SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
4
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Discover creatures of the Southern Ocean in the 2-million-litre oceanarium. Melbourne SEA LIFE aquarium is home to King and Gentoo penguins, nurse sharks and a mega croc.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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See what travellers are saying
- Mrs S3 contributionsAverageThis was a poor attraction. Although the site was very clean, no fishy smell. Glass on tanks clean of kids hand prints. Not much to see. Part was close and still had to.pay full price. Took us 1 hour to go around. Thought this was poor value for money. Wouldnt do it again..... If you have realy young kids you will be ok with it.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 January 2023
- AskDrNAhipara, New Zealand184 contributionsEducationalThere are a lot of informative signs and digital movies throughout the aquarium, but not a very big collection of sea life. Everything is a bit small scale, relative to other aquariums around the world. Even the penguin exhibit is small and under construction. The biggest aquarium was the beautiful round one in the cafe. At $50 each ticket it seemed speedy.Visited February 2023Written 6 February 2023
- Timfromvictoria_11Melbourne, Australia44 contributionsWaste of timeMain exhibit closed Pushy photographer in the entrance terrorised our 2 year old granddaughter. Dark, crowded inside, nothing much to see. Everything costs extra. A waste of time and quite a lot of money. Cannot recommend, I want a refund.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 July 2023
- MelbourneTravelmadMelbourne, Australia804 contributionsCould and should be so much betterFirstly, part of SeaLife, and the main bit, is under renovation, so that does not help impressions. I visited here many years ago, and seemed to recall it was better. The layout to me is too disjointed, on too many levels, and signage is not very clear. At one stage, you end up in the Café, but there is more to see, but its not clear. I am sure I was comparing this aquarium to the one in Singapore the whole time I was there, having been to that one a few weeks back. But it wasn't just me, the whole group was doing the same. Funnily enough prices at SeaLife are very reminiscent of Singapore too, high! Maybe once the main area is back in operation it may improve the experience, but it won't make moving through any better.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
4,010 reviews
Excellent
1,537
Very good
1,429
Average
674
Poor
236
Terrible
134
MelbourneTravelmad
Melbourne, Australia804 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Firstly, part of SeaLife, and the main bit, is under renovation, so that does not help impressions.
I visited here many years ago, and seemed to recall it was better.
The layout to me is too disjointed, on too many levels, and signage is not very clear. At one stage, you end up in the Café, but there is more to see, but its not clear.
I am sure I was comparing this aquarium to the one in Singapore the whole time I was there, having been to that one a few weeks back. But it wasn't just me, the whole group was doing the same.
Funnily enough prices at SeaLife are very reminiscent of Singapore too, high!
Maybe once the main area is back in operation it may improve the experience, but it won't make moving through any better.
I visited here many years ago, and seemed to recall it was better.
The layout to me is too disjointed, on too many levels, and signage is not very clear. At one stage, you end up in the Café, but there is more to see, but its not clear.
I am sure I was comparing this aquarium to the one in Singapore the whole time I was there, having been to that one a few weeks back. But it wasn't just me, the whole group was doing the same.
Funnily enough prices at SeaLife are very reminiscent of Singapore too, high!
Maybe once the main area is back in operation it may improve the experience, but it won't make moving through any better.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian H
2 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Not really value for money, even with reduced price as big tank not open was quite ordinary, compared to Sydney aquarium chalk and cheese! My teenage son thought it was pretty boring as did I, some nice displays tho
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sleep Advisor
Kettering, Australia108 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Being from interstate and aware the big tank was not on display we were hoping the reduction on an already high entry price would make it worthwhile. Alas, we were very disappointed. There were a lot of school groups on the day we went (which is great, the kids seemed to love it), however the staff commentary is very loud in such a small space and made us move on faster than we would have hoped to avoid the "noise". We then tried the 'slow it down option' to let the school group move on only to be caught up by another school group. 4D cinema is worth the line up. The staff were all great and just doing their job. The place was fairly clean with the exception of the toilets. Value for money though, had it not been for the penguins it would be a two. Don't get me wrong, it is a great experience, just a bit pricey for what you get at the moment.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivian M
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Business
Great experience, wonderful and. Knowledgeable employees. Shane, Jeremy and the young lady at the register, were amazing. Myself and a few colleagues took our young adult special needs kids. They had a great time., definitely going back. It was another rainy weekend, perfect place to be.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi vivianmQ2530XN. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We're thrilled that your group had a lovely day out! :)
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Safari60676584303
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Bit of a disappointment, not really much to see. We had seen everything in 90 minutes and that was after watching penguins for quite awhile. That was the best part of it. Not worth the money that's for sure
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Safari60676584303. Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. We're saddened that you don't appear to have enjoyed your visit on this occasion. We hope you'll come back next year when we unveil our beautifully renovated Shark Tank as it will be certain to impress!
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Small_BuG_123
Jiangsu, China128 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
It is amazing with unique theme for every floor, it is so big and spend 2 hours inside. My kids love it!
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Small_BuG_123. Thanks for leaving a wonderfully positive review. We're thrilled to read that the kids loved it!
