University open days are like a sneak peek into the future, offering a blend of excitement, discovery, and a world of opportunities.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent, or a curious community member, Open Day is a chance to experience life on campus, meet your potential lecturers and to imagine all the possibilities that a university degree can offer. 

Murdoch held its first two Open Days in 1982 and 1984, and with more than 20,000 people attending each event, it was clear Perth’s public were keen to explore their new university.

“Murdoch held an 'open day' at which the general public was encouraged to visit the campus and watch staff and students present samples of Murdoch's academic and extracurricular activities,” Foundation Professor of History Geoffrey Bolton recalled in his retrospective on Murdoch’s first 10 years.

“Activities ranged from computer games to the flying of Chinese kites. The veterinary farm and its animals were always a great draw but the other schools, centred on Bush Court, also contrived to attract large numbers.”

Although attendee numbers these days are far from the tens of thousands seen in the early 80s, over the years, Open Day at Murdoch has grown to be an exciting, welcoming community event with marquees, farm animals, therapy dogs, interactive ‘crime scenes’ to investigate, explosive science displays, robotic dogs, virtual reality displays, and even a giant inflatable airplane. 

Until 2023 the day revolved around the heart of Murdoch’s South Street campus, Bush Court. However, with the opening of Boola Katitjin, Murdoch’s award-winning academic building, at the beginning of 2023, came the opportunity to showcase its sustainable design and technologically advanced teaching and learning facilities.

More than 4500 prospective students, their families, friends and the broader Murdoch community took the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art facility as they discovered the University’s offerings. 

From virtual reality to documentary filmmaking, a critically endangered Baudin’s black cockatoo and shark specimens (“pickled sharks” according to one young attendee), microscopes and macro photography - Murdoch’s wide range of courses and research were on display for all to see and experience. 

The fun continued at Boola Katitjin in 2024 with 650 staff, student and alumni volunteers helping across campus to make the day a huge success. 

Traditionally at Open Days, universities hand out branded merchandise, but last year Murdoch instead donated the money it would have spent on such giveaways to charity.

Three organisations that identified with Murdoch’s three strategic themes (Sustainability; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and First Nations) were selected: The Wetlands Centre; Kin Disability Advocacy; and GIVIT.

Open Day attendees were given a pebble to place inside a clear jar for the charity they connected with the most. Each pebble represented $2, which Murdoch donated on their behalf. 

It was a unique way to demonstrate the commitment the University has to living its values, and to show the wider community that at Murdoch, we walk our talk.