Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Melbourne Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life


A unique focus on marine life in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic makes for a wonderful viewing experience.

One of Australia's leading aquariums, this popular Melbourne attraction offers an insight into the massive biodiversity in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic. Specialising in this area allows a privileged view of the many different species found in these oceans.The Melbourne Aquarium is divided into four clearly marked out main areas. The first of these is Antarctica, where king and gentoo penguins are found, along with incredible Antarctic fish which can survive in waters which are below freezing. Public feeding sessions take place daily and from the underwater viewing area you’ll get incredible, up-close views of the power, grace and speed of the seabirds as they dive below the surface.Seahorse Pier houses the largest collection of seahorse and sea dragon species in the world, allowing a close look at these most unusual-looking of sea creatures. You may have to look closely though, as they camouflage themselves very well among their homes in the underwater plants. Coral Atoll is the next area on the tour, transferring you to the warm and lush waters of the tropics, some of the most important habitats on Earth.Sharks, rays and turtles are all to be found in the enormous 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, the focal point of your visit. The observation deck offers excellent views, but if you want to get up close and personal, you can take the Shark Dive for an extra fee. Grey shark breeding programmes fulfil the responsibility of the aquarium to contribute to the preservation of the species it exhibits.Kids are sure to have great fun on the Ocean Rangers programme, a series of activities taking place over the course of a full day, including the opportunity to meet some of the aquarists – better known as fishkeepers!Melbourne Aquarium is in central Melbourne, and the free City Circle tram stops outside. It's a short walk from the bustle and activity of the city centre, on the north bank of the Yarra River, and is also close to Melbourne's main train terminal, Flinders Street Station. The aquarium is open all year round, and there is an admission fee.

Plan a trip to see SEA LIFE Melbourne

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YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower
Melbourne Private Apartments - Collins Wharf Waterfront, Docklands

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Reviews of SEA LIFE Melbourne

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
473
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
357
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
135
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must if traveling with young children, 2 minutes walk from hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Of you are traveling with children, this is a must !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you use RACV membership it is a lot cheaper

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We loved the penguins

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Walked to Docklands and took boat across to Portarlington for my 70th birthday

3/5 - Okay

D

Very expensive for amount of attractions. Not very pram friendly, lifts were slow and small. Attractions not well laid out, instead of doing a loop and all foot traffic going one direction you had to enter and exit areas the same way. This created constant bottle necks and overcrowded areas that you could not get through as too many people tried to enter and exit at the same time and people kept stopping to take photos. Some more hands on stuff for kids would be great too. Also would be good to see some fresh healthy options in the cafe, instead of so much fried food.

Popular places to visit


Top SEA LIFE Melbourne Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Meriton Suites Melbourne

Meriton Suites Melbourne

5 out of 5
140 King St, Melbourne, VIC
Meriton Suites Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Hyatt Centric Melbourne

5 out of 5
25 DOWNIE STREET, Melbourne, VIC
Hyatt Centric Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
Quincy Hotel Melbourne
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near SEA LIFE Melbourne

At SEA LIFE Melbourne, immerse yourself in an underwater wonderland, where you can encounter fascinating marine life, including moray eels. Beyond the aquarium, explore nearby shopping precincts, vibrant art galleries, and captivating theatre performances that showcase Melbourne's rich cultural scene. It's a perfect blend of aquatic adventure and urban experiences just waiting for you.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options include Melbourne Central, only 1.1km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shops. Queen Victoria Market is 1.4km away, showcasing a lively atmosphere. For unique finds, Lightning Ridge Opal Mines is a short 966m from SEA LIFE Melbourne.

Recreation

Catch an exhilarating game at Marvel Stadium, only 1.1km from SEA LIFE Melbourne, where the vibrant sports atmosphere energises your spirit. Enjoy live performances at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 1.4km away, offering a delightful entertainment experience amidst beautiful surroundings.

Adventure

Explore the Tan Track, an outdoor haven 1.6km from SEA LIFE Melbourne, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Discover the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail, a 3.2km hiking experience showcasing adventure and stunning scenery. For a unique view, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, located 6.4km away.

Nightlife

After exploring SEA LIFE Melbourne, stroll to the Melbourne Arts Centre, a vibrant theatre showcasing culture and romance. For a lively pub experience, visit Young & Jackson's nearby, where you can enjoy drinks in a charming atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near SEA LIFE Melbourne

During your visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture, family experiences, and urban exploration. From the renowned Melbourne Aquarium to nearby urban parks and entertainment facilities, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on other Melbourne city attractions that enhance your holiday experience, ensuring a memorable time in this vibrant city.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the excitement of live sports and concerts at this iconic venue. With a capacity of over 15,000, it's a hub for family-friendly entertainment, hosting major tennis events and concerts.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: This state-of-the-art venue is perfect for business events and conferences. Its modern facilities and versatile spaces make it a prime location for networking and learning opportunities.
  • Collins Street: Stroll down this historic street, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for shopping, dining, and soaking up Melbourne's bustling city vibes.

Best time to go to SEA LIFE Melbourne

The best time to visit SEA LIFE Melbourne can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around SEA LIFE Melbourne falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around SEA LIFE Melbourne falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for SEA LIFE Melbourne

To save money on your trip to SEA LIFE Melbourne, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May to June or August for lower accommodation rates. Book your stay on a Monday, as it's typically the cheapest day. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Additionally, explore free activities around the city and take advantage of public transport options to keep your travel costs down while enjoying all that Melbourne has to offer.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around SEA LIFE Melbourne are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around SEA LIFE Melbourne is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around SEA LIFE Melbourne is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your SEA LIFE Melbourne hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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