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 The aquarium was larger than I expected, and the variety of marine life was truly impressive — it’s definitely worth a visit. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here, making it a great spot for families with children. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about and connect with the ocean. Hopefully, experiences like this will inspire more people to care about marine ecosystems and help preserve these natural wonders for the future.
Chris - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Great experience for kids. They would really enjoy the visit. Lots of information also available as you pass through different sections. Reserve a good few hours to this place. It's great to see the massive sharks over your head as you pass through the glass ceiling walkways. Also there is a dugong inside one of the tanks. Also Penguins!
Hassam A - a month ago

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5 Star Rating It's a must place if you are in Sydney. You will get to see not only various kinds of fish, but you can also touch star fish. You can see penguins & can have a boat ride to see them closely. The best part is the tube, on passing it you will see the shark & various other beautiful fishes too. Take at least 3 hours with you to visit this place & yes you will also find a souvenir shop in the end.
Himanshu Khanna - a week ago

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4 Star Rating It was a very lively experience. I went with my best friend to go to this, as I haven’t been there from when I was a very young little lad in a stroller. Now, there was a cross over event happening at the same time, the Animal Crossing event. Keep that in mind. The crowds were a mix, it can be overwhelming but you get used to it. However I would keep in mind that it can get full around 1-3pm, so, the earlier you go, the better. The aquarium was very beautiful and the mini little info screens about the creature and facts about them was informative and clearly stated well. The creatures themselves was beautiful and the experience to see them was amazing, however, cleanliness of the tanks can be a little bit better, that’s my only criticism I have to say. The Animal Crossing cross-over event was very cute and it is perfect for all ages. I will be clear when I say, they should do something like this for not just that game alone but maybe events for every month to add something extra to the aquarium. The stamp rally and meeting Isabelle was my highlights. In summary; Going to the aquarium bought me back to my childhood where my only way to feel some kind of joy as I was an overwhelmed child with severe autism was going out and seeing cute animals. It made me nostalgic and feel happy to see these creatures to life while I was able to even feel starfishes! Just please clean the tanks and that’s all we ask. 8/10.
Harry Nikolaou - a month ago

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4 Star Rating A really good place to visit! I especially enjoyed the sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles and the adorable penguins. The underwater tunnel was a highlight a truly amazing experience. It’s also very kid friendly, with plenty to explore and enjoy. Definitely worth a visit for families.
Shafraz Faizer - a month 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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