Under the sea

Melbourne is getting a little chilly at the moment reaching only 24 °C. It feels crazy to say that coming from the grey and dismal England, but over here 24 °C is actually a bit nippy in the summer. Bearing this in mind we decided on an indoor activity today – Melbourne Aquarium.
We got there and after a brief queue to get our “student” tickets (although still pricey) headed straight for the penguins. It was incredible seeing all the little munchkins waddling around. There’s just something adorable about their clumsy gait and the “awwwws” became louder when their keeper gave them a snow shower. After that we got around the place pretty quick, stopping off for some fish feeding and to touch starfish which was a bit strange.

The highlight for the both of us though, was the walk through tunnel where the water comes right across your head and you are ensconced in the deep blue gloom. Seeing the manta rays and sharks glide soundlessly above our heads as they slipped through the water was amazing. We then got to watch a scuba diver who’d gotten into the shark tank and his hands were shaking so much he could barely write messages on his board. He did manage to write something about how cold it was and how his breathing was strange. Anyone can do this at the Aquarium although it does cost a hell of a lot.

There was loads of information around the Aquarium and it was really good seeing all the different kinds of fish found in and around Australia and there were even some viewing bubbles where you stuck your head into the bottom of an Aquarium. We both had a good time although there is no way that you could stretch it out to last the entire day.

Rex’s Rules of the Road

• Once again remember your student IDs people; the money you might save could get you a cuddly toy in the gift shop at the end.

• Speaking of cuddly toys don’t even look at the turtle, its cute little eyes will lure you into taking him away unless you have a heart of stone like Alex.

• During the shark feeding there are some platforms if you’re small but get there quick as they go like hot cakes and as a result Rach couldn’t see much.

• Read Rach's full review on Tripadvisor here.