SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Fantastic experience: We oved taking the grandchildren and they loved it too. Almost 4 hours of fun including a nice lunch in the cafe.

Positive experience: It was a great experience, the girls loved it! I found that there were too many prams when walking around, thought you could put your prams in the holding bay. Was a great day enjoyed by everyone.

Fantastic experience: went with my gf and we loved it :) was my first time and we really liked the sharks, rays, and penguins. i would love if they got giant isopods and horseshoe crabs as those are my favorites!

Negative experience: Seeing the penguins and crocodile was absolutely heartbreaking. They were cooped up without natural sunlight and looked miserable. It’s shocking that this is allowed, how is this not animal cruelty? I will never go back, and I truly hope the penguins are returned to a more natural environment where they can thrive.

Positive experience: Loved visiting Sea Life Melbourne, especially the penguins and ocean tunnel. Great spot for kids with lots to see and learn. A bit smaller than expected, but still a fun family day out.

Fantastic experience: A great place to take kids in the school holidays, my kids loved it.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely awesome, great for the whole family.

Positive experience: Nice set up of all the exhibits, lots of cool sea life to see but wow, how expensive it is and that was just to walk through the door! The food court was packed out, need more tables for families. Food meals were expensive but tasted nice

Fantastic experience: I brought my daughter in and she has ball . So many things to see and look at ,could've spend hours and hours in there just looking and watching all the animals . Her favourite was of course the penguins but she also loved the little bubbles that they could pop their head into also . Myself I loved it all and found it very fascinating reading all the information boards next to or near all the aquariums . Thankyou for such a wonderful day , we will be back again to explore more

Negative experience: Not sure how to review sea life except the kids enjoyed it. Imagine being a penguin and being stuck in that environment No room to move

Fantastic experience: Love it the place was f I almost animals all underground and and some hands of touch if sea life. We didn't get allergy reaction to touch the star fish. The croc are way tiny than the one in Darwin. Nice lightening for photos and heaps to look. There is long walk and dev kept me going. As have to keep his pace. We did it in 2 hrs. And good place to eat They are some photos you can have the 4D cinema and VR are awesome.

Positive experience: Amazing experience for the kiddies.

Negative experience: Place was extremely depressing, and expensive. miserable time. my friend asked for refund and customer service rep was extremely rude and refused and told her we 'must have enjoyed it' because of the time we spent inside, as if being in a place for a while hoping it gets better somehow means you must have had a good time. we all felt guilty that this business took our money and that we supported the miserable conditions that the animals are living in. Sealife can say what they want about animal welfare as a priority, the reality is that no creature that naturally roams the open ocean is not going to have its quality of life compromised by being put in a box. The fact that my 2 year old was upset for the animals should tell you all you need to know. This place reeks of misery.

Positive experience: Such a small aquarium The worker there is nice but the building is small Overall mid

Fantastic experience: Sea life aquarium Melbourne Very enjoyable day and the staff were so very helpful even ring a taxi for as AAA

Positive experience: It's a good one time visit. At times the map is confusing but it's fun for the kids

Fantastic experience: SEA LIFE Melbourne was actually awesome. Way bigger and better than I expected. The layout takes you through all kinds of marine life tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, penguins all done really well. But the real standout? That giant saltwater crocodile. Thing looked like a bloody dinosaur. Massive, terrifying, and absolutely the highlight. Definitely worth the visit, fun, educational, and just badass overall.

Negative experience: Really disappointed to go somewhere in Australia, where the animals are kept in such tiny tanks and enclosures. The crocodile looks like it can't even turn around in the enclosure if it wanted to. Seems so money making without any care for the animals. Not like any other wildlife/sea creature place I've been to in VIC or interstate. And everything is woefully expensive. Lines were crazy. Just a terrible experience all round.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Positive experience: A nice wander through the aquarium with good photo opportunities throughout. Quick entry and friendly staff at the entrance. Would have rated higher, but was disappointed with the experience in the gift shop, where the staff were more interested in reorganising the displays than assisting. After being ignored at the counter, I ended up leaving the items on the counter and walking out without purchasing, which was a shame.

