Melbourne Aquarium

The Melbourne Aquarium was much more interesting than expected. Initially we had thought wed probably be finished viewing the aquarium fairly quickly, yet in the end we were there for a good few hours.

The highlight for us was the king and adele penguins. We spent ages simply mesmerised by them, waddling around the snow and swimming in the glass-sided swimming tank that allows visitors to get up close and personal to the penguins as they play around. The main aquarium feature was also impressive. It surrounds you (and even goes over you) and watching the fish, sharks and stingrays go by is fascinating and even has a calming effect.
This is highly recommended if you have never been here before. Im not sure if Ill go there a 2nd time though, its just one of those things which is best enjoyed the first time.

The Melbourne Aquarium is an impressive facility with very large tanks with huge glass windows custom made (in Japan I think). Overseas visitors love to see the sharks and rays pass over them in the tunnel that runs through one of the tanks. There are all sorts of discount coupons for this and RACV member options so there is no way you should have to pay high full price. Parking nearby is pretty expensive. Take the train to Flinders street or Southern Cross, then catch the tram. The Museum of Immigration nearby is also interesting.

My son loves this place, been there twice with him and he can stay there all day. He loves the penguins and now he walks like one at home! Can be expensive to go as family but we found getting the discount tickets from the Entertainment guide the best value..not sure if they are in this years edition though.

The aquarium isnt the cheapest day outing. I can only imagine how expensive the day gets for families. There tends to be a few discount options available so worth going if you have them. You can have functions there too. Ive been to a friends engagement party there and that was really fun and something a bit different.