Quick Information

ADDRESS

King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Home to Australia’s Largest Saltwater Crocodile: Meet Pinjarra, a 5-meter-long saltwater crocodile, one of the largest in captivity.

World’s Only Display of Elephant Sharks: The aquarium features rare elephant sharks, a species found only in Australian waters.

Largest Jellyfish Collection in Australia: The Ocean Invaders exhibit showcases a mesmerizing array of glowing jellyfish.

What is SEA LIFE Melbourne?

SEA LIFE Melbourne is an aquarium located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Home to a diverse array of marine life, the attraction boasts immersive exhibits and interactive displays, allowing visitors to explore the wonders of the underwater world. From vibrant coral reefs to awe-inspiring ocean predators, SEA LIFE Melbourne offers a unique educational experience for all ages. With a history dating back to its opening in 2000, the aquarium has become a significant landmark, contributing to marine conservation efforts and offering a glimpse into the fascinating aquatic ecosystems that play a crucial role in our planet's biodiversity.

Quick facts about SEA LIFE Melbourne

  • Official name: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Address: King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
  • Opened in: January 2000
  • Timings: Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm
  • Number of visitors per year: Over 10 million
  • Function: Aquarium
  • Number of species: Over 550
  • Number of animals: Over 10,000
  • Number of exhibits: 12
  • Levels: 4

Plan Your Visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne

  • Timings: Weekdays: 10am to 5pm, weekends- 9:30am to 5pm
  • Last entry: 4pm
  • Closed: Open 365 days a year

Visiting Melbourne between March and May (autumn) or September and November (spring) is ideal. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it more comfortable. Additionally, tourist crowds are generally lower compared to the peak summer months, allowing you to explore SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium with more ease and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. We recommend visiting during the weekdays during shoulder seasons.

Nestled in central Melbourne, Australia, the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a Southern Ocean and Antarctic aquarium situated along the scenic Yarra River. It is adjacent to both the Flinders Street Viaduct and the King Street Bridge, providing a stunning waterfront setting.

  • Getting there: It is well-connected by bus, tram, train, car, and taxi.
  • Find on maps
  • Nearby landmarks: Nearby landmarks include the iconic Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Skydeck, and Immigration Museum.

What can I do at SEA LIFE Melbourne?

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Night on the Reef

Experience the enchanting "Night on the Reef" at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, showcasing a revamped oceanarium starring sharks and rays. Encounter zebra sharks, reef sharks, and eagle rays, and meet the latest additions—gigantic sea turtles. The focal point is the 360° habitat, surrounding you with a bioluminescent beach and vibrant colors, offering a close-up look at a variety of marine species in this mesmerizing underwater adventure.

Penguin Playground

Explore Penguin Playground to witness the charm of two captivating penguin species: the kings, flaunting vibrant plumage and regal demeanor, and the gentoos, recognized as the world's fastest underwater swimmers. Meet Odin, the playful one-year-old King, who enjoys swimming and learning tricks. KT, the popular 13-year-old Gentoo, likes Dougie and dislikes delayed meals. Discover the quirks and habits of penguins like Harrison, Egg, and Barrel.

Coral Atoll

Plunge into the lively depths of SEA LIFE Aquarium Melbourne, showcasing a dazzling array of tropical reef inhabitants. The Clown Anemonefish forges a protective alliance with sea anemones, while the Blue Tang boasts a royal blue allure. With venomous spines resembling a lion's mane, the Lionfish, found in reefs, holds the title of the world's second most venomous fish.

Ocean Invaders

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Ocean Invaders exhibit at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, spanning 300 square meters and showcasing a mesmerizing array of jellyfish in three interactive zones. Encounter Moon Jellies with flower-patterned stomach-reproductive organs, photosynthetic White Spotted Lagoon Jellyfish, and Blue Blubbers with multiple mouths. Discover the distinctive Upside Down Jellyfish, a photosynthetic species with suction cup-like bells and intriguing group behaviors.

Interactive Wonder Room

Dive into the Interactive Wonder Room at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, a state-of-the-art digital installation influenced by water dynamics. Following the Jelly Fish Lab, children can craft vibrant jellyfish designs that come alive on a colossal wall projection, creating a captivating visual display. This unique experience seamlessly combines education and entertainment, offering visitors a distinctive encounter.

Dive into the Deep

Embark on a mesmerizing oceanic journey with Dive into the Deep, an immersive adventure spanning five distinct zones—from sunlight to trench. Observe life in sunlit seas and the mysteries of ocean trenches. Using cutting-edge technology, a massive 14-meter digital projection guides you through each zone, transporting you back in time. This captivating experience unravels the ocean's wonders, showcasing rare marine creatures and providing a mesmerizing exploration.

Shipwreck Explorer

Go on a subaquatic adventure and encounter the grandeur of the aquarium's largest marine marvels. Explore the enigmatic Moray Eel, sharing space with lionfish in the Shipwreck Explorer, adding a touch of mystery to your coastal journey. The captivating Lionfish, hailing from the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, showcases its remarkable ability to spawn 30,000 eggs every four days in warmer waters.

Seahorse Pier

Observe the Leafy and Weedy Sea Dragons, masters of mimicry with seaweed-like appendages for stealth, in their leafy habitat at Seahorse Pier. These creatures expertly mimic drifting seaweed for both hunting and avoiding predators. Meet the fascinating Giant Cuttlefish, resembling extraterrestrial beings, demonstrating impressive color changes for communication and camouflage. Despite color blindness, this species utilizes numerous skin cells for flawless blending into its surroundings.

Rainforest Adventure

Observe the unique Australian fauna at SEA LIFE Melbourne. Encounter the Lungfish, a 'living fossil' with origins tracing back 100 million years, showcasing its ability to breathe air and even move over land, offering a glimpse into evolutionary history. Explore five species of freshwater turtles, including Longneck and Pig-nosed varieties, residing in the Rainforest Walk. See Green Tree Python's large head and eyes.

Bay of Rays

Discover the hidden marine wonders in the Bay of Rays. Encounter Fiddler rays or Banjo Sharks, harmless without venomous barbs, and the iconic Port Jackson sharks, including residents like Bob, Spot, Splits, Kinky, and Trio. These nocturnal sharks from southern Australia showcase unique egg-laying habits, camouflaging them as seaweed. Meet the Necklace Carpet Shark, Catdog, with a distinctive pattern around its neck.

Discovery Rockpools

Touch & Feel Discovery Rockpools at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers a hands-on experience below the waves. Explore the Mangrove Nursery, and touch sea stars and shark eggs. Discover the diverse world of sea stars, with over 2,000 species worldwide, featuring varieties with different arm numbers and striking colors for protection. Despite their common name, sea stars are not fish but invertebrates, lacking a backbone.

Crocodile Lair

Encounter Pinjarra, one of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles, in the Crocodile Lair at SEA LIFE Melbourne. With two stunning viewing levels offering a full 360-degree perspective, you can see this 65-year-old male crocodile, measuring nearly 6 meters and weighing over 750kg. Pinjarra serves as a captivating educational ambassador, highlighting the ecological importance of saltwater crocodiles in wetland diversity and the success of conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEA LIFE Melbourne

You can get tickets to SEA LIFE Melbourne online and on-site. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, as the aquarium is a popular attraction and tickets are likely to sell out.