Fantastic experience: Had a wonderful time at the aquarium! It was very educational and you could see how much care they have for the animals!! Also absolutely love the penguin exhibit!! By far the best! I went on my Birthday as a present to myself and it’s the best decision I made! Staff a super friendly and so many different species to see! Must go to in Melbourne for sure!

Positive experience: $180 for 2 adults 2 children Not much to see and explore compared to Sydney aquarium. Save your coin

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend! Our experience was made memorable by Lee who lead us on the glass bottom boat tour. Very informative and friendly

Negative experience: Over priced, business didnt accept cash, was not as good other aquariums

Negative experience: Unfortunately my children found this not very good for an aquarium was very fast and I found very overpriced and underwhelming. Hard to get to no parking inside. Other places are better.

Negative experience: Very disappointing visit for our international student group. We brought a group of 20 students and 5 adult English trainers to SEA LIFE Melbourne, hoping for a fun and educational experience—but unfortunately, it was poorly managed and upsetting for both students and staff. The guided tour was disorganised, and students were left confused and anxious. No clear guidance was given on where the bathrooms were, which caused distress, especially for younger students. As our students are from overseas and still developing their English, we were shocked by the lack of patience and cultural sensitivity from staff. Despite the group being well-behaved and closely supervised, students were not allowed to sit in the empty café area to purchase their coffee and cakes. It was extremely cold and raining, yet the staff refused to let them stay indoors, showing no empathy. As a result, all 20 students had to eat their lunch in front of the aquarium’s main gate and got wet due to the rain. Even more confusing, students were denied access to the gift shop near the bathroom, with staff physically blocking the door. No explanation was given. Reception staff were unfriendly, and sadly, some students felt they were being treated differently because of their Asian background. We’ve run international study tours for over 20 years, and we’ve never experienced such cold and unwelcoming treatment. All of their parents from overseas have since contacted us, upset that their children returned sick after being forced to eat outside in poor weather. SEA LIFE Melbourne is meant to be an educational venue, but this experience was far from that. We will not be returning, and we sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously.

Positive experience: SEA LIFE was a decent experience overall. The underwater tunnel and some of the big tanks were really cool to see, especially the sharks and stingrays. However, I expected a bit more for the price – some sections felt a little underwhelming or crowded. It’s still a fun spot if you’ve never been, especially for kids, but not something I’d rush back to.

Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic visit to SEA LIFE Melbourne yesterday! From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth and welcoming - thanks in part to Alex at the front desk, who was friendly, helpful, and made check-in easy. The aquarium itself was amazing, with fascinating exhibits - the ocean tunnel and the penguins were definite highlights. Everything was well-organised, and the staff throughout were friendly. A great day out!

Fantastic experience: Great experience at the aquarium on a weekday (not school holidays). We booked in advance along with pram parking (which allows you to take the pram inside the aqaurium. It's pretty smooth sailing as there are elevators inside the exhibits and you don't miss out of anything with the pram). We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the animal crossing collab. There are meet and greets with Isabelle from animal crossing but it's further inside the building (not immediately) so would recommend looking at the map and schedule to plan in advance. There's plenty to see and makes a good indoor activity when the weather is cold outside. Family friendly, plenty of space at the cafeteria and plenty of different sea life to see. Staff were friendly. We enjoyed the variety and different sections from rockpool, sharks, fish, frogs, lizards, crocodile to penguins. We spent a couple hours there.

Fantastic experience: Lots of good exhibits to see. Size of the crocodile is incredible!

Fantastic experience: 9 month old loved it

Fantastic experience: As a part of my Sperm Donation Australia Tour, Melbourne Leg edition, I came here with my recipient and donor child. What a lovely place to goto quite expensive $92 for the 3 of us, so not for the faint hearted. Got to see some really cool sea creatures penguins, croc and of course the sharks being the fav Had a Moca at the cafe did the trick and reenergised me.

Fantastic experience: Pinjarra is beautiful (Croc) loved seeing him! Animal crossing was very cute. The stamp stations are a cool little activity to do whilst seeing the animals.

Positive experience: It is not the nicest aquarium and the enclosures are fairly small for most animals. It's also somewhat pricey for its size. It might entertain kids for an hour or 2 at best.

