SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne - Exhibit at the New England Aquarium.
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SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

4.2
·18k reviews·Melbourne, Australia

Dive into a world of wonder at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to sharks, penguins, and thousands of marine creatures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer experience

CrowdLow
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SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne - Exhibit at the New England Aquarium.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into a world of wonder at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to sharks, penguins, and thousands of marine creatures.

4.2
(18k reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 18,837 reviews

Type

Aquarium

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Penguin Playground

Penguin Playground

Penguin Exhibit

Watch King Penguins waddle, dive, and play in their icy habitat. Pesto the penguin is a local icon!

Ocean Discovery

Ocean Discovery

Underwater Tunnels

Walk through mesmerizing tunnels with sharks, turtles, and fish swimming all around you.

Saltwater Crocodile

Saltwater Crocodile

Reptile Zone

Marvel at the sheer size of the resident saltwater crocodile, a true prehistoric giant.

Glass Bottom Boat

Glass Bottom Boat

Ocean Discovery Zone

Glide over the main tank for a unique perspective of marine life from above.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

To avoid the busiest times, aim for weekdays during off-peak hours. Weekends and school holidays can get packed, making it hard to enjoy the exhibits. Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to skip ticket purchase lines and ensure entry during your preferred time slot.Reddit

Time Your Visit

While the aquarium is a rabbit warren, most visitors suggest allowing at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore. Some experiences, like the glass bottom boat, may require additional time. Check feeding times for the penguins and other animals to enhance your visit.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer experience
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Beat the rush
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who would you do this with?! 🐠😍 🤿 Did you know that you can take an “underwater walking tour” in this world-class aquarium that houses over 68,000 marine animals including sharks, manta rays, turtles, and tons of vibrant schooling fish? 🪸 This experience at @SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was hands down one of the most incredible of our lives and it NEEDS to be on your bucket list. The Manta Rays...
@georgeandcris
1.6M likes • 17.1M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance online. Lines can be long! TikTokReddit

🐧 Penguin Feeding Times

Check the schedule for feeding times to see the penguins at their most active and playful. Reddit

Someone bring her some pebbles PLEASE i cant take it #melbournesealife
@josie.h93
691.2K likes • 7.5M views
from a giant fluff ball, to wearing a high fashion vest, Pesto has had many evolutions. Now maturing into a handsome young King Penguin, here's how you can spot the icon in our Penguin Playground, at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. 🐧 #sealifemelbourneaquarium #melbourne #aquarium #pestothepenguin
sealifemelbourneaquarium
7.8K likes • 86.3K views

🛥️ Glass Bottom Boat

Highly recommended experience for a unique view! Milo was a fantastic guide. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to explore everything without rushing. Reddit

✨ Dive Into the Magic of Movie Soundtracks! ✨ Looking for a unique night out in Melbourne? 🎶 Experience the enchantment of Candlelight Concerts by @fever_global at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, where movie magic meets live music under the soft glow of thousands of candles and sharks swimming past. It’s a multisensory event you won’t want to miss! 🎻 What to Expect: Immerse yourself in iconic movie...
katiegoldberg
630 likes • 20K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance online. Lines can be long! TikTokReddit

🐧 Penguin Feeding Times

Check the schedule for feeding times to see the penguins at their most active and playful. Reddit

🛥️ Glass Bottom Boat

Highly recommended experience for a unique view! Milo was a fantastic guide. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to explore everything without rushing. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Zones

Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more peaceful visit. Reddit

💡 Interactive Sessions

Engage with information sessions to touch shark eggs and starfish. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(18k reviews)

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

Mesmerizing underwater tunnels
Engaging penguin exhibit
Educational and interactive displays

What People Dislike

Can be noisy and crowded
Additional costs for experiences

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

The aquarium is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps and elevators available throughout the multi-level facility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, booking a specific time slot online is recommended, especially during peak periods, to manage capacity and ensure a smoother entry. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🐠 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography is often discouraged to avoid disturbing the marine life. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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