Melbourne Aquarium is a premier tourist attraction not be missed if you wish to embark on an exciting journey to explore the world of Antarctica and get intimate with exotic marine creatures — up close and personal.
Accolades received by Melbourne Aquarium:
2010 Victorian Tourism Awards – Merit: Best Major Tourist Attraction
2009 Victorian Tourism Awards – Winner: Best Major Tourist Attraction
2009 Australian Tourism Awards – Winner: Best Major Tourist Attraction
What to see
The Melbourne Aquarium features four worlds, namely Antarctica, Sharks Alive, River to Reef, and Weird & Wonderful.
Be greeted by the adorable Gentoo and King penguins as you enter the Antarctica world and watch the little ones waddle and slide across the snow in the most comical manner. The curious Gentoo penguins are the world’s fastest underwater swimming bird while the eye-catching King penguins with bright yellow-orange features are the second largest penguin in the world.
We were just in time to catch the daily penguin feeds to watch the colonies follow the keeper and dive into the water for their food.
The King that remained unmoved for most of the time when we were there. It looks like a cuddly plush toy!
It’s feeding time for the penguins!
Jaws attack!
The Oceanarium
Prepare to be surrounded by sharks, stingrays, turtles amongst other stunning marine creatures at the panoramic Fish Bowl viewing area as you enter into the world of Sharks Alive.
The fearsome-looking shark and huge stingray.
Look at the sharp pointed teeth.
The panoramic Fish Bowl viewing area that is part of the 2.2 million litre oceanarium.
It takes a few expert divers to immerse in the massive fish tank to feed the aquatic predators. For the brave hearts, shell out A$150 per dive for the Shark Walker Experience and swim with the sharks, stingrays and other marine creatures while wearing a Shark Walker helmet.
The diver feeding the fish.
Sit back and relax at the Ocean Theatre that showcases the amazing underwater world.
How thick is the fish tank?
The piece of acrylic is almost 10.5 inches and weighs 200 kilograms.
The optical effect of the thick tank walls actually makes the marine life appear about 1/3 smaller than actual size.
Weird & Wonderful and River to Reef worlds exhibit some of the strangest and fascinating deep sea creatures like the Giant Pacific Octopus; intriguing demonstrations of camouflage of the leafy sea dragons and spikey lionfish amongst other exotic aquatic creatures; and vivid coral reefs.
This critically endangered amphibian — Axolotl or the Mexican Walking fish (that’s easier to remember!) — is known to be “multi-talented” as it can regenerate its own body parts like the heart, gills, liver, kidneys, arms and legs.
This creature camouflaged like a rock.
The Blue Blubbers at the UV-lit Jellies Room.
Sea Urchins
Brilliant corals scattered conspicuously on the reef.
The striking sea stars.
Saw Shark
The other kind of “fish bowl” where you can pop in to watch the fish swim by.
The Shark Walker helmet that allows the walker to breath naturally underwater.
The shark cage.
Melbourne Aquarium is conveniently located on the bank of Yarra River in the CBD of Melbourne, opposite the Crown Entertainment Complex.
Visitor Information
Address of Melbourne Aquarium: Corner of King and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
Opening hours: 9.30am – 6pm (last admission 5.00pm)
Admission Fees: Adult A$33.50 / Child A$19 / Concession A$22
Website: melbourneaquarium.com.au
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Thanks for the virtual tour of the aquarium! Despite spending close to a year in Melbourne, I never quite got into the aquarium somewhat. How does it compare to Singapore’s Underwater World?
Sg Underwater World is older though I still like it. I was there 3 yrs ago, but going back again later this mth. I think Melbourne Aquarium has more variety.
Reminded me of Finding Nemo, haha!