Positive experience: Went for the new Animal crossing event starting today. All the activities for it was fun and engaging. However, I’m not sure if this is the case or not already. But there was way TOO MANY school excursions going on at the same time. Should only be booked and limited to 2 schools at a given time cause there was kids running around everywhere and half the time couldn’t even move cause the whole class(es) were blocking the path. Having more than 5 different schools at one time was ridiculous

Fantastic experience: Had a fabulous time at the Aquarium. It was quite an accessible place with only a bit of back and forth to get to the elevators. However there are plenty of ramps around the place as well. The animals look well cared for. I enjoyed the talks about the sea life the staff did and you can see the passion and dedication these staff have regarding their animals. These lovely people were also happy to answer any questions you might have. My favourite creatures to see were the sea dragons and the jellyfish! Will always plan a trip to the Aquarium whenever I'm in Melbourne!

Fantastic experience: Loved SEA LIFE Melbourne! Amazing experience with incredible marine animals, especially the sharks and penguins. The ocean tunnel was stunning! Fun, educational, and perfect for all ages. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fantastic experience: I had such a fun time attending sea life! I hadn’t visited the aquarium in quite a few years and it was such a nostalgic and fun experience!! I definitely would recommend purchasing tickets in advance as the line for pre-purchased tickets with a lot quicker than people needing to lineup to purchase tickets . The aquarium was really informative and they held information groups that spoke about the different types of sea life and she could also touch the shark eggs and the starfish which was included in the interactive information session . Getting to see all the sea life was definitely a huge highlight of my day and I particularly enjoyed seeing all the penguins swimming , cuddling together as well as being fed ! I would definitely recommend visiting with friends , your family or your loved ones !

Negative experience: I genuinely can’t remember a more disappointing day out. Sea Life Aquarium is in an absolutely disgraceful state — rundown, poorly maintained, and frankly depressing. Many windows were so filthy you could barely see through them, and some sections were completely inaccessible due to leaking roofs and cordoned-off areas. Even the exterior-facing windows were dirty from the inside. It’s astonishing they charge $40 for entry — I would’ve felt ripped off even if it were free. To top it off, they’re selling tiny teddies for $45 in the gift shop. Completely outrageous. Avoid this place. It’s not worth your time, money, or the letdown.

Fantastic experience: A must for young and old. This aquarium has something for everyone and is a joy from start to finish. Pre-booking tickets is a great way to save some $$$ and can be done easily on your phone the night before you plan to visit.

Positive experience: 5 stars for the keeper Nat! - she was probably the best part of our visit. You could see and feel her passion and excitement for her job and the animals in her care, and her excitement to show and explain things (shark egg sacks, species of starfish, ect) was infectious and heart-warming. Treasure her (and give her a raise)! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars though for the rest of the aquarium - whilst a lot of the enclosures looked adequate (and some fantastic), as a group of exotic vet nurses and wildlife carers, we did spot a number of concerns that left us feeling iffy... The tank opposite the cafe (with the eels) appeared to have very few caves / hides for the larger eels - or even for the fish - and as such they were swimming continuous circular laps of the tank, or simply hiding their face behind a piece of coral or in a corner/groove of the rocks. It had us concerned that being out in the open like that (when as far as we're aware, the species normal behaviour is to be mostly in hides, rather than swimming around) was a stress / stereotypic behaviour? The rainforest exhibit (with the freshwater turtles) was visually stunning, though this was also the exhibit that we were most concerned by - the substrate contained small pebbles, which is concerning given how turtles feed and how easy it is for them to accidentally ingest gravel / pebbles with food...its a well known cause of foreign bodies. Also, all the turtles either had what looked like papilloma lumps, and SCUD (shell rot). When we approached a keeper to ask about the lumps (if the exact cause had been identified and any treatment - both out of curiosity and concern), they didn't know what it was other than "the vets know, and they were out today to check them" "they've (the turtles) have always had them and they're fine, it doesn't affect them" - it was a little concerning that someone involved in their care not be familiar with their health history / status. As other reviews have also stated, the entry could do with some modifications - 2 lines both for photos, but no line for if you want to skip it. Fortunately for us, we were basically the only ones going through at the time, so there was very little wait, but I imagine at busy times this would be quite frustrating. One lane for photos and one for no photos would suffice - I'm not sure why there would need to be 2 lines for photos, when there is only one photographer / spot for photos?

