Melbourne Aquarium

LOCATION
On the banks of the Yarra River, opposite Crown Entertainment Complex. A short walk from Flinders Street or Southern Cross train station.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
While “sleeping with the fishes” may conjure up some negative connotations, dining with the fish offers an altogether different, and pleasurable, experience at Melbourne Aquarium. By day, the Aquarium Cafe is a light and airy space that provides a quick lunch amid uninterrupted views of the Yarra River, Casino precinct and city skyline. The cafe offers some welcome respite with a good selection of light meals such as pizzas, fish and chips, soups and salads, with plenty of reasonable kid-size options. Children can enjoy visiting the penguins in the Antarctic exhibit and then dig into penguin gingerbread men.

For a unique dining experience, functions at the aquarium offer a variety of options for small and large groups. With six distinct areas, visitors can get up close and personal with the sharks and rays, enjoy the Antarctic as their backdrop or dine amid the wonders of the Coral Atoll. Smaller groups can experience the Melbourne Aquarium in its intimate, night-time guise at monthly “Friday Night Drinks” functions. Popular with visitors and also a wonderful idea for functions with a difference, these events offer excellent value for money and allow an uninterrupted wander through the entire venue. The sessions are more than amply catered throughout the course of the evening, although you may need to stifle a small stab of guilt as you enjoy the excellent seafood on offer while gazing at their living cousins on the other side of the glass.

Angela Costanzo