SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium transforms into an immersive Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed adventure from 24 June.
The popular aquarium attraction has partnered with Nintendo to bring the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration runs until 17 August, combining the charm of the beloved video game with hands-on learning experiences.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium visitors will discover interactive exhibits that merge gaming nostalgia with real marine education. The Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience offers families a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world through the lens of Nintendo’s popular island life simulation game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- When: 24 June – 17 August
- Where: Corner King and Flinders Streets, Melbourne
- Cost: From $38.25 per adult, $28 per child (under two free)
- More information: visitsealife.com/melbourne
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The themed experience features interactive stamp rallies designed around Animal Crossing: New Horizons gameplay mechanics. Guests can participate in meet-and-greet opportunities with fan-favourite character Isabelle, the cheerful assistant from the game’s town hall.
Educational creature panels will be presented by Blathers, the game’s beloved museum curator known for his extensive knowledge of fish, bugs and fossils. These displays combine the character’s encyclopaedic enthusiasm with real marine science facts about the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Throughout the aquarium, visitors will encounter character displays and hidden surprises, including the chance to discover Gulliver, the seafaring seagull from the game series. Themed merchandise will be available in the aquarium gift shop, allowing fans to take home mementos from their Animal Crossing adventure.
The collaboration represents a creative approach to marine education, using familiar gaming characters to engage younger visitors with ocean conservation and marine biology. Families are encouraged to pre-book tickets for this limited-time experience during the school holiday period.
The Animal Crossing franchise has become a global phenomenon, with New Horizons becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game’s focus on community building, creativity and environmental stewardship aligns naturally with SEA LIFE’s educational mission.
This partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Nintendo demonstrates the growing trend of entertainment venues incorporating gaming elements to enhance visitor experiences. The aquarium continues to innovate its offerings, previously hosting silent discos, yoga sessions and after-dark events.
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