Fantastic experience: Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium? I've been to a few aquariums in my time, but this one truly stands out, and I have to give it a full five stars! It's not just an attraction; it's an immersive journey into the underwater world that genuinely connects with you. From the moment you step inside, you're transported. The thoughtful layout and captivating displays really draw you in. I love how they've created different zones, each with its own unique feel and fascinating creatures. You can easily spend hours just wandering through, taking everything in. But if I had to pick one highlight, one section that absolutely stole my heart, it would undeniably be the penguin collection. Seriously, I could have stayed there all day! Watching those adorable little waddlers go about their business, both above and below the water, was just pure joy. They're so playful and graceful in the water, and their clumsy-yet-charming movements on land never fail to bring a smile to my face. The way they interact with each other, the little squabbles, the curious gazes – it's all just so captivating. I found myself glued to the glass, mesmerized by their antics. It's clear that they're incredibly well cared for, and that makes the experience even more special. Beyond my beloved penguins, the sharks were incredibly impressive, gliding silently and powerfully. The vibrant colours of the tropical fish were a feast for the eyes, and the interactive exhibits were brilliant for getting a closer look at some of the smaller, more unusual creatures. It's not just about looking; it's about learning and appreciating the incredible diversity of marine life. The staff were also fantastic – friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. It really adds to the overall positive atmosphere. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a wonderful day out in Melbourne, SEA LIFE is an absolute must-visit. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling inspired and with a renewed appreciation for our planet's oceans. And trust me, you have to see those penguins! I'm already planning my next trip back!

Fantastic experience: Sea life was great, especially for the kids. So many cool things to see and do. They loved all the interactive things to do as well as learning all the facts about each creature.

Negative experience: This Sea Life was extremely packed & ticket prices are high. There needs to be a limit on how many people are let in at a time so you aren’t bumper to bumper the whole way through (and if there is - it needs to be reduced!). Our kids didn’t really enjoy it because of the amount of people. They only got short glimpses of sea life from a distance. They were happier watching the construction cranes outside when we exited out of the claustrophobia. You have to have your picture taken before starting - there is no option to skip this until it’s your turn. Maybe this is a tactic to slow down foot traffic? A lot of the tanks were hard to see into as well (maintenance/bad lighting). Value for money = not worth it. The penguins were beautiful

Positive experience: Honestly a bit overpriced for what was offered and SOME of the workers were either lazy/over their jobs or overworked because when we first entered for the picture, they just stated using the most monotone voice to tell us to go stand and take a picture, we didn’t even have the chance to pose and the photo came out as expected, blurring and just “whatever”. Thankfully they let us retake but they really seemed out of it Honestly the rest of the experience was decent but just got boring quickly, the exhibition ended way too quickly for the ticket price honestly.

Fantastic experience: Affordable Tickets with Advance Booking Booking tickets online in advance saved us money and ensured entry. Adult tickets cost $42.40 (down from $53 on the day), children (3-15) were $28.80 (vs. $36), and kids under 3 were free. The process was seamless, with digital vouchers and a choice of timeslots, making planning a breeze. Stroller-Friendly for Prebooked Guests As parents with a toddler, we appreciated the stroller accessibility for prebooked guests. Reserving a pram slot with our tickets ensured smooth navigation, despite potential lift delays. The staff guided us to pram parking areas, making the visit stress-free. Penguin Playground Steals the Show The highlight was the Penguin Playground, home to adorable King and Gentoo penguins. Watching them waddle and dive in their icy habitat was pure joy. The 11:30 AM feeding session was both fun and educational, with great views from two levels. My kids were thrilled!

Fantastic experience: I haven't been for years but got the opportunity to go with my sons school and I really enjoyed it. Will definitely return soon with both my children so we can spend longer here. The staff were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed our visit.

Fantastic experience: Walked in, bought tickets at the booth. Enjoyed the walk through Sea Life. Recommended for anyone who loves animals. Buying tickets online have discounts.

