If you’re itching to feel transported to new worlds or be swept away in dazzling projections, there are plenty of immersive experiences to look forward to in Melbourne. We’ve rounded up some of our top choices that will take you to outer space, the wizarding world and even a mad scientist’s laboratory. Here are our picks for 8 incredibly immersive experiences in Melbourne.
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. This exhibition must end on February 4, 2024.
After that, an exhibition devoted to the work of Leonardo da Vinci will take over the gallery from March 2024.
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. Step into the wizarding world at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
From April 6 2024 you will get to venture deep into the Forbidden Forest at The Briars. Who knows what you might encounter? Say hello to friendly centaurs, creep amongst mischievous nifflers and bow to a hippogriff, as the characters from the Wizarding World™ come to life. Created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and award-winning theatrical designers, this event will allow you to experience the sounds, lights and characters that make the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beast™ series so memorable. Get your tickets soon to experience the magic!
📍 Location: The Briars, Mt Martha VIC 3934
3. Embrace the cuteness of poop at Unko Museum
Following its incredible success throughout Japan, Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience is making its way to Australia. This museum, completely dedicated to poop, provides an amusing glimpse into Japanese pop culture. Divided into various zones and sections, Unko Museum offers a range of interactive activities. From games to video projections and photo opportunities, there will be more than enough to keep you entertained. Opening on January 17 2024, discover a world where poop is cute and colourful.
📍 360 Bourke St Melbourne 3000 VIC 3000
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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