BBC Earth Experience – Melbourne

Lots of surprises, make sure to visit the special rooms inside. Don’t do what I did and spend over 40 minutes immersed in the main hall before going to the smaller rooms for photo ops. I ended up with just 15 minutes for a mad dash through the whole place, and it’s a massive “wow” at the end.

The experience

The sessions are arranged based on the Earth’s seven continents, starting with the Asia section at the entrance and ending with Australia. Each session lasts 10 minutes, and the staff will remind you to move to the next area for a rotating, circular viewing experience (the central area is similar to the Van Gogh exhibition, with multiple mirrored image displays).

Next to the main hall, there’s a sign that says ‘Experience continues.’ Without hesitation, follow the arrows to visit the smaller rooms (so you won’t run out of time). There’s a half-dome screen where you’ll feel like you’re standing on a cliff with waves crashing below; there are 360-degree small screen wrap-around rooms (not sure what they are, but the visuals are amazing!).

There’s a room for viewing tiny organisms up close, like a caterpillar breaking out of its cocoon. That room has a tactile device, and when you place your hands on it, it responds to the sounds, almost like electric currents running through your palms!

At the exit, there’s the spinning Earth image from the advertising promo video, and many people stop here to take photos. As you continue outside, there’s themed shopping, and surprisingly, there’s a café open until 8:30 in the evening.

There are plenty of seats too, so parents can relax.

Ticket tips

The cheapest prices are from Monday to Thursday at $39.90, Friday is $49.90, but the 5:30 PM session is also $39.90. On weekends, it’s $59.90. Kids, choose a suitable and cost-effective time to come and enjoy the experience!

Location

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf 3006

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