Private Dining paired with Penfolds at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Enjoy an intimate date or a group get-together with a difference, dining under the sea at SEA LIFE Melbourne.

Awaken your senses beneath the waves at our exclusive underwater private dining experience, now in collaboration with renown winemakers Penfolds. This once-in-a-lifetime event seamlessly blends the unparalleled majesty of the marine world with the mouth-watering delight of fine dining at its very best. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, this is a meal you’re sure to remember. 

Explore the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium without the usual daytime hustle and bustle on a serene self-guided tour before indulging in a delicious five-course meal prepared by a team of world-class chefs. Hand-selected by expert sommeliers to suit each dish, you’ll also be treated to a velvety Penfolds chardonnay, two robust shirazes, a floral viognier and a dazzling champagne brut rosé.

With a host of dining locations available – including the vibrant Coral Atoll, lively Penguin Playground and enthralling Jellyfish Lab – you’ll be able to tailor your dining experience to a tee. Enjoy the aquarium’s 2.2 million litres of crystal-clear water and thousands of captivating creatures as you’ve never seen them before, all while sampling some of the finest wines and dishes Australia has to offer. 

Conveniently nestled in the heart of the CBD, the Melbourne Aquarium can be found on the banks of the Yarra River under the Flinders Street Viaduct & King Street Bridge. 

Due to the rare and exclusive nature of this event, tickets are extremely limited, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 is now available to book. Future limited dates will be launched soon. 

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CORAL ATOLL

It’s not every day you get the opportunity to privately dine alongside enchanting sea creatures… Be accompanied by fascinating aquatic displays that also doubles as entertainment for our guests. Our exclusive after-hours private dining in Coral Atoll is a one-of-a-kind atmosphere where you are beside an illuminating underwater paradise filled with marine marvels and vibrant coral gardens. 

PENGUIN PLAYGROUND

Join us for an exclusive private dining experience as you observe the playful antics of penguins through the crystal-clear walls of the Antarctica exhibit, an exclusive offering only at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. As beloved residents of the aquarium, the King penguin is the second largest penguin species, and they have a distinctive and regal appearance. Waddle your way through to the icy waters of the Penguin Playground with our private dining experience and meet the colony.

$300pp

$400pp

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum 25 people in the Coral Atoll.

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum 25 people in the Penguin Playground.

CROCODILE LAIR

 Not for the faint of heart, the Crocodile Lair is an exclusive dining area that offers an exciting backdrop with award winning catering service just for you. Pinjarra is not just any crocodile; he is an awe-inspiring legend! At over 5 metres long and weighing more than 750kg, this saltwater crocodile has captured the hearts of guests from all around the world. Enjoy a fine dining experience with our old pal Pinjarra.

OCEAN INVADERS (JELLYFISH LAB)

The Ocean Invaders exhibit is one of Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium’s most fascinating journey that unravels the mysteries of jellyfish, beautiful creatures that have roamed the oceans for millions of years. Enjoy a fine dining experience and learn about the jellyfish adaptations, their mesmerising bioluminescence, and their vital role in the marine ecosystem. 

$250pp

$250pp

 Minimum of 2 people and a maximum 8 people in the Crocodile Viewing space.

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum 12 people on the Riverside Balcony.

BAY OF RAYS

Welcome to Bay of Rays – an exclusive event space where you’re immersed in an underwater wonder as you encounter graceful stingrays gliding effortlessly through crystal clear waters. Access the aquarium after hours, see the unique underwater world and relish in a seated three course dinner. 

RAINFOREST ROOM

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you enter the Rainforest Room at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – a tranquil sanctuary brimming with vibrant foliage, cascading water and soothing sounds of nature. This exclusive after hours access to the aquarium is a perfect space for a fine dining experience. 

$250pp

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 25 people in Bay of Rays

$250pp

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 25 people in the Seahorse Sanctuary

SEAHORSE SANCTUARY

Dine with the magical seahorses in the exclusive Seahorse Sanctuary exhibit – a captivating haven within Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Be mesmerised by how these special sea creatures stand out in the under-water world, from their intricate tails to their ability to change colour to match their surroundings! 

$250pp

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 25 people in the Rainforest Room

OCEANARIUM

Immerse yourself in the immersive ambiance of our 360-degree tank surrounding the dining space, where every angle offers a glimpse into the wonders of the deep. With dimmable lighting features enhancing the atmosphere, your evening at the oceanarium promises to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of the sea. Book your extraordinary experience today.

$400pp

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 25 people in the Rainforest Room

SHARK TUNNEL

Enjoy a one of a kind dining experience, where for a moment you think you could be the main course. Observe majestic sharks circle above you whilst you dine in the depths of deep blue waters.

$400pp

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum.

SHIPWRECK THEATRE

Journey deep below and encounter some of the aquarium’s largest marine creatures. Find yourself in a winder to a purpose-built underwater world, home to a unique array or marine creatures from around the world.

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum 8 people in the Shipwreck Theatre. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you would like to make a booking for more than 2 people, please utilise the add-ons section in the check out process to include additional guests to your booking.

We can cater to most dietary requirements if given advance notice. It is essential that you advise us at the time of booking if you or your guests have any special dietary requirements. We cannot guarantee that dietary requirements can be catered for if not notified 72 hours prior to dining.

Tickets are non-refundable should you be unable to attend. If your party is unable to attend due to quarantine requirements, then the tickets are refundable to another date.

Private dining is available on particular evenings every week.

 

There are a number of other events throughout the week and at weekends. If Saturday nights are

available, these will be listed three weeks before the date.

 

Please contact us for further availabilities. Minimum numbers and spend applies.

There is no onsite parking. The nearest parking to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is:

 

Secure parking, 522 Flinders Lane, 240m away from SEA LIFE Melbourne.

Please do not disturb our aquatic friends. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium does offer other exclusive experiences to interact with the animals:

 

Melbourne’s Most Unique Experiences | SEA LIFE Melbourne (visitsealife.com)

You are more than welcome to bring a cake. Please ensure it is clearly labelled with the booking name and storage instructions. We charge a cakeage fee of $3 per person for groups of 1-9 people and $30 flat rate for groups of 10+. This covers storage, handling, cutting, plating and serving.

When you book your dining experience, you will be sent a confirmation email with a contact number for our team on the day, who will be ready to greet you at 6pm at the main entrance on Flinders Street.

There will be other diners in the aquarium that night. You will likely see them during the time that you are exploring the venue.

 

 

Yours will be the only table in the area that you have selected, but there may be other tables in adjoining areas which you may be able to see or hear during the dinner.

A few things to keep in mind that are not permitted – open flame, sparklers, balloons, confetti/glitter and real petal confetti. SEA LIFE is an aquarium and must work around the animals needs first and foremost. When in doubt, please email info@seg.melbourne to see if something is permitted.