Joanne P.

There's something fishy about this review! (lame 'Dad' joke acknowledged) There is also something fishy about Melbourne Aquarium. Its location overlooking the Yarra and Southbank is fitting although don't do what I did and try and find an entrance along the river side. You will end up doing a lap of the building, enter via Flanders's Street only. Melbourne Aquarium can be likened to a giant fish bowl, at times your not sure whether your circling the fish or they are circling you. Not that it matters, there is just something about watching sea creatures that is calming and thought provoking...or is that just me? My first stop in my Aquarium tour was the Antarctica exhibit to watch the penguins chilling on the ice and generally running amok. Yep, they were awesome to watch! The fish, turtles, sharks and their friends were great to watch, but I especially enjoyed the stingrays seemingly floating above my head in the fish bowl. You could also swim with the sharks if your game. I'm not. I missed all the feeding times and shows during my visit, however I assume they are aimed to kids anyhow. The end of your visit is heralded by the gift shop, which is fun to explore but not exactly the cheapest place to pick up a stuffed toy shark...or whatever. Yes, as expected Melbourne Aquarium can be expensive. However, sometimes you just need to get amongst the ocean dwellers. Melbourne Aquarium is the place to do just that.

Cliff B.

***NOTE: This only relates to the +18 only 'After Dark' experience*** Only heard of these 'Aquarium after dark' experiences through RACV newsletter, which also gave me a nice discount for two tickets to last Friday's event. (Which was on Halloween but not really Halloween themed except for a few floating pumpkins in the water here and there) When we were let it, it was initially to the small fish & seahorse exhibit. There were barriers blocking us off from further exploring things, and our group of four exchanged looks that suggested we might have been a bit dudded with the whole thing if this was the extent of what we would be able to explore. Oh well, the finger food was decent and the cocktails and drinks were overflowing, so may as well make the best of things... ...then 20 minutes later without any announcement a barrier was removed and you could go through to the next section - unsure initially if you were allowed to until you saw more wait-staff waiting for you there, welcoming you with more drinks on trays. And so the evening went - soaked up one space and exhibit only to then move onto the next, your glass constantly topped up by the friendly staff along the way. What a brilliant way to see the Aquarium for the first time! (And all without having to dodge prams and ankle-biters). We didn't get to see the famous penguins, but the night did take us through most of the rest of the Aquarium, including that massive croc, and things ended in the shark exhibit with some cool live acoustic tunes that by that point had a few people dancing - slightly surreal to be having a boogie as sharks swim all around you. The value was extraordinary - it's around $40 for an adult just to enter the Aquarium normally, and (with the RACV discount) we paid only an extra $25 for all the food and booze we could consume in 3 hours (and they certainly were not stingy with either). Crazy value. Was a unique night out with friends we wont forget in a hurry and strongly recommend it to other friends (and you strangers) if they put another one on.

Carrie G.

This is a gorgeous aquarium and a great spot to visit in Melbourne. We also did the Penguin Passport tour which takes you behind the scenes to learn more about the penguins and how they take care of them and you get to go into the enclosure and see them up close. The tour was fantastic and I loved every minute of it. You can't take photos in there though, but they do take them of you. The aquarium itself has a great selection of creatures and a ginormous crocodile too!! Easy to access by public transport as well.

Sophie L.

The Melbourne Aquarium is truly magical and a guaranteed great day out. Sure it's expensive, but so are all aquariums. It's worth it. Just go. I only offer one word of warning. DO NOT GO TO THE AQUARIUM DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!!!!!! I don't want to sound like a big scrooge and am very aware that aquariums are child friendly by nature, but having visited right at the start of the last school holidays this place descended into absolute chaos.

Deana M.

Three levels filled with aquatic creatures was a good way to spend a few hours. Though I was disappointed that it was under construction when we visited. My favorite part was seeing the penguins. You can spend a good amount of time seeing them interact with each other, swim or just lounge around. Last, the ticket was good for an entire day so you can come back anytime during the day.

Caroline H.

We have been here twice now and we do enjoy ourselves each time. This time was the first with a little one in tow - also the first on a weekend - so we really noticed how busy it was which was a shame. We had people bumping us, pushing us and shouting loudly near the baby. We loved all the exhibits - the baby was enthralled by the colours and movements. Upstairs there is a balcony you can go out upon and no one was there so we went out to take a breath of fresh air - unsurprisingly then everyone followed haha. The facilities were clean and the cafe, while priced high, was comfy and acessible. Upon entry you are forced to have a photo and when you leave they try to make you buy the photo (which we did of course!) All in all a nice day out with the littlies.

Shara S.

I haven't experienced better because I've never been to another aquarium, nevertheless I am so not a fan of this one. I guess I expected more...excitement? It doesn't help that I'm not a Nemo fan, but I really found nothing at all stimulating about the Melbourne Aquarium. It felt as though I was on a boring school trip with a gazillion wall plaques to read and tiny specimen exhibits. Not wanting to waste a cent of the almost $100 it cost for myself, husband and daughter to go, we spent SOOOO much time on the ground floor reading about and looking at little crustaceans that to me looked about as interesting as sea ants, that the anticipation quickly wore off. By the time we got to see the awe inspiring sharks, my daughter was bored and wanted to go, my feet were aching after a long day and my husband was pissed because even the sharks weren't as exciting as he'd hoped, and he LOVES Nemo! I personally didn't see what all the fuss is about, but if you're into sea creatures I'm sure you might find it fascinating.

Justine C.

Conveniently located right along the yarra, this establishment is worth a visit. And it is best to avoid this establishment like the plague as much as possible during school holidays, unless this is your only chance (if you have children) to take them there, then do it. The experience is all so worth it. The shark displays take your breath away, just as equally as they do at the Sydney equivalent on Darling Harbour, and it is great to spend some time with an ice cream (on a good day) along the yarra afterwards. It is a fairly quick experience; although it is a great, fairly quiet location to attend a function here. A great place to get hungover, and trust me you will not end up being more vulnerable to being attacked by sharks here. It's completely safe. If you are into animals and history; then the Melbourne Aquarium is worth a visit. Discount vouchers are available at the SkyBus counter at Southern Cross Station. People have asked for them, and have received them: even without buying a SkyBus ticket. A great aqua oasis. Why worry about watching the aquarium on IMAX when you have the real thing nearby.