SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of the city's top attractions

Seeing sharks up close and personal at the Sydney Aquarium
Seeing sharks up close and personal at the Sydney Aquarium cc licensed photo by Ellimac Enileuqcaj

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of the world's largest with an amazing 13,000 animals representing 700 different species in a total of 14 themed displays representing different regions and habitats.

Displays are divided between exhibits inside the main building and two huge floating oceanariums that are filled with seawater from Darling Harbour and maintained at a precise temperature. One of these is home to the world's largest population of sharks that are in captivity with some weighing in at nearly 300 kilograms.

Exhibits focus on marine life in and around Australia and include the tropical Bay of Rays, Discovery Rockpool, Sydney Harbour and the largest Great Barrier Reef display in the world. You should allow no less than 90 minutes for your visit.

If you dare, you can walk above huge sharks on the Shark Walk or you can descend down into Shark Valley where you will be greeted with the skeleton of a huge whale, crumbling ruins of an ancient stone temple and a wide array of sharks and rays.

Other remarkable sea-life that you will witness up close include two of only six dugongs on display in the entire world, massive stingrays, platypuses, turtles, penguins and, of course, a huge assortment of tropical fish.

For an additional fee visitors to the aquarium can enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Choose from the Glass Bottom Boat Tour, the Shark Reef Snorkel Experience or a small group Behind the Scenes Tour. Please see the official website for more information and pricing on these options.

The aquarium is involved in all kinds of marine research both on its own and in co-operation with major universities.

Nearby attractions: Darling Harbour, Madame Tussauds, Imax Theatre, Wild Life Sydney and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Fee: Yes.

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Category: Aquariums

Address: Aquarium Pier
Sydney New South Wales 2000
Australia

Phone: +61 2 8251 7800

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
3.5 out of 5 3.5 Star Rating
Based on 94 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

4 Star Rating This was an interesting place to visit and see some unique sea life that I've never seen in person. The highlight for me coming here was to see the... Read More

Christina R. Aug-17-2023

4 Star Rating When you travel with an animal lover you will experience more animals than one can ever imagine. Having just finished the WILD LIFE Sydney next door, we... Read More

Donna B. Jan-09-2023

3 Star Rating The aquarium is "just okay". There are some beautiful exhibits, but it was hot and crowded, especially in the large shark and eel areas. There was 1/2 hour... Read More

Laurie V. Jan-16-2023

Accommodations near SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium:

Directions

Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Light RailL1- Pyrmont Bay or L2 - Town Hall10 minutes
T1, T2, T3 or T4Town Hall10 minutes
FerryDarling Harbour Aquarium Wharf1 minute

How to get to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium by

By Light Rail L1 Exit at Pyrmont Bay and cross Murray Street and walk across the Pyrmont Bay Bridge. The Aquarium is located on the pier immediately north of the east end of the bridge.

By Train or Light Rail L2: From Town Hall Station go north to Druit Street and proceed west watching for the pedestrian ramp off to your right. Follow the ramp to the harbourside and go left (south) along the harbour.

You can also access SEA LIFE Syndey via pedestrian ramps by walking west along Market Street or King Street from the CBD.

By Ferry: Take a Darling Harbour Ferry from Circular Quary Wharf 5.

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Photo Gallery

Video


Video introduction to the many different exhibits you'll see during your visit to the Sydney Aquarium

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