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie B
Wellington, New Zealand74 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
I'm a bit biased as I love aquariums. Ticket prices were a bit reduced as the Ray/Shark oceanarium was being renovated. However, I don't feel this spoilt the experience. Loved the jellyfish and seahorses. The penguins were such characters. Loved watching them being fed and stealing each other's stones which they use for their nesting platforms. We watched an enrichment activity where the penguins walked across paint to make colorful footprints. It was quite funny as the penguins weren't daft and mostly got the treats without walking across the paint. It was interesting that the penguins are the most expensive to look after and the least expensive was the enormous crocodile that eats approximately one chicken a week.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi EllieBellie27. Thank you so much for writing such a gorgeous review and for taking the time to join in on many of our Talks and Animal Feeds! So pleased to read that you had the most enjoyable (and educational) day out!
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Samara O
1 contribution
Aug. 2023 • Family
worst aquarium I have ever been to. outrageously expensive for what you get. Costing us nearly $200 to walk through a maze of nothing (the main section was closed for renovation) ending with a depressing view of penguins trapped in a tiny enclosure.
horrible place.
horrible place.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 293samarao. We're sorry to read that you don't appear to have enjoyed your visit on this occasion. We understand how disappointing it is that our Oceanarium is under renovation for the entirety of this year. Sadly, there is never an ideal time for such works to take place, though they must, given our attractions is open each day of the year. We have reduced the ticket pricing for the duration of the works to help combat this.
The Penguin Facility at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium was built adhering to the Penguin Taxon Advisory Group, Penguin Husbandry Manual endorsed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Following these regulations, we have an adequate size colony with respect to the size of the exhibit. Penguins are colony animals and therefore require large numbers to allow them to feel safe, comfortable and stress free. Healthy penguins can be observed by our incredibly successful breeding program and the birds moulting properly each year - something which would not occur if the birds were under any stress.
Thanks for sharing your concerns and feedback and we hope you'll come back to visit us again when our Oceanarium reopens.
Kind regards,
SEA LIFE Melbourne team
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill A
3 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Fairly decent aquarium. Under renovation. Lots of kids. Some unique exhibits. Sort of worth the cost of admission.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi billaL3380OE. Thanks for taking the time to leave us your review and feedback :) We hope you'll come back tp see us when our beautiful new Shark and Ray tank reopens as it will be well worth it!
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ginge
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
The awkward bail up at the entrance to have photos taken was unnecessary, especially when they try to squeeze another $40 for the photo booklet at the end. The exhibits were ok, seemed a bit lack lustre. Seemed like more effort went into stage props lining corridors. Was over crowded, could almost taste the person next to me, staff looked bored. Jelly fish display was nice and seahorses too. I actually felt a little guilty visiting.......fish looked depressed. I felt underwhelmed when leaving and $100.80 poorer (2 adults, 1 teenager). Won't be visiting again anytime soon sorry. We went to Cirque du Soliel in the evening, now that was incredible entertainment!
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel S
Perth, Australia46 contributions
Can you get a discount if you are on a pensioner concession card or would you need to pay adult price
SylviaTourstein
1,209 contributions
Yes, there are concession discounts.
becky1821988
1 contribution
Is it ridiculously busy on public holidays
Martina P
Cranbourne, Australia60 contributions
like anything it can be but its well worth it, in my opinion 😊
Vic
Australia81 contributions
Are the 3D movie glasses suitable to fit over spectacles?
Steve100V4
Carlisle, UK109 contributions
I don't wear glasses but my wife does and she managed OK.
It is only a short presentation so even if you struggle with then it wouldn't be too much of an issue.
Zelenaya Z
Moscow, Russia23 contributions
Hi. there is a New Year Eve at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
Is it possible to check all fishes, to eat, drink, enjoy fireworks from 20:00 to 01:00? or it better just go there at ordinary day? how is the view on firework from their roof?
viv wilkinson
Yarra Glen, Australia294 contributions
I am not sure about this. If you wanted to miss the crowds, a visit on an ordinary day would be more restful. Otherwise it would be an excellent place to see the New Year in.
Laraine C
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia48 contributions
We are planning a trip to Melbourne next year,and would like to do the penguin encounter at sea life aquarium.Can anyone tell me what the stairs are like involved in this encounter as I have trouble walking up stairs due to fusion in both feet.
Peter C
Ballarat, Australia82 contributions
Yes the venue is great, I struggle with stairs and there are lifts and ramps to all areas.
Where do you park
raywang_Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia29 contributions
The closest car park is 474 Flinders Street Car Park, or slightly further 522 Flinders Lane Car Park. Book at Secureparking.
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Claim your listingSEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost AU$38.19, while a popular guided tour starts around AU$5.04 per person.
- Hotels near SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium:
- (0.16 km) Quincy Hotel Melbourne
- (0.17 km) Clarion Suites Gateway
- (0.21 km) The Canvas Apartment Hotel
- (0.11 km) Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
- (0.24 km) Hyatt Centric Melbourne
- Restaurants near SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium:
- (0.16 km) Delhi Streets Indian Street Food
- (0.18 km) Rare Steakhouse Downtown
- (0.18 km) The Grain Store
- (0.19 km) Vue De Monde
- (0.19 km) The Lui Bar
- Attractions near SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium:
- (0.04 km) Enterprize Park
- (0.11 km) Blue Tongue Bikes
- (0.22 km) Welcome to Travel
- (0.24 km) Bunyip Tours
- (0.25 km) Go West Tours