About the experience
What can I expect from the event?
Starstruck is a 40-minute, shared virtual reality experience in which groups of up to 6 guests explore the cosmos together. Each participant wears a lightweight, wireless VR headset that presents a fully three-dimensional digital universe. As guests move freely within a physical room, the visuals respond naturally, creating the sensation of walking among the stars.
Guided by a virtual host named Astro, the journey begins at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory and travels to stars, exoplanets, the Pillars of Creation, and a black hole. Guests can see and interact with one another as digital avatars, reinforcing the shared, social nature of the experience. Built-in motion tracking and visual boundaries within the headset help ensure guests’ safety.
Starstruck was developed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Fever, with Smithsonian Enterprises overseeing the collaboration. Content experts from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) provided scientific oversight throughout the development. Visuals and narratives are informed by data from NASA, the European Space Agency, the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and SAO research.
Where is the experience located?
The experience is located in: Level 1, 206 Bourke street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue?
This experience is held indoors in an air-conditioned venue.
How long does the experience last?
The immersive virtual reality experience lasts about 40 minutes. However, please allow about 1 hour total as you will need to drop off your personal belongings, sign a waiver, and pick up/return equipment.
How many people can take part in the experience in the same group?
A group can include up to 6 visitors, additional groups can depart approximately every three minutes.
Will food and beverage be available on-site for purchase?
Water and select soda products are available for purchase, subject to availability. We ask that these are consumed pre- or post-experience as no liquids are allowed inside the VR arena.
The venue is located in a shopping precinct in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, with several restaurants around it, and the closest convenience store only 70m from the front of the venue.
Will there be merchandise for sale?
Yes, there will be merchandise for sale at the shop.
Is there parking available?
As the venue is in the heart of the city, there is no free parking available. However, there are 10+ paid parking stations within very close proximity to the venue.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing suitable shoes. Please refrain from wearing hats or caps because you will wear a VR headset. For everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to store your backpacks and handbags in the lockers provided on-site.
Can I drop off my children?
All children (ages 10 - 17) must be accompanied by an adult.
What is the recommended age for children to attend?
Due to the fit of the headset and for the safety of all participants, the minimum age authorized in the immersive virtual reality expedition is 10 years old and the minimum size required is 1.30m (4.2ft). This experience is however more adapted to children starting from 11 years old. All children are the sole responsibility of their parent(s) and/or guardian(s). This is for the children's safety.
Are lockers or a coat check available?
Yes, there are lockers available on-site to store your belongings, including light coats. These lockers are provided free of charge!
Is there a bag policy?
For everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to store all backpacks and handbags in the lockers provided on-site. Personal backpacks (even small ones) are not permitted during the experience.
About tickets
We recommend getting your tickets ahead of time through:
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
Yes, there will be a box office on site. However, tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive at the event, so we highly recommend you book your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your spot. You can purchase tickets via the Fever App (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) or on the Fever website. What methods of payment are accepted on site?
Accepted methods of payment are credit and debit cards.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket in the Fever App. Please contact us if you need additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number. Do I have to print my ticket?
No, we can scan your ticket electronically on your phone.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket in the Fever app, within the “Tickets” section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us. Can I change the date of my ticket? Are refunds allowed?
Subject to availability, changes of date and/or time are permitted up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience. If you would like to make the change, please contact us and include the ticket ID associated with your purchase. You can also check if this option is available by consulting your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever App where, if enabled, the "Change date and/or time" button will appear. Follow the steps indicated in the link to change the date and/or time of the ticket. Refunds are not allowed, except as required under Australian Consumer Law. For more information, you can consult our T&Cs. Can I get a gift voucher?
Yes, by going to the gift card section here, you can buy a gift card online which can be used for the experience. Can I come back a second time for free?
Tickets for the experience are valid for one entry only.
About access to the event
Do I need to arrive at the start of my scheduled session?
It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. If you miss your check-in time, you should speak to a staff member when you arrive for assistance. We will accommodate you as soon as possible.
What are the closest stations? What's the best public transportation?
The ‘Swanston St on Bourke St’ tram stop is located about 50m from the front of the venue. Melbourne Central Railway station is also located about 200m from the venue.
Is the experience accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the immersive expedition is accessible to people with reduced mobility. We have two standard non-electric wheelchairs on-site, available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. There are elevators available on site. Due to the technical requirements of this event, we are unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs, as they may interfere with network systems that measure distance and location of each device, potentially impacting participant safety. Please speak with event staff for assistance.
How do I book a ticket for my carer? Are companion cards accepted?
Guests requiring assistance throughout this experience are entitled to apply for one free pass for their personal assistant/support worker. Please contact us here with proof of needing a carer ticket.
Once we receive this, we will provide you with a voucher that you can use to purchase your free carer ticket in the Fever app (based on availability). Please keep in mind that you will have to show the regular ticket with this carer ticket when entering the venue. Can the virtual reality experience be uncomfortable or unsuitable for certain people?
Virtual reality provides a reliable and enjoyable experience, but it may be uncomfortable for some individuals. It's not recommended for those with claustrophobia and/or vertigo.
