Aquarium, Melbourne

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On my last trip there, they had a giant squid as the centrepiece attraction although I suspect its eyes are prosthetics. There's more to see besides the squid (if it's still there). If you like oceanlife, this is your thing.

A world class aquarium in the heart of Melbourne CBD.
ADMISSION PRICES
Adult: $24.00
Child (3-15yrs): $14.00
Concession: $16.00

Family (2 adults & up to 3 children): $65.00
Single Family
(1 adult & up to 3 children): $46.00
Additional Children: $9.50

Prices are GST inclusive and all rides are FREE!

OPENING TIMES
Melbourne Aquarium is open from 9.30am until 6.00pm daily. We are open every day of the year including public holidays. Last admissions are 1 hour prior to closing times. We recommend approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for your exciting journey through!

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The Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon.

After entering you will find a lot of the smaller fish in beautiful and colourful tanks - something like the 'atmosphere' would be on the Great Barrier Reef.

On the top level there is a large shallow tank, with heaps of stingrays and other assorted fish. Opposite that tank there is a little area where kids (and adults) can learn more about starfish and other things found in rock pools.

Going down to the next level, things get more interesting. There is a giant tank that creates waves for a natural atmosphere for it's inhabitants, which include: eels, small fish (like Nemo and Dory), huge fish, striped fish with beautiful flowing fins. Also in a dark room just off to the side of this tank is the jellyfish room! Just floating around in their tanks like little lights - very nice to look at (in tanks, not so nice if I met them in the open sea).

Next you go down to the bottom floor... the best floor!! You walk through a tunnel with a clear glass roof, and all of a sudden there are HUGE stingrays and sharks swimming over you. You then come into a big round room and then tank surrounds you, the fish, sharks, stingrays, turtles... just swimming around you. And you can stand (or sit) there as long as you like taking it all in. This was definitely my favourite level. There is also an option to take a glass bottom boat tour of this tank, or if you're really brave, to go swimming with the sharks ;).

At the end of this room (after passing through another glass tunnel), there is a stand with seats, where one of the staff does a talk about the underwater life in this aquarium - about the fish and the sharks.

If you are interested in the underwater world - I recommend that you check out the aquarium.

Admission
Adults: $24.00
Children (3-15): $14.00
Concession: $16.00

Open Hours
Daily: 9.30am-6pm (including public holidays).

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The Melbourne Aquarium has been open for several years now and is well worth a visit (unless you've already seen the Sydney one, in which case it's similar).
You walk along glassed in tunnels and sharks and fish swim beside you and above you. There are also aquarium fish tanks and tanks holding some reptiles, like lizards.
There's a large souvenir shop in the building if you're into souvenirs. Some high quality, some 'Made in China' cheaper stuff.

My sis was the one who wanted to visit the Aquarium so a quick stop via the city buses and we were here.

Wan't too bad at all as we wandered through the many galleries of exhibits, looking at the many varieties of marine life. My mum and sis found it more fascinating. (I am a little jaded as Singapore's "Underwater World" is pretty good itself and having seen the real thing in the ocean many times)

There was a "touching" pool where you are given a chance to touch some of these oceanic dwellers - harmless animals such as starfishes and sea cucumbers..where kids can squeal with some delight.

All in all, I would dare venture to say that this would be a great place for family travels to amuse the child/children!

There was a cafe should anyone need to take a breather though be warned, the prices are a little more steep. But the view from the platform seats is spectacular! I enjoyed a great view of the Yarra, despite the slightly chilling wind. There is the perfunctory gift shop as well.

The Aquarium is open from 9.30am until 6.00pm daily, including public holidays. Last admissions are 1 hour prior to closing times.

ADMISSION PRICES
Adult: $23.00
Child (4-16yrs): $13.00
Concession: $15.00
Family packages are available.

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This is Australia's only Southern Ocean Aquarium. There are 4 levels. Entry is on King Street, this leads you to the Aquarium shop, Moorings Cafe, information desk and ticket booth. You will also see cuttlefish, seadragons and giant crabs on this level.

Level one has some interactive displays for the kids. Here you will also find a billabong, mangrove and rock pools.
From here there is a ramp leading you down to the lower level. Stop and check out the Coral Atoll (floor to ceiling coral reef) and the Sea Jellies Exhibit on the way down.

Once on the lower level you are watching the "Ocean Down Under". You will see Australia's Biggest Fish Bowl with Grey Nurse Sharks, Seven Gill Sharks, Stingrays and many other fish species.
The Ocean Theatre is located on this level where various daily presentations take place.

Next level up, you can ride the Dive Simulator or take the kids to the play area.

Toilets are located on each level.

The Melbourne Aquarium is open every day of the year. A great place to take the kids for a few hours.

Cost around $23 or 25. You can't spend more than 1 hr unless you are much interested or studying about ocean creatures.

Open all days from 9:30am - 6:00pm. (last admission 5:00pm) during Jan1st to 26th 9:30am-9:00pm. (last admi:8:00)

Fish bowl - dive feed:10:30 am & 2:00 (weekdays) 12:00 & 3:00pm (holidays & weekends)

so if you dont feel like interacting with the wildlife in the water because you never who might come up to you. You can go to the safe confines of the Melbourne Aquarium. They have a glass tunnel where you can walk through and admire the sharks and rays. I went here in 2002 on my first visit , it was great.