Fantastic experience: I had a great time at this place and I was really impressed to see how well they have managed the crowd and provided proper assistance to the visitors. Overall, i would like to mention that the staff is very supportive and helpful. It could be a good educational trip for the children to learn about the aquatic animals, their habitats and their eating patterns. I recommend you to take your children to this place.

Fantastic experience: I’ve visited SEA LIFE Melbourne in October 2024, it was a long time ago but not long for review. This place is suitable for all ages, especially for kids. I’ve a great experiences from this aquarium.

Fantastic experience: This was my first time at an aquarium since I was a baby and let me tell you - it was awesome. Suitable for any age! It was so cool to see all the fish, reptiles and penguins. Super cool to see a crocodile in real life. 10/10 recommend to come here if you are in Melbourne!! Staff were also super friendly!

Positive experience: Overall it was good experience, bit pricey. Penguin section is the highlight of this place,

Positive experience: Some great things to see, felt a little overpriced for what you get. An hour is probably enough time to walk around. Was a little sad to see how small the penguin enclosure was and the lonely crocodile with no natural light. Tickets are cheaper if you buy in advance or at least a day ahead.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time at Sea Life Aquarium in Queensland! It was a fun and interesting experience with lots to see. I especially went to see Pesto, and it was definitely worth it!

Fantastic experience: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is an unforgettable setting for proposals. The Oceanarium is breathtaking, and the private dining experience with Showtime Event Group takes it to the next level. Dining surrounded by marine life is magical, and the team makes everything seamless. Highly recommend for a truly unique and romantic proposal!

Negative experience: I find the aquarium very over priced, I feel like you can get through the whole thing in 30 mins, I found there is less fish then there use to be. I feel bad for those penguins being in such a confined space as well as the crocodile. I gotta say, my daughter who is 7 loved it. Just not very exciting from my point of view.

Positive experience: The aquarium is getting dated and very tired. Even though we pre-purchased tickets, we had to queue for 10 minutes along with everyone else. The penguins were by far the highlight. $9 weekend parking was a bonus.

Fantastic experience: Loved our day trip to sea life. Both adults and our baby girl love it. Highly recommended! If you have pram and would like to bring in with you. Remember to book pram tickets in advance (free).

Fantastic experience: Great experience for all ages! The exhibits are well-designed, and you get really close to some amazing marine life. The penguins and sharks were a highlight—but the jellyfish display was truly mesmerizing.

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience, specially liked the Penguin exhibit and sea dragons breeding program running for almost a decade...kudos to your team.

Fantastic experience: Took my daughter to Sea life aquarium & she absolutely loved it! From the turtles to the playful pengiuns, she was wide-eyed the whole time. The place is super clean and well laid out. Get the pram booking in advance, as they allow only a handful of them inside. It was fun, educational, and perfect for my kid. The fish theatrical was a big hit, and the cafe break was well needed & its location in between was very much thought off by them.

Positive experience: Was okay. The Sealife Aquarium in Sydney is much better in comparison. The Jellyfish Lab was interesting. The aquarium seemed a bit run down and in need of an upgrade.

Fantastic experience: Takes about 1.5-2 hours to go through the whole thing, perfect for the little ones. Very educational and interactive

Fantastic experience: This is an amazing place for kids. Adults can enjoy looking around different kind of fishes and other sea animals. We have purchased tickets on the spot. I think kids are free. Parking was difficult to find. Best part was penguins, enjoyed watching them doing different activities.

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful time exploring the exhibits—each one was fascinating in its own way. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and a special thanks goes to Aneshka, who shared so many insightful details that truly enriched the experience.

