SYDNEY, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The latest in screen based entertainment is thrilling both young and old in Perth, Western Australia thanks to XR:WA, the city's first ever virtual reality festival which runs throughout the week.

The festival allows audiences of all ages to explore virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, computer animations and other forms of "screen-based" and immersive media.

"The global games industry is worth 124 billion Australian (86.5 billion U.S.) dollars and is generating incredible innovation and new technology which will all be on show at XR:WA," Innovation Minister Dave Kelly said.

Among the school holiday activities is a virtual Antarctica and under the sea experience as well as 360 degree cinema exploring climate change and indigenous culture among others.

Local developers will also be given the chance to engage with industry representatives during a three-day conference hosting interstate and international delegates.

"XR:WA is creating vital opportunities for local professionals in these emerging industries to showcase their talents and network with delegates, many of whom have travelled to Perth for the festival," Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said.

"This is also a great opportunity for Western Australians to have their very own immersive experience these school holidays."

The itinerary will feature talks, exhibits and workshops dissecting the exciting world of virtual reality and its possibilities for the future.

XR:WA will run from July 6-14.