SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Dive into a world of wonder at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to sharks, penguins, and thousands of marine creatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer experience
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a world of wonder at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to sharks, penguins, and thousands of marine creatures.
"The whole aquarium is really well set up, make sure you take the time to read about all of the inhabitants on your way around."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance online. Lines can be long!
🐧 Penguin Feeding Times
Check the schedule for feeding times to see the penguins at their most active and playful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Playground
Penguin Exhibit
Watch King Penguins waddle, dive, and play in their icy habitat. Pesto the penguin is a local icon!
Ocean Discovery
Underwater Tunnels
Walk through mesmerizing tunnels with sharks, turtles, and fish swimming all around you.
Saltwater Crocodile
Reptile Zone
Marvel at the sheer size of the resident saltwater crocodile, a true prehistoric giant.
Glass Bottom Boat
Ocean Discovery Zone
Glide over the main tank for a unique perspective of marine life from above.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Time Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance online. Lines can be long!
🐧 Penguin Feeding Times
Check the schedule for feeding times to see the penguins at their most active and playful.
🛥️ Glass Bottom Boat
Highly recommended experience for a unique view! Milo was a fantastic guide.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to explore everything without rushing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance online. Lines can be long!
🐧 Penguin Feeding Times
Check the schedule for feeding times to see the penguins at their most active and playful.
🛥️ Glass Bottom Boat
Highly recommended experience for a unique view! Milo was a fantastic guide.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to explore everything without rushing.
🤫 Quiet Zones
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more peaceful visit.
💡 Interactive Sessions
Engage with information sessions to touch shark eggs and starfish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium for its impressive variety of marine life and engaging exhibits, particularly the penguin colony and underwater tunnels. Many highlight the educational value and the care shown for the animals. While generally positive, some note that it can get quite noisy and crowded, especially during peak times.
"I've visited the aquarium twice in my 45 years, "for the kids" and loved it every time. Having a few tropical tanks at home, the scope of this place is absolutely incredible! We went on the glass bottom boat ride this trip and it was absolutely amazing, I highly recommend it. The whole aquarium is really well set up, make sure you take the time to read about all of the inhabitants on your way around. The penguins are super interesting if you take the time to watch them for a while."
Lisa Hatchard
"We visited the Sea Life Aquarium during our recent visit to Melbourne. We bought our tickets online and were at the doors at opening time. What a brilliant few hours we spent looking at the displays and learning about the animals. We especially enjoyed the fish, turtles, etc swimming above us from the underwater tunnels, and the penguin display. We indulged in two virtual experiences - shark and whale - which we thoroughly enjoyed. Other patrons were aged from infancy to old age, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. We highly recommend it."
Jeannie Courtney
"We had a great time at Sea Life. My daughter and I also did the glass bottom boat experience and our guide Milo was fantastic. Highly recommend. Unfortunately no cameras allowed in the boat so I couldn’t post photos for you."
Stacey Dewick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is conveniently located at King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many tram routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several parking options in the CBD, though they can be pricey.
Yes, there are several parking stations near the aquarium, including Secure Parking at Melbourne Central and Southern Cross Station. However, parking in the Melbourne CBD can be expensive, so consider public transport if you're looking for cheaper options.
The aquarium is well-served by trams. Many routes along Flinders Street and Spencer Street will bring you within a short walk. Check the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) website for the most up-to-date route information.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Federation Square to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. You'll stroll along the Yarra River and through the CBD.
The aquarium is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps and elevators available throughout the multi-level facility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but booking online in advance is generally cheaper than purchasing at the door. Look for 'Melbourne Aquarium tickets discount' or 'Melbourne Aquarium deals' online. Family passes are also available.
Yes, you can often find 'Melbourne Aquarium discount' offers by booking online, checking for family passes, or looking for specific promotions. 'Cheap Melbourne Aquarium tickets' are sometimes available through third-party sites or during special events.
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the aquarium. However, if you plan to do the glass bottom boat or virtual reality experiences, allow extra time.
Yes, booking a specific time slot online is recommended, especially during peak periods, to manage capacity and ensure a smoother entry.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium typically opens around 9:30 AM and closes in the late afternoon. It's always best to check the official website for the most current 'Melbourne Aquarium hours' before your visit.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Penguin Playground, the mesmerizing underwater tunnels with sharks and turtles, and the impressive saltwater crocodile. The glass bottom boat ride is also a highly recommended experience.
