DOCKLANDS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Step Inside a Dream: Melbourne’s Trick‑Art Fantasy at The District Docklands
A self-guided, all-ages, day-entry experience across 1,400 square metres of interactive illusion art—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan a visit to ArtVo Melbourne.
Step Inside a Dream: Melbourne’s Trick‑Art Fantasy at The District Docklands.
ArtVo Melbourne, located in The District Docklands, is Australia’s first immersive ‘trick‑art’ gallery. Launched in 2016 and reopening its new Fantasy exhibit on Saturday 30 May, the self‑guided gallery stretches over 1,400 square metres and is built around larger‑than‑life murals that visitors are encouraged to touch, pose with and photograph.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fantasy zones: ocean, polar ice, space and forest
The new Fantasy theme threads the entire gallery: expect zones that place you amid oceans, polar ice caps, outer space and forest dreamscapes, each designed as an interactive stage for photos and play.
1,400 square metres of immersive murals
Stretching across 1,400 square metres, the gallery contains larger‑than‑life murals and a variety of zones created by a team of artists—hundreds of artworks that took thousands of hours and litres of paint to produce.
Be the art: pose, touch and photograph
ArtVo flips the traditional museum script: visitors are encouraged to touch the art and become part of the scenes, with staff on hand to help frame shots so groups and families can capture memorable photos.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
A visit unfolds like a walk through a series of staged optical illusions: you enter, choose a route through themed zones, and move from one immersive tableau to the next—stopping to climb into scenes, strike poses and photograph the impossible. The pace is entirely self‑directed and ideal for lingering over compositions or racing through for a single highlight reel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits—and who might prefer something quieter.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration is an all‑day experience—visitors set their own pace through the self‑guided gallery.
Bring a camera or smartphone to photograph interactions and selfies; lightweight, flexible clothing works best for posing in scenes.
Meet at ArtVo Melbourne in The District Docklands; the gallery is the entry point for this experience.
This is day‑entry, all‑ages admission and booking in advance is essential.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does a visit take?
Duration is self‑directed and listed as an all‑day experience—visitors choose how long to stay.
Where do I go to start the visit?
The meeting location is ArtVo Melbourne at The District Docklands.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes—ArtVo is a self‑guided gallery suitable for all ages.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes—booking is essential for day entry.
Can I touch the artworks and take photos?
Yes—visitors are encouraged to touch and pose with the art and to take photographs; staff will assist with shots.
When does the new Fantasy exhibit open?
The new exhibit reopens on Saturday 30th of May.