Melbourne zoos & aquariums

Zoos and aquariums in Melbourne start in the CBD at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and stretch down to Phillip Island, where the Nature Parks hold the Penguin Parade and a koala reserve. This page covers aquarium entry, a combo that adds LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, and a multi-park pass for the island's wildlife sites.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and aquarium combos

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium sits at the corner of King Street and Flinders Street in the CBD, with more than 10,000 marine animals on display and daily shows and presentations. It's an easy indoor stop for a morning or afternoon in the city, with a penguin encounter also available at the venue.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium combo bundles a single entry to each attraction. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is at Chadstone on Dandenong Road, a separate trip from the aquarium rather than a stop on the same street. It adds LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema and MINILAND, and the operator suggests a walk-through of at least an hour. The combo has a skip-the-queue feature and is wheelchair friendly.

Phillip Island Nature Parks: penguins, koalas and Churchill Island

The wildlife parks on Phillip Island run as a day trip from Melbourne rather than a short city outing. The Phillip Island 3 Park Pass covers the Penguin Parade on general viewing, the Koala Conservation Reserve in Rhyll and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

The Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island are daytime sites with last entry in the afternoon, so plan them before the evening Penguin Parade at Summerlands. Once the penguins arrive, spend a bit of time on the boardwalks for close views of the penguins near their burrows.

If you'd rather have transport and a guide, animal experiences from Melbourne include Phillip Island tours with Melbourne transfers, seal cruises and wildlife sanctuary visits.

Picking between an aquarium, a combo and a wildlife park

Choose the aquarium when you want something indoors and close to the CBD. Choose the combo if you're travelling with children who'll enjoy the LEGO rides as well as the sea life. Choose the Phillip Island pass if seeing native wildlife outdoors matters more than a quick city stop.

More options for families are on the things to do with kids in Melbourne page, and the Melbourne attractions page covers lookouts and city landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an aquarium in Melbourne CBD?

Yes. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is in the CBD at King Street and Flinders Street, with more than 10,000 marine animals on display and daily shows and presentations.

Can I combine SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre?

Yes. The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium combo includes a single entry to each attraction. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is in Chadstone, so the visits are in different parts of Melbourne.

Where can I see penguins near Melbourne?

The Penguin Parade at Summerlands on Phillip Island is where little penguins come ashore, and the Phillip Island 3 Park Pass includes general viewing. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium also offers a penguin encounter in the city.

What does the Phillip Island 3 Park Pass include?

The Phillip Island 3 Park Pass includes entry to the Penguin Parade on general viewing, the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

Browse the aquarium and wildlife park tickets above and book your Melbourne zoo and aquarium day out online.