Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne

Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne

The Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is a Southern Ocean and Antarctic aquarium on the banks of the Yarra River that is home to over 10,000 animals.

The Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is a Southern Ocean and Antarctic aquarium on the banks of the Yarra River that is home to over 10,000 animals. Discover fascinating aquatic species and get up close to some of these friendly animals in the 12 zones -

• Mermaid Garden is the main exhibit, an oceanarium with 2.2 million litres of water which houses 2000 marine creatures including a grey nurse shark (endangered species) and sandbar whaler sharks. The Behind the Scenes and Glass Bottom Boat Tour takes you on a ride above the tank for a closer view.
• Croc Lair is home to Pinjarra, one of the largest saltwater crocodiles in the world weighing 750 kgs.
• Penguin Playground recreates the Antarctic atmosphere with ice at below freezing temperatures, so the playful Gentoo penguins and majestic King penguins can slip and slide around as at home.
• The Bay of Rays takes you into the depths of the Port Phillip Bay, showcasing Fiddler rays, Shovelnose rays, and sharks that live 200 metres below sea level.
• Shipwreck Explorer is home to Australia’s deadliest marine creatures such as Lionfish and Stone fish.
• Coral Atoll has brightly colored tropical fish, including the Southern Blue Tang species which Dory (of Finding Dory) belonged to. Coral Caves has other coral species, including the Anemone Clownfish which Nemo was.
• Ocean Discovery has species from swamps and mangroves, such as Reef sharks and turtles. Mangroves and Rockpools has animals such as cuttlefish.
• Rainforest Adventure has a dry touch pool where you can pet Hermit crabs and Blue Tongue lizards, as well as insects, bugs, amphibians and tropical creatures.
• Seahorse Pier has fascinating seahorse and seadragon varieties.

While kids are busy exploring the various zones, teenagers and adults over the age of 15 can experience the thrills of the ocean in Shark Dive Xtreme, where participants SCUBA dive to get up close with marine animals.