Negative experience: The whole place is very overrated. Went with a 6 month old baby and a pram, ensure you book in advance and reserve a pram spot for your timeslot, otherwise you will need to leave your pram at the entrance for pick up later when you are done. Mind you, the exit is not at the same spot as the entrance, meaning you will need to go back for you pram. It's extremely confusing to navigate when you are inside, they could seriously use some proper big nice signage, especially most parts of the venue are under dimmed lights, it makes their A4 sized sign hard to see nor read. They do provide you a "site map" when you enter but it doesn't tell you exactly where things are and how to get there, they could really learn from IKEA and how they move crowds within. As we also have a pram with us, we had to use the lift several times to move between levels, which makes it even more confusing as it doesnt really tell you which floor you are on, and perhaps some extra labelling about what are at which floor would have helped alot too. Trust me, everytime the lift door opens, everyone was just looking as confused and have no idea where they were. Food wise, decent touristy site food selection (chips, burgers etc), slightly overpriced but wasn't too bad as I was ready to put a hole in my wallet. Overall experience was underwhelming (unfortunately).

Positive experience: Went for mother's day was a wonderful day loved all the animals only thing dispointing when you go in your lined up to get a family picture together which felt forced then at the end they make a book with your picture in it but you have to spend $40 to buy it i didn't know until the end and they now just displaying the books for others to look out really don't like my kids picture been there kinda wrecked the experience

Fantastic experience: Tickets are a bit pricey, but worth the investment for the experience, particularly for families, although adults will undoubtedly enjoy the experience too! Sea Life Aquarium is home to thousands of species of fish and marine life, with some interactive zones and a Cafe for a snack for a bit of lunch. There is an additional activity pack available for purchase for kids to give them tasks are various spots throughout the aquarium to keep them engaged while educating them in a fun playful manner.

Fantastic experience: SEA LIFE Melbourne is such a fantastic day out for families! It's super accommodating for kids of all ages, with plenty of interactive exhibits and activities to keep them engaged. There’s so much to see—from amazing sea creatures to fun educational zones. It’s definitely a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: The aquarium is great and well laid out. I recommend buying your tickets in advance so you can still spend money in there. Also beware the gift shop. Things are not priced as they seem

Negative experience: I was very disappointed with Sea Life Melbourne. The penguin enclosure is far too small for the number of animals inside—it felt overcrowded and stressful. It was also quite dirty, with visible feces on the ground. For a place that promotes animal care and conservation, this was really upsetting. On top of that, the entry fee was $50, which feels incredibly overpriced for what you get. I really hope they take steps to improve the animals’ living conditions.

Positive experience: Very fun place to take a toddler, loved the penguins! What would make it even better is if there was a soft play area, and the pricing was a bit expensive (though worth it for sure).

Fantastic experience: Never tired to visit Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. So much to see! 9 dollars all day parking at Secure Parking with using Sea Life ticket is a great option for busy city!

Fantastic experience: It's a good place to relax and enjoy in the middle of the city like Melbourne.

Positive experience: Worth a visit, we chose to go on a random Monday out of School Holidays and it was still quite busy so it’s worth to get your tickets in advance and choose off peak times for entry. It is a wonderful place for the little ones, lots to see, feel and explore. I thought the official printed photos were a bit expensive but they have a fun simple foto both that is just perfect for a simple candid memento. Would recommend

Fantastic experience: We had a magical experience at Sea Life immersed in the candlelight concert, listening to the classics of Disney movies over time. Highly recommend this experience! ️️️

Fantastic experience: The Fever Candlelight Concert here was amazingly beautiful... Just simply breathtaking.... Imagine beautiful live quartet and live sealife in the background... Such an amazing concept...

Positive experience: Having been to aquariums all over Australia & NZ, the Melbourne one is definitely on the lower end of my recommendation. We’re paying around a whopping $150 for 2 adults + 2 yo, but I strongly advise you against going during public holidays, school holidays or the weekend because it’ll be so cramped in there you won’t be able to see much. The tunnel, which was newly renovated already has really scratched up glass and a lack of sea life in it. The whole building also feels tired and disorganised. The cafe option also has horrendous and expensive options, I highly suggest you bringing your own food.

Fantastic experience: I went with my son and daughter-in-law and grandson who is one and a half to see life in Melbourne. It was fabulous the word we use most was wow such a great day. Such good value. I would go again at the drop of a hat.

