Ticket prices for SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium vary based on factors such as age, booking time, and demand. Booking online in advance can offer savings compared to purchasing tickets on the day.

General Admission Prices
Adults (16+ years): From $38.00 when booked online in advance on weekdays (outside of school holidays); up to $53.00 during high-demand periods.

Children (3–15 years): From $28.00 when booked online in advance on weekdays (outside of school holidays); up to $39.50 during high-demand periods.

Concession: From $30.75 when booked online in advance on weekdays (outside of school holidays); up to $43.00 during high-demand periods.

Children under 2: Free entry.

All general admission tickets include a Digi Photo Pass, providing online access to your digital entry photos, valued at $26.

For added value, consider the Melbourne Big Ticket, which combines entry to SEA LIFE Melbourne and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne. Prices start from $49.00 per adult when purchased online.

Please note that ticket prices are subject to change based on demand and availability. For the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tickets, visit the official SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium website.

Yes, it is highly recommended to pre-book your tickets to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium online in advance. The aquarium often reaches capacity during busy periods such as mornings, weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. Pre-booking ensures you can enter at your desired time and date.

Additionally, booking online can offer savings compared to purchasing tickets on the day. For example, adult tickets start from $38.00 when booked online in advance on weekdays, compared to up to $53.00 during high-demand periods.

If you have a Merlin Annual Pass, it is essential to reserve your spot by pre-booking your visit online to guarantee entry. 

Please note that if you have purchased a general admission ticket or an attraction pass from a third party, there is no need to pre-book. However, for special experiences like Behind the Scenes, Shark Dive, or Penguin Passport, you should email your voucher number to the bookings team at experiences@melbourneaquarium.com.au. 

Visitors typically spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. This allows ample time to enjoy the 12 themed zones, including the Ocean Invaders, Penguin Playground, and various interactive exhibits.

If you're visiting with children or wish to attend daily talks and feeding sessions, you might want to allocate up to 3 hours to fully experience everything the aquarium offers.

Once inside, you're welcome to stay as long as you like during opening hours, making it easy to explore at your own pace. 

While SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium doesn't have its own on-site parking, there are several nearby public car parks within a short walking distance. Visitors can take advantage of discounted rates at select parking facilities.

Recommended Parking Options:

• Secure Parking - 522 Flinders Lane
  • Approximately 240 meters from the aquarium.
  • Discounted rates: $22 on weekdays and $9 on weekends and public holidays.
    • To receive the discount, collect a parking ticket upon entry, present it at the SEA LIFE Melbourne admissions desk to obtain a validation ticket, and use both tickets when exiting the car park.
• Wilson Parking – 452 Flinders Street Car Park 
  • Located at 453 Flinders Lane, about 160 meters from the aquarium.
  • Offers Flexi Saver rates starting from $20 when booked online.
    • Note: Prepaying online does not guarantee a reserved space; availability is subject to demand.
• Wilson Parking - 15 William Street
  • Approximately 210 meters from the aquarium.
  • Offers Flexi Saver, weekend, night parking, and monthly subscriptions.
    • Important Tips:
      • Discounted parking rates are subject to availability and may require validation at the aquarium's admissions desk.
      • It's recommended to check the specific car park's website for the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and booking procedures.
      • Pre-booking your parking spot online can often provide additional savings and guarantee a space.

For more detailed information on directions and parking, please visit our Directions & Parking page.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is open daily, with operating hours varying slightly between weekdays and weekends:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Last entry: 4:00 PM

Please note that opening hours may vary on public holidays and during special events. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking our opening hours page before your visit.

Yes, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is home to two captivating penguin species: King Penguins and Gentoo Penguins. You’ll find them in the Penguin Playground exhibit, which recreates their natural sub-Antarctic environment with real snow and ice.

A standout resident is Pesto, a King Penguin chick hatched on January 30, 2024. Pesto became the largest chick ever born at the aquarium, reaching around 23.5 kg at just nine months old. He’s known for his playful personality, love of enrichment toys (especially soccer balls), and curious interactions with his keepers.

For an unforgettable encounter, the Penguin Passport experience lets you suit up in Antarctic snow gear and step onto the ice to meet the penguins up close. This 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour includes insights into how we care for these birds and maintain their icy habitat.

Yes, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is included in the Melbourne Big Ticket- a combination pass that offers discounted entry to both SEA LIFE Melbourne and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne.

What’s Included:

• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: Explore 12 themed zones featuring thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and penguins.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne: Enjoy interactive LEGO®-themed attractions, including rides, a 4D cinema, and play zones.

Key Details:

• Validity: The ticket is valid for 90 days from the date of your first visit, allowing flexibility in planning your visits to both attractions.
• Visit Order: You must visit the attraction where you purchased the ticket first. For example, if you buy the ticket through SEA LIFE Melbourne, you should visit SEA LIFE first.
• Accompanied Entry Requirement: Please note that adults (18+) must be accompanied by a child (17 years or under) to enter LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne.

For more information and to purchase the Melbourne Big Ticket, click here