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

Fee: Yes.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9333 9200

Official Website: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Reviews

Rated 4.3 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating We went as a family to see all these wonderful creatures almost in their own habitat. Highlights for us were the Penguins as our youngest daughter has a bit of an obsession with these beautiful creatures and of course the Grey nurse sharks. Great place, had specials on when we went so tickets were basically half price. Whole family really enjoyed it.
Steve J - in the last week

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5 Star Rating My family and I had so much fun seeing all the sea creatures at the Aquarium. The glass tunnel is sensational, you feel you’re so close to the fish, the stingray, the sharks! The penguin experience is brief yet amusing. Staffs are friendly and jolly. It’s well worth a visit while you’re in Sydney.
Esther Lee - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This was a pretty small to average-sized aquarium, my favourite part was the dark UV light area and the tunnel with the sharks. But just my personal opinion, I do not know this area of expertise, but the tanks looked a little small for the fish. But overall it was a pretty fun experience. I loved the interior design of the place as well, it was very well done, considering the space constraints. There were a lot of interactive activities as well, which I enjoyed. A good place to visit if you're a tourist or just a marine life enthusiast.
Ctrl Z Me. - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating This was a pretty big aquarium, my favourite part was the area and the tunnel with the sharks. But just my personal opinion, they had such a big variety of all species of fish and other animals. Overall it was a pretty fun experience. I loved the interior design of the place as well, it was very well done, considering the space constraints. There were a lot of interactive activities as well, which I enjoyed. A good place to visit if you're a tourist or just a marine life enthusiast.
Mohammed Tayyebi - 4 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating The museum starts off slow, and I was confused at first about where to go. Luckily, they have staff everywhere telling you where to go. They also helped to keep the people moving and not create bottlenecks. Once you get to the bottom levels where all the penguins and sharks are, it is very nice. There is also a cool vr experience, and the lady there is very nice.
Brandon - 2 weeks ago

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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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