Positive experience: We were really looking forward to visiting SEA LIFE Aquarium, but unfortunately, it was a big disappointment. The entire place feels very run down — tanks are dirty, exhibits look tired, and the overall atmosphere is more depressing than exciting. It definitely isn't being maintained to the standard you'd expect for the ticket price. One major thing to be aware of if you're visiting with a pram: you must book a specific time slot for your pram before you arrive. If you haven't pre-booked, you won’t be allowed to bring your pram in, no exceptions. This isn’t clearly advertised beforehand, so it catches a lot of families out at the entrance. On top of that, all ticketing is self-serve via machines, and it’s incredibly chaotic. There’s very little guidance from staff, the area gets very crowded, and it’s confusing and stressful — especially with young kids in tow. Overall, we left feeling frustrated and disappointed. SEA LIFE Aquarium could be so much better with a bit more care and organisation, but right now, I wouldn't recommend it.

Negative experience: Avoid behind the scenes tour We visited a few years ago and enjoyed the visit so while in Melbourne again the kiddos were excited to visit again. I thought I'd do something special, try to increase their interest and love for animals and aquariums so I booked a behind the scenes tour for the three of us which was $90 on top of the $96 for entry. We arrived at 11:30 for the session, was rushed through to where the tour started and told to wait. Sam did a good job telling us things but what were shown was not a behind the scenes tour. We were shown the white board with their food schedule, the fridges where they defrosted and thawed the fish and then they gave us (5 in total) a small cup to feed some of the tropical fish from the top of the tank. Sam tried to give us as much information as she could but we stood there for 10 minutes just staring at the tank. Then we were done. My son looked at me and said "really? That's it?" We were ushered out disappointingly and then just left. Paid $15 for parking and $186 for the 45 minute visit and it was so not worth it. Oh also you're not allowed to take any photos which was fine but I'm not sure what they are worried about. Seeing what type of fish the animals eat?? A good museum and staff were nice but disappointing experience

Positive experience: Great place to visit with family and see the marine life. But when you book the tickets, if you book directly through their website you’ll get the same day tickets, but if you book from other platforms(where you get some cheap tickets), you won’t get same day ticket bookings

Positive experience: The Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium was a decent visit, but we felt the tickets were a bit pricey considering the size of the venue. We were hoping to see more rare or unique marine species—especially since Australia is surrounded by ocean and known for its diverse marine life. Unfortunately, nothing really stood out or amazed us in that regard. The most memorable part was the enormous crocodile, but due to the distance and viewing angle, we couldn’t get a very clear look. We did spend quite a bit of time at the penguin area—our kids really enjoyed watching them. Overall, we hope the aquarium can introduce more interactive experiences and expand their collection with more vibrant or rare species in the future. It has potential, but there’s definitely room for improvement.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely adorable place with so many gorgeous creatures to see and things to look at. Also they sell Poutine now which is a bonus ✨

Fantastic experience: Sea Life Aquarium was a fun experience with lots of amazing sea creatures and cool underwater tunnels—great for all ages!

Positive experience: No point buying VR experience in advance as same price indoors. Artificial coral reef feeding at 1.30pm and 11.30pm penguin feeding. Nice 4D cinema included at end along with the king penguins. Food ordering que and wait times are long at the cafe, where also the coral reef feeding happens at 1.30pm.

Positive experience: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers an enchanting dive into marine wonders, blending education with immersive exhibits. Located on the Yarra River’s edge, its prime location—opposite Crown Entertainment Complex—makes it easily accessible via tram, train, or car, though parking requires planning. While the venue lacks onsite parking, discounted rates are available at Secure Parking (522 Flinders Lane) when pre-booked with tickets . *Note:* Families with prams should book parking in advance due to limited space and ongoing lift refurbishments that may delay movement between floors . The aquarium’s **12 themed zones** captivate visitors of all ages. Highlights include the **Penguin Playground**, where King and Gentoo penguins charm crowds, and the **Mermaid Garden**, a 2.2-million-litre oceanarium teeming with sharks, rays, and turtles gliding overhead in a glass tunnel . The **Crocodile Lair** houses Pinjarra, a 5-meter saltwater croc, while **Coral Atoll** brings *Finding Nemo* to life with clownfish and vibrant reefs . Interactive zones like **Touch & Feel Rockpools** and the **Jelly Lab** engage kids, though weekends and holidays get crowded—weekday mornings are ideal for quieter exploration . Tickets start at $38.25 online (25% off for the 25th anniversary), with add-ons like the **Penguin Passport** ($25) for behind-the-scenes encounters . The venue is cashless, and pre-booking is essential during peak periods . Allow 2–3 hours to explore, but pram users may need extra time due to accessibility constraints . While recent animal care incidents (e.g., guitarfish deaths) have prompted temporary relocations, the aquarium maintains a strong focus on conservation and education, evident in daily talks and feeding sessions . **Verdict:** A must-visit for marine enthusiasts. Plan ahead for parking, arrive early, and soak in the underwater magic—just watch out for Scrat’s antics in the 4D cinema! .

