so let’s clear up the details. While it’s true that a handful of objects from the Terracotta Warriors have made it Down Under before, it has never featured in a project of this scale.

China's Terracotta Warriors

The exhibition marks a first for Australia and the world. (Image: Getty Images/DNDavis)

As part of its Terracotta Warriors: Guardians Of Immortality exhibition in 2019, Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria displayed eight warriors and two horses from the collection, as well as two replica chariots. However, the majority of artefacts within the WA Museum Boola Bardip’s upcoming exhibition have not been to Australia. In fact, just under half of them have never even left China.

WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth, Western Australia

The WA Museum Boola Bardip will host the world-first exhibition. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

But the real clincher? These ancient artefacts and intricate clay figures will be joined by a never-before-seen range of recently excavated objects. The items have remained hidden from the world until now, and Australians will be the first people to witness them on public display. No other exhibition has gathered the Terracotta Warriors and their related relics in such depth and scale  – and that’s what makes it so special.

What else can I expect from the exhibition?

For some, seeing the warriors up close will be enough. Unearthed by chance in 1974, the life-sized soldiers (accompanied by horses, chariots, infantrymen and a variety of weapons) date back over 2200 years and are often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The collection, which numbers in the thousands, symbolises an important part of Chinese history, providing a rare and invaluable glimpse into the world of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. It also offers a direct insight into major societal systems such as the military and its structure, as well as more ordinary things like artistic techniques and daily life at the time.

China's Terracotta Warriors

The warriors are considered the unofficial Eighth Wonder of the World. (Image: Getty Images/Nikada)

But for those keen to delve deeper, there’s more to this exhibition than meets the eye. An immersive program has been designed to captivate and excite, featuring everything from large-scale projections and interactive experiences to behind-the-scenes tours and informative panel talks. Don’t miss Jade Nights each Friday, an after-dark event with live music, cultural performances and more.

Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor will run from 28 June 2025 to 22 February 2026 at the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth, Western Australia. Tickets are on sale now for $30 per person, with concession, senior and family rates available. Kids under four enter for free.

Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Wonil Hotel Perth combines riverside living with a sense of purpose

    By Kirsty Petrides
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    Perched on the banks of Perth’s Swan River, the Wonil Hotel Perth pairs contemporary rooms and sweeping waterfront views with a sense of purpose that sets it apart.

    In a rare model for the hospitality world, Wonil Hotel Perth operates as a not-for-profit hotel, directing 100% of its net revenue toward medical and scientific research across Western Australia’s five major universities. So while guests enjoy the calm of riverside living, their stay also quietly contributes to the future of science, innovation and health in Australia. And it’s a refreshing stand-out in Perth’s hotel scene.

    Location

    an aerial view of Swan River, Perth

    The peaceful riverside hotel is set on the banks of the Swan River.

    Wonil Hotel Perth is located in the inner-city suburb of Crawley, a peaceful riverside locale about 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s positioned steps from Matilda Bay Reserve, where walking trails hug the shoreline and black swans glide along the water. From here, it’s a short drive or bike ride to Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the city’s arts and culture precincts. Though close to the action, the setting feels removed – quiet, leafy and surrounded by nature.

    Style and character

    the reception area at Wonil Hotel Perth

    The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of Matilda Bay.

    Named after the Noongar word for peppermint tree, of which there are many shading the riverbanks outside, Wonil Hotel Perth is the first Australian property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection. The overall style is minimal without being sterile – warm wood finishes, tactile furnishings and clever lighting create a relaxed, understated space that melts into its natural surroundings.

    The lobby is stunning, spacious and filled with inviting leather couches, well-stocked bookshelves and Indigenous art and sculpture work. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out onto a sheltered outdoor deck filled with tables and chairs overlooking the river. During the day this serves as the world’s most picturesque coworking space, but come 5pm, it’s where you’ll find most guests milling around, cocktails in hand.

    Facilities

    the library nook at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Spend time reading books in the cosy library nook.

    Wonil Hotel Perth leans toward a pared-back offering, focusing on what guests actually need. While there’s no on-site fitness centre, hotel staff can provide access to the nearby University of WA gym and pool. But why would you, when the hotel is in prime location for an outdoor workout. Walk along the trails that meander through Matilda Bay Reserve, run along the riverfront to the iconic Kings Park, or even tackle the nearby Kokoda Trail – a steep 150-step ascent designed to simulate the exhaustion and effort of the original Kokoda Track soldiers in WWII.

    The hotel includes West Kitchen & Bar, a small but well-curated restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and secure paid parking. Limited parking is available on-site with an advanced booking.

    Rooms

    the premier king room with river view at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Each room is sleek and spacious with views over the Swan River.

    The hotel’s 66 rooms range from Standard to Executive and Premium, many with balconies and uninterrupted views over the Swan River, and some with interconnecting options for families or groups. My room was a Deluxe King with a balcony and river view.

    the bathroom at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Bathrooms are luxe and spacious.

    The space somehow manages to be both modernly sleek and warmly inviting – textured grey walls illuminated by warm sconce lights, an exposed concrete ceiling offset by rich timber accents, and a black wrought iron balcony met with earthy-hued, upholstered leather furnishings. The spacious king bed, roomy shower with luxe Mr Smith toiletries, and complimentary coffee add a special touch.

    Food and drink

    the outdoor terrace at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Gather for sunset drinks on the outdoor terrace.

    West Kitchen & Bar offers a truly local experience. When it comes to the drinks, you won’t find anything – wine, beer, spirits – from outside WA. Even the soda water hails from the west. The wine list sees big WA makers like Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager dance alongside smaller producers like Ironcloud, Singlefile and LS Merchants; with beers from local legends Gage Roads, Little Creatures, Beerfarm and Eagle Bay Brewing.

    The dinner menu features seafood, steak and small plates designed for sharing, showcasing local producers. Standouts are the Rottnest kingfish with ruby grapefruit, the barramundi with Tuscan cabbage and the Harvey beef tri tip with smoked bone marrow butter and red wine jus. For dessert, a unique take on a classic – spiced red wine pannacotta, served with poached pear and fresh honeycomb.

    Come morning, the hotel offers a curated selection of buffet breakfast options including seasonal fruits, homemade granola, pastries and sourdough. Plus, guests also get a choice of one item from the à la carte breakfast menu – the tomato bruschetta with balsamic, basil, feta and poached eggs on rye was exceptional.

    Does Wonil Hotel Perth have access for guests with disabilities?

    There are accessible rooms to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

    Is Wonil Hotel Perth it family-friendly?

    Yes – the interconnecting rooms make family stays appealing, and the vast grassland and river foreshore of Matilda Bay Reserve are a beautiful spot for kids to run, splash and play in nature.

    Best for: Couples, families, business travellers

    Address: 21 Hackett Drive, Crawley