While you can't directly swim with sharks, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers virtual reality experiences like 'shark dives' that simulate the thrill. The underwater tunnels provide a safe way to see sharks up close.
Absolutely! The aquarium offers interactive information sessions where children can touch shark eggs and starfish. The penguin exhibit and various displays are also very engaging for younger visitors.
The glass bottom boat ride offers a unique perspective as you glide over the main oceanarium, seeing sharks, rays, and fish from above. Guides like Milo are often praised for their fantastic commentary.
Some visitors find the aquarium to be quite noisy, especially during peak times with many school groups. Visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help mitigate this.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium that offers snacks, light meals, and beverages. You can also find numerous dining options in the surrounding Melbourne CBD area.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium, except for baby food or specific dietary needs. It's best to consume your own food before entering or utilize the onsite cafe.
The cafe typically offers a range of items such as sandwiches, pastries, hot snacks, coffee, and other beverages, suitable for a quick bite during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography is often discouraged to avoid disturbing the marine life.
While personal photography is permitted, professional photography or videography may require special permission. Also, note that cameras are not allowed on the glass bottom boat experience.
The underwater tunnels offer incredible opportunities for photos with sharks and fish. The penguin exhibit and the vibrant coral displays also make for great shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the saltwater crocodile, but maintain a safe distance. It's a popular subject for visitors wanting to capture the sheer scale of the reptile.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tickets online to save time, and aim for weekday visits to avoid the biggest crowds. The aquarium is generally stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones. Pack snacks or plan to use the onsite cafe for quick refuels. The virtual reality experiences can also be a fun, albeit potentially intense, addition for older children.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Imagine enjoying live music with sharks swimming by in the background – it's a truly magical and memorable experience. These concerts offer a blend of culture and wonder, making for an unforgettable evening.Even without a special event, the aquarium itself offers a romantic atmosphere, especially during quieter weekday evenings. Strolling through the dimly lit underwater tunnels hand-in-hand, with the mesmerizing marine life as your backdrop, can be incredibly enchanting. The glass bottom boat ride also offers a shared adventure with stunning views.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are additional costs for experiences like the glass bottom boat or VR, focusing on the main exhibits can still provide a fulfilling and educational experience. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them inside, and consider visiting during off-peak times to maximize your enjoyment without feeling rushed. Public transport is also a more economical way to reach the aquarium compared to driving and parking in the CBD.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Penguin Playground Experience
To make the most of your visit to the Penguin Playground, try to catch a feeding session. These are scheduled daily and offer a fantastic opportunity to see the penguins at their most active and engaged. The staff often provide educational talks during feeding times, sharing fascinating insights into the penguins' behavior and conservation efforts. Remember that the exhibit can get crowded, so patience is key to getting a good view.
Visitors often rave about the penguin exhibit, calling it the 'best by far' and a highlight of their trip. The sheer joy of watching them swim and interact is a memorable experience for all ages. It’s a chance to connect with these incredible creatures and appreciate the work done to protect them.
Underwater Worlds: Tunnels and Tanks
The main oceanarium is a highlight, featuring a large, panoramic tank where sharks and rays glide effortlessly overhead. Walking through the transparent tunnels, you'll experience a 360-degree view of this underwater spectacle. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that truly captures the wonder of the ocean. The aquarium also showcases various themed zones, including a jellyfish exhibit that is both beautiful and eerie.
Many visitors express their delight at the underwater tunnels, describing the experience as 'incredible' and 'mesmerizing.' The opportunity to see these creatures up close, without the need for diving gear, makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a chance to learn about different species and their habitats, fostering a deeper appreciation for marine conservation.
Unique Experiences: Glass Bottom Boat & VR
For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, the aquarium also offers virtual reality (VR) experiences. These immersive sessions, such as the 'shark dive' and 'whale encounter,' simulate the feeling of being in the water with these magnificent creatures. It's a fantastic way to experience the ocean's giants up close in a safe and controlled environment.
These special experiences are often highlighted in reviews as significant additions to the aquarium visit. While they may come at an additional cost, many visitors feel they are well worth it for the unique memories and insights they provide. Remember that cameras are not permitted on the glass bottom boat, so be sure to soak in the moment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit