Machu Picchu comes to Melbourne in a stunning new virtual reality experience
Explore one of the world’s greatest wonders without leaving Bourke Street.
No flights. No hiking boots. No altitude sickness. Just a virtual journey straight into the heart of the ancient Inca Empire.
On now until the end of July, Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City is a new immersive VR experience arriving in Melbourne CBD, giving visitors the chance to walk through the famed ruins of Machu Picchu in extraordinary detail. Many of our readers previously loved the popular Titanic VR experience held at the same Bourke Street venue, and this latest production promises another impressive blend of storytelling, history and cutting-edge technology — this time transporting visitors to the breathtaking peaks of the Andes.
Step inside the lost city of the Incas
On now at 206 Bourke Street (above JB Hi-Fi), Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City combines cinematic storytelling with free-roam virtual reality technology to immerse visitors inside the ancient world of the Inca civilisation.
Rather than simply watching a screen, visitors wear VR headsets and physically move through the experience, exploring temples, terraces and mountain landscapes as though they were really there.
The experience has reportedly been five years in development and uses cutting-edge drone scanning, LiDAR mapping and photogrammetry technology to recreate the site with remarkable accuracy. Developers were also granted rare access to Machu Picchu during pandemic closures, allowing them to capture parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site without crowds.
For many visitors, that could be the closest they ever get to seeing the iconic site in person — and perhaps the easiest.
A guided journey through ancient Peru
One of the more unusual features is the presence of “TERI”, an animated robot guide voiced by Terry Crews, who leads visitors through the virtual expedition.
Along the way, guests will:
- Explore the Temple of the Sun and sacred plazas
- Walk the famous agricultural terraces
- Soar above the Andes mountains
- Experience Machu Picchu beneath the stars
- Learn about daily life during the height of the Incan Empire
- Encounter cinematic storytelling elements, sacred animals and historical recreations
The experience is designed to feel more like stepping inside an adventure film than visiting a traditional museum exhibition.
A good option for travellers who can’t make the trip
For many travellers, Machu Picchu remains firmly on the bucket list — but the reality of high altitude, lengthy travel and physically demanding trekking can make the journey difficult.
This Melbourne version offers something quite different: the chance to experience the beauty and atmosphere of the site in a more accessible and comfortable way.
The venue is wheelchair accessible via lift, and because the experience is virtual, there are no steep climbs or uneven terrain to navigate.
It may also appeal to anyone curious about world history, archaeology or immersive technology, as well as families looking for something different to do in the city during the cooler months.
What visitors are saying
The experience has already attracted strong reviews overseas, with many visitors describing it as surprisingly emotional and immersive.
One reviewer who had previously visited Machu Picchu in person said it “felt like going back”, while another described it as ideal for people who may never have the opportunity to travel there physically.
Marjie’s review
I left this VR experience wanting to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, not just Melbourne! It offered such a compelling introduction to the site and revealed far more than the photographs I’d seen before. I truly felt immersed in the sweeping panoramas in every direction. It was so realistic that I had to stop myself from instinctively reaching for my camera. Of course the only photo to be had was the virtual photo at the end of me hugging a llama.
Delightfully, as we “navigated” Macchu Picchu, a llama called Larry did indeed follow us around. A cute touch.
I found the llama a much cuter touch than Teri the robot, who was our educator and commentator. He played a necessary guiding role, but in a tone that was somewhat “kidsy”. Perhaps in the future VR will allow me to choose my own tour guide for this journey. I would happily have gone into even more depth on the history and mythology of the Inca People. Teri did provide a good introduction but more would have been better for me.
I came out of the exhibition filled with awe, not only at the splendour and history of Machu Picchu, but also at the research, technology and planning that delivered this incredible virtual experience to me.
Practical information
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City
- Opens: Wednesday 14 May 2026
- Location: Level 1, 206 Bourke Street
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour (including a 40-minute VR experience)
- Tickets:
- Adult: $43
- Child (5–15 years): $19
- Concession: $39
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): $99
- Group bookings available, minimum 4 people
Right now, you can access an exclusive 15% discount through Fever.
Accessibility and visitor tips
The Machu Picchu VR experience is wheelchair accessible, and there are wheelchairs available on site if you’d prefer to stay seated or would simply like the reassurance of having a rest during the experience. After trying the experience ourselves, we think this could actually be a smart option for some visitors — particularly anyone with balance concerns, vertigo or motion sensitivity.
Although you’re walking through a completely flat indoor space, the VR visuals can feel incredibly realistic at times. There are moments involving steep paths, rocky ledges and downhill steps which may feel disorientating, especially at the beginning before your brain adjusts to the virtual environment. One useful trick is briefly lifting the headset slightly early on to remind yourself you’re safely standing on flat ground.
Some visitors may experience mild dizziness, headaches or motion sickness during or after the experience. We also spoke to people who found depth perception and balance slightly challenging at times, while one visitor felt their multi-focus contact lenses affected the clarity of the experience. If you are prone to vertigo, motion sickness, migraines or balance issues, it’s worth considering carefully before booking.
The good news is the staff are very attentive and happy to help. If you experience any technical issues or begin feeling uncomfortable, stop immediately and raise your hand for assistance rather than walking back yourself, as moving too far can interrupt the VR tracking.
A few extra tips
- Take your time moving through the experience — there’s no rush
- Some people may feel more comfortable lightly holding onto a companion at certain points
- Make sure you have both sound and vision working properly in your headset before starting
- Public toilets are located within the Bourke Street mall complex
- At the end, there’s an optional souvenir VR photo opportunity (around $20) where you’re digitally transformed into an Indiana Jones-style explorer alongside a llama
Families should also note that the robot guide “TERI” has a playful, light-hearted personality that children and grandchildren will probably love, making this a fun multigenerational outing. Note, children must be 10 years old and above 130cm tall.
Getting There
The Fever Exhibition Space is located at 206 Bourke Street. Head to the 1st floor of the mall via an escalator or lifts. Located in the heart of Melbourne, the Machu Picchu VR experience is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Flinders Street, just a short distance away. Several tram routes also stop nearby.
If you’re driving, there are parking facilities close by, though availability can be limited on busy days.
Some FAQs we found useful
Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, for children aged 10 and over who meet the minimum height requirement of 1.3m.
Is there a dress code?
For safety reasons, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Can I store personal belongings?
There are small lockers available at no charge – perfect for stashing bags or shopping while you’re inside.
Where can I buy tickets?
Trusted tickets are available through the Fever website and app.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, but availability is not guaranteed (we saw a few people being turned away). Booking online in advance is highly recommended.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, digital tickets via the Fever app or confirmation email are sufficient. However, you can print it if you prefer to.
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
The Seniors in Melbourne team visited as guests of Fever Events. All opinions are the writer’s own,
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