People prone to motion sickness may also experience discomfort when using a VR headset. This might lead to symptoms like drowsiness, increasing the risk of injury during real-world activities.
Is it safe to experience this if I'm pregnant?
Please note that in some cases during pregnancy you are more prone to dizziness, and all throughout the experience the ground will be a hard surface. For safety reasons, we do not recommend this to those who are pregnant, however, the visual VR aspect of the experience itself will not cause any harm during pregnancy. If you do intend to attend while pregnant, it is recommended to consult your doctor before your experience. Please note that at one point during the experience you are requested to bend down to access one of the chapters.
Can a person with a heart condition or epilepsy take part in the virtual reality experience?
No, unfortunately people with a heart condition or epilepsy cannot take part in our immersive virtual reality expedition.
Can you do the experience with a child in a baby carrier or stroller?
No, the equipment (computer on the back and headphones on the head) is incompatible with carrying a baby in a baby carrier, on your stomach, on your back, or within a stroller.
Can children do virtual reality alone?
Children aged 10 to 15 must be accompanied to take part in the experience. Anyone between 15-17 attending without an adult must bring a pre-signed waiver form. VR experience is suitable for families with children aged 10 and above. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to participate, even when accompanied by an adult, for safety reasons and size incompatibility with the headset. Are service dogs allowed?
Due to the nature of multi-user tracking technology, we permit service dogs only for a seated experience to avoid collision with other users in virtual reality.
Is it possible to wear eyeglasses?
Yes, people who wear glasses can experience our expedition in virtual reality. Our staff will be on hand to show them how to position the headset correctly.
Note to any visitors wearing prescription glasses: we advise using normal reading glasses, as other types such as varifocals may lower the overall viewing experience.
Can a deaf or hard-of-hearing person follow the experience?
The visual content of our immersive expedition is not subtitled, so it is not suited for customers with a hearing impairment. We are doing our best to make all our experiences inclusive and would recommend you take a look at other experiences in your city.
I have hearing aids. Am I able to do the experience?
Yes, a person wearing a hearing aid can follow and hear the content of the experience. The virtual reality headset has small speakers that emit sound over the ears.
What are the prohibited items at the experience?
Anything which may disturb the other visitors such as flash photography or alcohol are not allowed in the experience. For the safety of all guests, firearms, knives, mace, or any item that could be used to inflict harm are prohibited in our venues. Firearms are not allowed despite carry permits or licenses, including for off-duty law enforcement.
Is the experience accessible for guests who are deaf, blind, or have other disabilities?
Yes. Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, the experience includes a range of accessibility features, including:- Closed captions
- Visual descriptions
- Wheelchair-optimized viewing modes
- Assistive listening devices
- Trained staff support
- Complimentary companion tickets
For guests who are blind or have low vision, we recommend attending with a companion or guide. Complimentary companion tickets are available for guests who require assistance during the experience. Is it possible to wear eyeglasses?
Yes, staff are on hand to show guests how to position the headset correctly.
Note to any visitors wearing prescription glasses: we advise using standard, single focus glasses, as other types such as varifocals may lower the overall viewing experience.
Will there be strobe lights?
No. This experience does not include strobe lighting effects.
Are there chairs available? Can I remain seated during the experience?
The default experience is designed as a walkthrough experience and does not include seating within the virtual environment. The expedition is optimized to ensure that individuals using wheeled mobility devices can use their devices throughout the experience. Mobility aids (such as wheelchairs) are available free of charge, subject to availability. If you would prefer a fully seated experience, we are happy to accommodate this request on-site.
Benches are available in the lobby before and after the experience for your comfort. If at any point during the experience you would like to pause or take a break, simply raise your hand and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Do you offer a guided or audio-guided visit?
The experience includes a built-in virtual reality guide named Astro, an interactive avatar companion, who accompanies you throughout the journey. Our staff members are also always available on-site to assist with any questions or needs during your visit.
For guests who require additional support, a visual description feature is available. This option provides on-screen text describing the surrounding environment and key visual moments throughout the experience.
Does the experience accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids?
Yes, the immersive expedition is accessible to people with reduced mobility. We have four standard non-electric wheelchairs on-site, available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. There are elevators available on site. Due to the technical requirements of this event, we are unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs, as they may interfere with network systems that measure distance and location of each device, potentially impacting participant safety.
Walking sticks are also not permitted during the experience for the safety of other guests so we ask guests with walking sticks to use our wheelchairs on-site. Please speak with event staff for assistance.
Will restrooms be available on-site?
Yes, restrooms are available within the venue for your convenience. Please ask our staff if you are unable to locate them.
Can I take photos or record the experience?
Yes, we invite our guests to take photos and videos for personal use only and we’d love for you to tag us at @starstruckexperience / @fever_global. Please note, be mindful of other guests and the use of flashes and tripods are strictly prohibited. Press photography (and any other photography for professional use) must be authorized by a staff member.
Is there a Lost & Found?
Please ask the staff if you have misplaced your belongings as soon as possible or contact us. 