Fantastic experience: Super family-friendly and easy to get around with a pram. Kids loved every minute!

Positive experience: It was very busy at the time we went so didn’t fully enjoy or make the most of it. The penguins were definitely the highlight of the place, it was fascinating seeing them swim while others waddled around and sleep near the glass. There was also a nice interacting section where kids were able to colour their own jellyfish which was then shown on the big projection on the wall.

Fantastic experience: We had a fantastic time at SEA LIFE Melbourne. The penguins were adorable and the giant crocodile was a hit. It’s well laid out, interactive, and super educational without being overwhelming. The staff were friendly and informative. Would definitely recommend for families or anyone who loves marine life!

Fantastic experience: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium perfectly blends stunning aquatic displays with immersive experiences, making it a must‑visit for families, couples, and solo adventurers. From the thrill of the Oceanarium tunnel to the cuteness of penguin feedings and interactive encounters, it delivers both education and entertainment in one of Melbourne’s most iconic settings. Highly recommended for both locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure !!

Fantastic experience: We went a lot of aquarium in different city and countries. This one is great, animals look happier and there is 4D cinema which is great experience too to kid. We went there when its opened, no line up. But about 12pm there is a loooonnngggg line.

Fantastic experience: Great experience for all ages, we went on Good Friday so it was a bit busier than normal but everyone including staff was polite and well behaved. Lots to see with all the creatures under the sea!

Positive experience: Tickets are bit pricey compared to sealife in Sydney but worth visiting and is good to keep kids entertained for half a day!! Sydney sealife has Penguin expedition boat ride, which is missing here.

Fantastic experience: We saw Pesto the penguin! In fact when we walked up to the enclosure, my group were asking "where's Pesto, where's pesto?" And when I looked at the Pesto identification board I realised he was the penguin preening and posing right in front of us! Pesto the celebrity penguin , living up to his name. We also liked the Jelly fish and the walk through tank with the turtles and sharks.

Positive experience: Pretty fun. The jellyfish were pretty. I really recommend going to see the penguins, they were definitely the best part.

Fantastic experience: Very fun! My teens and my five year old loved it!

Positive experience: Sea Life Melbourne is a kid-friendly attraction that’s perfect for families. If you’re planning to visit with a pram, make sure to book in advance, as pram entry requires a separate booking and is only allowed during your allocated time slot. That said, toddlers around 2–3 years old can manage walking through the aquarium without a pram too. The entire experience, including the 4D show, takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to cover comfortably. It’s a well-organized, engaging place that keeps little ones entertained while offering a fun and educational outing for the whole family.

Positive experience: if you've got small children (primary school age or younger) they'll love it here. there's a lot of fantastic displays and aquariums for them to look at and interact with and there's a lot of nice changes in colour and lighting in each zone to keep them engaged. if you don't have young kids with you, it's still a really lovely day out. the staff are very helpful and very knowledgeable about the animals in their care, and there's a lot of interesting info to read throughout. the aquarium is a bit dated, however. there are some areas that are really empty and under utilised, and some others that are too crowded and cramped. there were renovations happening when we last went, though, so I'd love to go back when those are done and see what a difference they make. standouts include: the large aquarium with the sharks and rays, which has tunnels where you can walk underneath them; the penguins; and the giant saltwater crocodile.

Fantastic experience: Great experience to waste some time for kids to explore sea life. Little expensive if you can’t find a good deal though. However it was fun, interactive for kids and enjoyed all levels.