With the BBC Earth Experience and the world-premiere ACMI exhibition, Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, arriving this year, it feels like there are plenty of immersive experiences to look forward to in Melbourne. And if you’re itching to feel transported to new worlds, and swept away in dazzling projections, don’t worry. There’s plenty of immersive experiences that you can try right now in Melbourne. Choose your adventure in the theatre, explore twinkling galaxies and much, much more.
1. Lose yourself in swirling digital artworks at The Lume
Visit the world’s largest permanent immersive digital art and cultural venue right here in Melbourne. Step into the 3,000 square metre gallery space, and feel blown away by swirling digital projections. Check out their current exhibition, Connection, and celebrate the work of First Peoples artists. Then, take a seat at the on-site café for a bite or two. If you’d like to elevate your experience, try Feast for the Senses, and dine on a three-course dinner for two, accompanied by the visuals from Connection.
At The Lume, you can also enjoy mesmerising yoga and Pilates classes. Find a sense of inner tranquillity, with the help of nature-inspired themes, calming soundscapes and even a signature perfume.
📍5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
2. Add yourself to a work of art at ArtVo
Head to The District Docklands and check out Australia’s first immersive, trick-art gallery, ArtVo. Walk through a variety of different zones in this 1400 square metre space, and see a variety of larger-than-life murals. Then, step into the image, strike a pose, and look like you’re a part of the art thanks to the power of optical illusions. There’s over 100 immersive installations for you to experience. Find your tickets here.
📍Shop NCF 07, Level 1/26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008
3. Dive into a multisensory theatre experience at Love Lust Lost
Descend into an underwater theatrical playground at the immersive theatre production, Love Lust Lost. Hop aboard the E.V. Nautilus, and Explore over 40 intricately designed spaces across three floors, spanning over 1900 square metres. Go at your own pace, follow different characters and become active participants in the story. No two experiences will be the same. Find this theatrical experience at The Austral in Collingwood for a limited time, from now until October 29.
📍202 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066
4. Journey to magical spaces at Metartworld
Head to the second floor of Metartworld and feel amazed by their Starry Sky Exhibition. Journey to space, wander among twinkling lights, see vibrant jellyfish, journey down a 360-degree tunnel and more. There’s so many interactive and immersive experiences for you to discover at this venue in Port Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
📍155 Boundary St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
5. Challenge yourself at Hijinx Hotel
Round up your friends and have some fun at the wonderfully quirky Hijinx Hotel. This space in Chadstone features plenty of interactive games rooms that will take you straight to your childhood, like shooting a basketball through a hoop or remembering song patterns on a giant piano. You’re assigned five challenge rooms at random, and you should try to get as many points as possible! After playing, head to the bar for some fun cocktails.
📍Shop 2-006, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road Chadstone VIC 3148
6. Explore the universe at Melbourne Planetarium
Visit Scienceworks and pop into Melbourne Planetarium for an adventure that’s out of this world! Relax in your reclining seat, and see stunning visuals unfold on the 16 metre domed ceiling. With a 7.1 surround system, you’ll feel completely immersed. Visit on Friday evenings for Planetarium Nights, an adults-only experience. Grab a drink from the bar, then enjoy the show.
📍2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015
7. Swim over to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium for Submerged
Dive below the depths and lose yourself in a multi-sensory digital exhibition at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. The experience, Submerged, is the aquarium’s first venture into the evolving art form. You’ll go on a journey through living light inspired by the beauty and wonder of the bioluminescent underwater world. Submerged is now open, and will stay at the aquarium until December this year.
📍King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
8. Have a puzzling day out with an escape room
Feel like putting your brain to the test? Melbourne is bursting with challenging and thrilling escape rooms that will keep you on your toes. Enter dreamy new worlds or be terrified by horrific scenarios. Whatever you choose, there are so many creative games out there with varying levels of difficulty. See our list here.
9. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
In this creative experience for children, your little ones will have plenty of fun getting messy in different zones. Play, learn, and create with fun elements like a slime station, a ball pit and more. Chaos Lab is perfect for children aged 4-9. Grab your tickets here.
📍18 Wharf St, Docklands VIC 3008