This guide to the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium covers everything you need to know – and lists the “MUST SEE” highlights if you are on a limited time schedule.

The aquarium is super easy to get to from Discovery Parks – Melbourne. And even if you’ve been before, the new attractions are worth a return visit.

Topping the list is the newcomer – Night On The Reef.

The monster Oceanarium tank which holds a staggering 2.2-million litres of water, was drained and dried. Then It was refilled with water and – wait for it -  74 tonnes of salt. 

Finally, the resident sharks, stingrays and turtles were brought in from our aquariums on the Sunshine Coast and Sydney.

So what can you expect when you visit Night on the Reef at the Melbourne Aquarium? It’s a bioluminescent display, meaning you get to see marine life in a reef setting after dark.

Even better, it doesn’t cost a cent more – entry is included with general admission. Those prices start from $49.50 for an adult and $36 for a child.

There are special experiences, such as the Penguin Passport that gets you out on the ice with the Gentoo and King penguins penguins. That will set you back $199 but includes your general admission. You also have to be aged 12 and over.

You’re a hopeless romantic:

The Melbourne Aquarium has great attractions that will resonate with you if you are in love. Whether you’re on your first date or you’ve been married for 20 years on a romantic getaway, this is an unexpected date that will bring you closer together. Here are two attractions to help emphasise your love for one another:

1. The Seahorse Pier: Imagine if your husband took the role of carrying your baby for those long nine months. Sounds great, right? But unlikely to happen – unless you’re a seahorse. The Seahorse Pier at the Melbourne Aquarium will introduce you to the ‘Big-Belly’ seahorse and sea dragons. These impressive creatures have reversed the parenting roles, so the male takes on the eggs produced by the female. The male sea dragon keeps a close watch over his eggs for two months until they hatch, carrying them around in his pouch. It’s perfectly romantic, especially if you are lucky enough to see the seahorses dancing together.

On a more serious note, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium has successfully bred the critically endangered spotted handfish and you can see them at the Seahorse Pier zone. This amazing species uses its hand-like fins to walk along the sea floor instead of swimming. This is a world first, something we should all be proud of.

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2. The Mangroves and Rockpools: The Giant Cuttlefish is yet another example of romance underwater at the Melbourne Aquarium. The male cuttlefish will challenge each other for the right to mate with the female, lashing out and changing colours to scare. The successor then protects his mate from other males while she lays their eggs safely. It’s an impressive display of chivalry.

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You’re trying to teach your kids:

It’s incredibly hard to keep the kids interested in history, current news and everything in between. So make it easier for yourself with a trip to the Melbourne Aquarium. It’s a fantastic learning experience in itself, and a great segue into other topics that you can discuss with your children.

3. Penguin Playground: King Penguins are stunning, monogamous creatures with sweet habits like weighing their baby to make sure they are growing properly, adopting lost chicks and sharing the workload of caring for their young baby. Though these penguins are located in north Antarctica, and similarly cold climates, your kids will be thrilled to know that there are penguins located in Australia too, and not just at the Melbourne Aquarium.

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4. The Ocean Discovery: Take the kids over to this awesome attraction at the Melbourne Aquarium where they will be able to see Blacktip Reef Shark and Loggerhead turtle. The kids will be surprised to learn that although sharks are dangerous, not all of them are hungry for humans. In fact the Melbourne Aquarium has another type of shark in their tanks that will eat shellfish over people any day. Loggerhead turtles are impressive creatures that date back to prehistoric times.

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You’re looking for some fun:

Show yourself a good time at the Melbourne Aquarium with sharks and nemo, bright jellyfish and some incredible coral caves.

5. The Mermaid Garden: Scare yourself with a visit to the Mermaid Garden, where Grey Nurse Sharks and stingrays hang out at the Melbourne Aquarium. The Grey Nurse’s teeth are enough to put you on edge, however it’s slightly less intimidating to know that, these mammals aren’t interested in eating humans unless they are provoked.

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6. Coral Caves: Moon Jellies provide a great show for all ages at the Melbourne Aquarium. These clear blobs will mesmerise you as they float through the water effortlessly. The jellies have electric-like gonads and an array of spots and lines across their bodies that illuminate. What more could you want from your day than this?

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To gain access to this impressive display of marine life, book your stay at Discovery Parks - Melbourne today!

You Are A Conservationist

There are some remarkable success stories emerging from the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. 

For example, they recently released 500 zombie fish into a creek near the Murray River. The Aquarium bred these fish, which are southern purple- spotted gudgeon. They are also endangered! The Aquarium offers you the chance to teach your family about the importance of wetland conservation.

7. The Aquarium has also started a behind the scenes tour of the Jelly Lab: Until today, guests have only been able to peek through as the team of aquarists tend to the blooms of the graceful (and sometimes dangerous) jellyfish, but from today they’ll be the ones behind the glass.

As part of the brand-new Jelly Lab Experience:  visitors will don a lab coat and get real hands-on experience Go inside the lab, learn about species, feed them and … touch them! Wow!

The cost? An extra $25 on top of your general admission ticket.

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Aquarium Guide In A Nutshell

So there you have it. A short version of the top attractions at the incredible SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. We hope you have a great day out!