Breathtaking BBC Earth Experience in Melbourne
Find yourself amidst breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by the captivating sights and sounds of Earth’s diverse ecosystems, at the BBC Earth Experience Melbourne.
Narrated by the esteemed Sir David Attenborough, this incredible earth experience offers a captivating journey through the marvels of our planet.
Explore our wondrous natural world with something out of this world—a stunningly unique cinematic experience. We’ll never be able to enjoy an animal documentary on a measly 32-inch home screen in the same way again!
The BBC Earth Experience Melbourne is open daily until 28 April 2024. Read about our visit and let us know if you’re planning to see it yourself. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS NOW CLOSED IN MELBOURNE.
Unveiling the BBC Earth Experience Melbourne
Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the BBC Earth Experience offers an exclusive insight into the natural world. Premiering in London last year, Melbourne is the second city lucky enough to play host to this immersive experience.
Upon entering, prepare to be mesmerised by the latest digital projection technology. With 360-degree audio-visual displays, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the far reaches of the globe.
Sit back and relax with awe-inspiring footage from the acclaimed BBC Studios Natural History television series, ‘Seven Worlds, One Planet’. If you’re not a big fan of nature docos, it certainly matters not!
From the towering peaks of Asia to the vast plains of Africa, this exhibition transports visitors across the globe, showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine standing amidst a shimmering coral reef, surrounded by colourful marine life, or witnessing the majestic sight of a polar bear traversing the icy landscapes of the Arctic.
Interactive Experiences
After passing through the main cinema room, a mix of hands-on exhibits appeal to all the senses.
In the Water Life room, descend into the depths of the world’s oceans and encounter fascinating marine creatures up close. Engage in a bubble race, explore the intricacies of a coral reef, and marvel at the bioluminescent wonders of a bait ball.
For those curious about the intricate world of microorganisms, the Micro Life exhibit provides a glimpse into nature’s smallest wonders. Through close-up footage and immersive projections, visitors can appreciate the vital role that these tiny creatures play in Earth’s ecosystems.
From buzzing bees to crawling beetles, every aspect of microlife is brought to life in vivid detail.
As the journey through the Earth Exhibition Melbourne draws to a close, visitors are invited to pause and reflect on the fragility of our planet. The poignant Earth Room displays encourage us to consider our role in protecting Earth’s precious biodiversity.
It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable practices in safeguarding the natural world for future generations.
Thoughts from my Dad
If you’re a senior of my vintage, then, in your fledgling years your experience of audio would have been holding your ear to a single 5-inch speaker on a valve “wireless” and listening to a radio serial or the latest pop music.
Your exposure to visuals would’ve been a combination of poring over a comic book, doodling on the nearest surface, or closing your eyes and imagining.
Well… today, audio and visual are merged and reach new and astounding heights, with the digital projection technology that we witnessed at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Walking from the Spencer Street Tram Stop we found and entered the huge space that’s housing the BBC Earth Experience, and quickly became immersed in the presentation.
There are comfortable seats, or if you are brave, bean bags, randomly spaced and easy to find in the semidarkness.
Settling in you find yourself surrounded by many very big, randomly shaped screens, joined and leaning at odd angles, onto which are projected breath-taking scenes from the BBC’s Planet Earth Series.
This planet, Earth, this creation that we live on is called home by such an amazing array of wildlife.
From polar bears to desert ants, David Attenborough’s narrative, remarkable footage, and surround sound bring you face-to-face with an unforgettable experience.
Chris
Ticket and Entry Details
Seniors card holders pay the concession rate of $41.90.
The BBC documentary film footage is on a loop lasting around 70 minutes. So there is no start or finish time to strictly adhere to, and you can stay for as long as you like.
If you’re not comfortable with bean bags, there are several lounges to situate yourself on. We found these to be very comfortable and also noted extra cushions floating around if you’d like more back support. Conveniently, visitors are free to move around and try out different viewing angles.
No food or drink is allowed inside. The Habitat café can be accessed upon exiting the exhibition, along with a gift shop and a free photo booth.
Session Information
Our visit was on a Thursday afternoon around 2.30 pm and we found it to be only mildly busy.
To ensure a calm and quiet visit, the BBC Earth Experience offers specific session times catering to seniors. Senior Mornings are held every second Friday, with 10 am and 10:30 am entry times. This means only Adult and Concession ticket holders, no child or family tickets.
What’s more, child-free Twilight Sessions are held every Thursday evening from 6.30 pm. And, Relaxed Sessions are offered once a month. The Relaxed Sessions offer heightened lighting, lowered sound levels, ear defenders available, and additional team members are on hand.
Accessibility
Easy wheelchair access, as well as accessible toilets, are available throughout the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The BBC Earth Experience welcomes wheelchair and mobility scooter users, as there’s plenty of space inside to move or park. Lifts are available, however they are not suitable for mobility scooters.
The experience includes dark spaces, loud noises, and bright light from digital screens. Note that audio enhancements are currently unavailable within the experience.
Getting there
Travel by train to Southern Cross and can catch the 96, 109 or 12 tram routes down Spencer Street to the Clarendon Street entrance. There are plenty of car parking blocks within a close distance.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a large venue. We suggest visiting their website to plan your trip.
Tidbits for your BBC Earth Experience Melbourne
- Entry tickets cost $41.90 for seniors card holders (adult price is $45.90);
- The documentary footage lasts 70 minutes and continues to replay;
- The seats are comfortable and you can ask the staff for additional cushions if needed;
- Weekdays and early afternoons are the quietest times to visit;
- No food can be brought in;
- A café and gift shop are located at the exit;
- Suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters;
- Note there are dark spaces, loud noises, and bright light from digital screens;
- Dedicated Senior Mornings and other tailored sessions are available for different needs;
- Located at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre;
- Plan your visit via the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website;
- From Southern Cross can catch the 96, 109, or 12 tram; and
- Multiple car parking options are located nearby.
NEED TO KNOW
BBC Earth Experience Melbourne
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
(03) 9235 8000
https://bbcearthexperience.com/melbourne
The Seniors in Melbourne team visited as guests of the BBC Earth Experience. All views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
