Saturday
25 October 2025 | 9 am - 1 pm
WRL Open Day 2025
All are welcome!
Ever wanted to know why rips form in the surf?聽Or what happens to all the sand on the beach in a storm?聽What amount of water does it take for a car to float?聽How are dams, harbours and breakwalls designed?
And how, exactly, do these things get tested anyway?鈥
Based on Sydney鈥檚 Northern Beaches at Manly Vale, the 鲍狈厂奥听Water Research Laboratory (WRL) is one of the biggest scientific and聽engineering facilities in Australia, tucked away below Manly Dam.
Our talented researchers solve all kinds of problems related to water聽and the environment. Our 鈥渓aboratory鈥 doesn鈥檛 have test tubes and lab聽coats; instead we build models of dams and harbours larger than your聽living room!
Come tour our massive labs, meet the experts, and see engineering and science at work.
All are welcome!
Date
Venue
110 King St,
Manly Vale,
NSW 2093
For your safety
Please wear closed shoes while visiting our lab
Frequently asked questions
Our Open Day is packed full of exciting displays, sessions and all kinds of gadgets and equipment to show you all things water-related. Check out the following FAQs to find everything you need to know about the day.
*Event photography and videography will take place throughout Open Day. Please advise a member of staff on the day if you do not wish to be photographed.
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Every 2 years at WRL we throw open our doors and crank up as many of our models as we can, to show everyone who visits our wonderful workplace and research.
Our staff will be around to answer your questions, show you what we do, and help you discover all the things we love about water!
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The closest parking is along King Street. We will have a welcome tent set up at the main gates to WRL, to direct you where to walk, and give you a guide of all our facilities and displays open on the day.
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Wheelchair access is available to some of our laboratories, however there are several sections where there is limited or no access.
Our laboratory has many stairs and as a working scientific research facility, there may be uneven surfaces, water grates, standing water, and other potentially dangerous trip hazards. Our staff will be able to assist and direct you, should you require assistance in locating which areas are safe, and those that are not.
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Yes! You are most welcome to take photos at our Open Day! If you are posting them on your social media, please tag us and use #WRLOpenDay so we can see your photos too!
We will also be taking event photography and videography throughout Open Day. Please advise a member of staff on the day if you do not wish to be photographed.
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Absolutely! We will have several hands-on displays and fun activities specifically for children on the day.
Please also be mindful that our laboratory has many water tanks, models and large basins of water that could present a height risk or drowning hazard if climbed on, or children are left unsupervised. Please take extra care to follow the directions of the lab tour and listen to the advice provided by our staff.
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We will have toilets available for your comfort on the day. These will be shown on your tour map that you will be provided with on arrival. If in doubt, please ask one of our staff who will be able to assist you.
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For your safety, please ensure you (and any children with you) are wearing closed in shoes while visiting聽our lab.
We are privileged in our proximity to Manly Dam to share our surroundings with snakes, spiders, ticks, water dragons and other various wildlife. Please be aware of this and take care while visiting.
Should anything go wrong on the day,聽we have first aid kits stored in each building around our site. We have several qualified first aid responders at WRL who can assist if required. Please report all injuries to the Reception Office, located in the main Administration Building, phone number: 8071 9800.