SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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AU$39.60
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Top ways to experience SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and nearby attractions
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
- MelbourneTravelmadMelbourne, Australia792 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
- Darkest_dreamingRedruth, United Kingdom419 contributionsA ‘meh’ visitAn average place to visit. Probably won’t return. Even though we had pre booked out timed ticket, we ended up queuing halfway up the street with everyone else (a lot of whom hadn’t pre-purchased tickets). It would have been better to have 2 queues outside so that those of who had the foresight to prebook, were able to get in on our allotted time. Next, the first and second sections were so busy (and crowded with pushchairs) that we could barely move let along see and appreciate any of the attractions. Further round the crowd started to disperse and it wasn’t awful but was still too busy imo. The main tank was quite cloudy and wasn’t particularly easy to view anything inside it. All in all, not a great visit and one I likely won’t repeat (especially for the cost!).Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 March 2024
- kathleen pCarmel, New York13 contributionsA wonderful adventureWas a great adventure for our family with 2 grandkids( ages 2 & 4)! The kiddos had a wonderful time exploring the tunnels and “bubbles”to look at sea life through a clear plastic bubble you can fit yr head in! Also great “ hands on” area with different starfish and sea life! Many different floors- can get a little confusing navigating -but we figured it out! Maps for the kids!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 April 2024
- TsingSingTravelMacau, China2 contributionsLots of KidsIt was ok. Little bit crowded for our liking. Lots of kids and yes they were running around a lot. We went on a weekend so may be the weekdays would be better. There are quite a few things to do. If given a choice I would not pay so much. Nearly $50 for one person.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 September 2024
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
4,053 reviews
Excellent
1,552
Very good
1,433
Average
679
Poor
246
Terrible
143
Stephanie Moncayo
1 contribution
Jan 2020
I attended the NYE 18+ event with my partner and it was a disaster. We paid $200 a person and it was absolutely not worth the money. We had to wait in line for 45 minutes just to get into the venue despite having purchased our tickets online, and when I walked to the front to see what the hold up was, it turned out that they only had one person checking everyone's tickets.
Once we were finally allowed inside, we had to wait in line AGAIN for the food, and when we reached the front of the line it turned out there were no shrimp or oysters left. We went to the back room which also had a table of food, and had to wait again just to see that this table was poorly stocked with food also. The staff was refilling the food very slowly, and we had to get on line again once they finally restocked it. The line for drinks was absolutely ridiculous and we didn't even bother trying to get drinks when we first arrived. There weren't enough tables or chairs to sit, and to top it all off, they didn't even have enough utensils, so my partner and I had to share one fork.
Lastly, the main event was to watch the fireworks from the building, however the small platform was so crowded that we couldn't even get onto the platfrom to view them. When I asked a staff member if there was anywhere else we could go to see them, he told us that we could go downstairs and outside (which was the free general public area). So we ended up having an obstructed view that we could've just seen for free if we hadn't come to the aquarium.
Overall, save your money and don't bother coming here for NYE. I'm sure you can get better service and more value for your money elsewhere. The only nice thing was the aquarium itself, and that wasn't enough to save the event.
Once we were finally allowed inside, we had to wait in line AGAIN for the food, and when we reached the front of the line it turned out there were no shrimp or oysters left. We went to the back room which also had a table of food, and had to wait again just to see that this table was poorly stocked with food also. The staff was refilling the food very slowly, and we had to get on line again once they finally restocked it. The line for drinks was absolutely ridiculous and we didn't even bother trying to get drinks when we first arrived. There weren't enough tables or chairs to sit, and to top it all off, they didn't even have enough utensils, so my partner and I had to share one fork.
Lastly, the main event was to watch the fireworks from the building, however the small platform was so crowded that we couldn't even get onto the platfrom to view them. When I asked a staff member if there was anywhere else we could go to see them, he told us that we could go downstairs and outside (which was the free general public area). So we ended up having an obstructed view that we could've just seen for free if we hadn't come to the aquarium.
Overall, save your money and don't bother coming here for NYE. I'm sure you can get better service and more value for your money elsewhere. The only nice thing was the aquarium itself, and that wasn't enough to save the event.
Written 2 January 2020
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 smon3208,
I'm sorry to hear your experience was not as incredible as we would've hoped. For all enquiries regarding the New Years Eve Extravaganza event please contact our events staff at functions@melbourneaquarium.com.au or give them a call on 9067 8375.
Apologies again, and wishing you all the best for 2020.
