SENSAS has officially opened in South Yarra, bringing its well-known sensory adventure to Melbourne. Originating in France, SENSAS has engaged audiences across Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. Now, it’s Melbourne’s turn to experience this one-of-a-kind activity.
We were invited to experience it firsthand, and here’s what we thought.
The goal is to complete a series of fun, sensory-based challenges spread across six rooms, earning Sensory Charms along the way. Each charm contributes to a donation made to a local disability charity which is a thoughtful touch that adds meaning to the adventure.
What to Expect at Sensas
The experience began in the Anti-gravity Room, a playful space designed to mimic the interior of a tilted train carriage. With its quirky setup, it’s perfect for capturing creative and fun photos. My kids had a blast hanging from the railings and attempting to stand sideways—it was an entertaining start to the adventure.
For the Taste Challenge, we were asked to step into complete darkness and rely entirely on our taste buds. Teams were divided, with one group sampling ten mystery dishes while the other guessed the foods based on their descriptions. Then, the roles were reversed. Some dishes are slimy, some salty, and others surprising, making this challenge both nerve-wracking and hilarious. Just watch out for the creepy crawlies… Only joking… Or am I? My daughter who is vegetarian, definitely had an advantage.
Touch Challenge
For the Touch Challenge, we were asked again to step into complete darkness and this time relying solely on our sense of touch. The task was simple—feel around inside containers and identify the braille style objects—but it was a real test of nerves. For a couple of my kids, it was straightforward, but for others (myself included), it was far more daunting. The darkness, combined with my overactive imagination, made me hesitate more than I expected. Thankfully, my eldest daughter took the lead and earnt us more charms. It’s incredible how not knowing what you are touching can make you pause. I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for the contestants on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
We stepped into another dark room for the Smell Challenge, this time filled with a variety of distinctive scents. Each of us took turns trying to identify as many as possible. It was surprisingly challenging, as some scents were unexpectedly tricky to pinpoint, but that added to the fun. The mix of aromas, from familiar household items to different foods, kept us guessing and made for a uniquely engaging experience.
Hearing Challenge
The Hearing Challenge was a hilarious charades-style game. We wore headphones that played a word, and then we had to act it out for the rest of the team to guess—whether it was an animal, occupation, or food. The laughs were nonstop, especially when the kids really got into character
The final room brings everything together with a fun mix of physical and sensory activities.
Ball Pit Treasure Hunt: This room was packed with a massive, fluid ball pit where we had to search for hidden frisbees and soccer balls. It was as exciting as it sounds, and I couldn’t resist diving right in with the kids.
Laser Maze: Next, we navigated through a maze of laser beams in a dimly lit room. We had to carefully climb over and under the beams to reach the other side within a time limit. Watching my kids attempt to dodge the lasers was absolutely hilarious!
Why You Should Love Sensas
SENSAS is a great way to spend time with family, combining sensory challenges with teamwork and a bit of fun. My kids enjoyed working together, and it made for a memorable experience. We left with smiles and stories to share, and it was a nice way to enjoy some lighthearted time together. They are already asking to go back for another round!
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Details
Date: Open now Location: 6 Garden Street, South Yarra, Melbourne. Price: From $44 per person.
15 minutes for a briefing to prepare for the activities.
1 hour and 30 minutes of immersive, multi-sensory challenges.
15 minutes for a fun photo shoot in the “anti-gravity” room, ensuring you leave with memorable snapshots of your adventure.
Are there any living creatures involved in the game?
I can’t spoil the surprise! You will have to experience it yourself to find out. If you have any allergies or concerns, please inform the staff before starting.
Can we participate if we are less than four people?
A minimum of four participants is required to enjoy the SENSAS experience. If your group is smaller, consider inviting friends or family to join—it’s the perfect activity for a team!
Can I participate if I am claustrophobic or afraid of the dark?
While much of the experience takes place in darkness, some well-lit rooms are available if you feel uncomfortable. No doors are locked, and you can leave any room if needed. Many guests with claustrophobia have completed the challenges and had a fantastic time. Overcoming your fears is part of the journey, and it’s deeply rewarding!
I have specific dietary requirements. Can I still participate?
They can accommodate allergies, food intolerances, special diets, religious considerations, or pregnancy-related needs. Please let their team know about any requirements in advance by emailing them [email protected] to ensure the best experience.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, the experience is suitable for guests aged 7 and older.
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