Kindest regards,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 7 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shona p
Wellington, New Zealand21 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
It was a public holiday the day we went so was very crowded but we still managed to see everything without too much trouble and we had 2 children 3 and 5. The exhibits were great and child friendly and some interactive. I loved those domes that children could get in and see everything. The information provided was easy to read. I loved the jellyfish and the seahorses. I recommend the aquarium for any one visiting Melbourne. It is easy to get to by tram or foot.
Written 7 January 2020
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 Shona!
Thank you for your review, 5 Stars :D
This is fantastic to hear!!! It is always great to know that our visitors have enjoyed their time exploring SEA LIFE Melbourne.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and look forward to welcoming you all again soon :)
Kindest regards,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 7 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nigel B
Chipping Ongar, UK408 contributions
Feb 2020
We chose a rainy day in Melbourne to visit and were not disappointed. We arrived just before opening at 10 am and as expected there was quite a long queue to buy tickets and then another queue for a photograph that we did not want. It would be helpful if this could be more easily bypassed by those not wanting photos.
The Aquarium is well laid out into numbered zones and hosts an impressive number of amazing creatures. We particularly enjoyed the majestic stingrays, the 'Ocean Invaders' jellyfish display and the Penguin Playground. Don't bother to trek to Phillip Island to sit and shiver to see a few little penguins at sunset. Come here and you have a great view of the much larger penguins under water and on land.
The Aquarium looked particularly good for children with lots of interactive displays and a large dedicated area for colouring and more interactive games.
The Aquarium is well laid out into numbered zones and hosts an impressive number of amazing creatures. We particularly enjoyed the majestic stingrays, the 'Ocean Invaders' jellyfish display and the Penguin Playground. Don't bother to trek to Phillip Island to sit and shiver to see a few little penguins at sunset. Come here and you have a great view of the much larger penguins under water and on land.
The Aquarium looked particularly good for children with lots of interactive displays and a large dedicated area for colouring and more interactive games.
Written 29 February 2020
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 Nigel!
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a positive review of your visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne. As a family attraction, our numbers increase during the weekends and it can often get a little busy getting inside. We encourage guests to visit us during the week and/or before 11 am or after 4 pm for a more quite and relaxing visit to the aquarium. We hope you were still able to learn some new FINtastic facts about the ocean and its creatures during your visit.
We hope to SEA you again in the future! :)
Kindest regards,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 3 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PAC Texas
Austin, TX192 contributions
Jan 2020
If I lived in Melbourne with children or was visiting with children this would be one of my favorite places to go (along with Science Works and Puffin Billy). it is very geared toward children and they would have an awesome time there. Some of the displays have little places only kids can fit or viewing spots way down low. There is a huge variety of sea life here and fish are always fascinating. Everything from a sea horse exhibit to penguins in snow to crocodiles, sharks, rays, and more. I was with my husband and on a Sunday it was very noisy and crowded. If you are going with adults only I recommend going during the week when it might be a little less crowded and quieter. (There might be school groups then?) The place is very large, use the map and make sure you get to all the exhibits before exiting. We bought our tickets there, walking in for $44.
Written 19 January 2020
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 Peggy,
Thanks for the great review! We hope you were able to go home having learnt some new facts about our awesome oceans!
As a family attraction, our numbers increase during the weekends and it can often get a little busy inside. We encourage guests to visit us during the week and/or before 11 am or after 4 pm for a more quiet and relaxing visit to the aquarium.
We hope to SEA you again soon!
Best fishes,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sophina
2 contributions
Dec 2021
The experience surrounded by swimming fish was great. However, the only exist through the souvenir shop was unnecessary and unfair on parents who may have already stretched the budget to take the family. The added costs for children to partake in activities also put pressure on parents.
Written 19 December 2021
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.
SylviaTourstein
1,316 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
An hour an a half of fun. A little expensive but the money is well spent on the upkeep of the place and the animals. There are interactive areas for the kids including: touching tank, a tank reflecting wall and crawl through tank spaces. Australian sea life is definitely represented and the jelly fish are plenty. The huge stingrays swimming above as you walk thru the tunnel tank is amazing. The penguins are a highlight. If you haven’t been to a SEALIFE somewhere in the world, I recommend to go!
Written 16 January 2020
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 Sylvia,
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a positive review of your visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne. We love reading that you and your family had a great time during your visit with us. The stingrays and Penguins are ceratinly highlights for both guests and staff alike :)
Thank you for recommending us and we hope to see you again soon.
Best fishes,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon B
11 contributions
Feb 2020
Great Talks at the feeding times , Amazing Jelly Fish I have never seen before, The Biggest Croc I have ever seen. , The Glass tunnel Stingrays, Sharks and all sorts of fish, Swim alongside and around you, Easy to get around , The Penguins are a big hit in there ice environment slipping and sliding away, swimming just having a Ball. A Great place for all ages, Cafes and Gift shop are very good. A Must place to see, Can rush through if wish or can spend all day listening to each speaker, Worth the Entry Fee for sure
Written 26 February 2020
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.
Hey Sharon!
JAWSOME review! It is always so lovely to hear that our guests enjoyed their time with us!
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a positive review of your visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne. We are happy to see that you had a nice day out and enjoyed coming face to face with some of the creatures of the sea! We hope to SEA you again in the future! :)
Kindest regards,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 2 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thetaylors2017
Newcastle, Australia68 contributions
Dec 2019
We were pleasantly surprised to see Sea Life open on Christmas Day. We spent most of our Christmas Day at Sea Life - a surprisingly busy day! Lots of other people were happy to spend their Christmas Day there as well. We come to Sea Life every time we visit Melbourne and it's always a highlight for our young children (aged 8 and 5). They are always completely exhausted after a big day of walking around and exploring every single part of the aquarium. The staff were so friendly (as always).
The only negative I have is when they take your photo at the start, and then hassle you at the end (usually through the children) to buy the photo back from them.
The only negative I have is when they take your photo at the start, and then hassle you at the end (usually through the children) to buy the photo back from them.
Written 21 January 2020
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 there,
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a positive review of your visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne. We love reading that you and your family had a great time during your visit with us. Awesome to hear you visit us every time you are in Melbourne. Be sure to check us out on social media as we always have new events and activities going on!
Thank you for recommending us and we hope to see you again soon.
Best fishes,
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darkest_dreaming
Redruth, UK419 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
An average place to visit. Probably won’t return.
Even though we had pre booked out timed ticket, we ended up queuing halfway up the street with everyone else (a lot of whom hadn’t pre-purchased tickets). It would have been better to have 2 queues outside so that those of who had the foresight to prebook, were able to get in on our allotted time.
Next, the first and second sections were so busy (and crowded with pushchairs) that we could barely move let along see and appreciate any of the attractions.
Further round the crowd started to disperse and it wasn’t awful but was still too busy imo.
The main tank was quite cloudy and wasn’t particularly easy to view anything inside it.
All in all, not a great visit and one I likely won’t repeat (especially for the cost!).
Even though we had pre booked out timed ticket, we ended up queuing halfway up the street with everyone else (a lot of whom hadn’t pre-purchased tickets). It would have been better to have 2 queues outside so that those of who had the foresight to prebook, were able to get in on our allotted time.
Next, the first and second sections were so busy (and crowded with pushchairs) that we could barely move let along see and appreciate any of the attractions.
Further round the crowd started to disperse and it wasn’t awful but was still too busy imo.
The main tank was quite cloudy and wasn’t particularly easy to view anything inside it.
All in all, not a great visit and one I likely won’t repeat (especially for the cost!).
Written 16 March 2024
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.
Jen
Melbourne, Australia15 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
After passing through the admissions everyone had to queue and pass through the photographer taking group photos. This this took at least 10 minutes with no option for direct entry.
Many exhibits information was difficult to both locate and also read, A4 laminated pages with overcrowded and tiny font.
Toilet facilities were dirty and looked like they had not been cleaned from previous day. Doors had broken locks, not what l expect in a facility like this.
Many exhibits information was difficult to both locate and also read, A4 laminated pages with overcrowded and tiny font.
Toilet facilities were dirty and looked like they had not been cleaned from previous day. Doors had broken locks, not what l expect in a facility like this.
Written 27 September 2022
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.
Can you get a discount if you are on a pensioner concession card or would you need to pay adult price
Written 17 August 2019
like anything it can be but its well worth it, in my opinion 😊
Written 2 April 2018
Are the 3D movie glasses suitable to fit over spectacles?
Written 18 February 2018
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.
Written 20 February 2018
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?
Written 19 November 2016
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.
Written 3 December 2016
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.
Written 1 September 2016
Yes the venue is great, I struggle with stairs and there are lifts and ramps to all areas.
Written 1 September 2016
The closest car park is 474 Flinders Street Car Park, or slightly further 522 Flinders Lane Car Park. Book at Secureparking.
Written 14 October 2016
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