SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of the city's top attractions
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 out of 5
Visited 11am on a Wednesday hoping it would be quiet however there was a school excursion which negatively impacted my experience as kids were running around and screaming especially in the enclosed tunnels it was very loud. The 8 free photos weren’t clear on what was happening as it was 2 photos taken but they AI’d it into 8 fake filters. On a positive note, had a good variety of species of animals, being able to touch the some sea life was very fun. Penguin ride did need to be longer as it was over very very quickly.
James D - 2 weeks ago
Beautifully done interactive aquarium.
Great for kids to learn and love nature.
Just wish it had been made with wider aisles as prams are everywhere.
Loved the sharks and stingrays but really it all was a joy.
We went on a Monday and it was busy but not impossible. I would think weekends could get hectic.
Linda Johnson - a week ago
The aquarium is big and full of amazing marine life. It’s right next to Wild Life and Madame Tussauds, so you can easily visit all three in one morning. I recommend going early to enjoy everything without rushing. I got my tickets online with a great deal — one pass for the Aquarium, the Zoo, and the Tower Eye. Such a magical place for kids! 🐠🐧✨
Carmela Auriemma - a month ago
Sea life Sydney was a wonderful experience.I have been to other Aquariums in different cities but this one is the best so far. We have purchased tickets same day and there was hardly any waiting time. Tickets are slightly cheaper if purchased online day before. Best part was watching penguins. Boat ride to penguins was very very short. Time should be extended for that. Not able to watch them properly while we were in boat.
Very well built with clear directions.
SK - a month ago
Directions
| Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rail | L1- Pyrmont Bay or L2 - Town Hall | 10 minutes |
| T1, T2, T3 or T4 | Town Hall | 10 minutes |
| Ferry | Darling Harbour Aquarium Wharf | 1 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium:
Photo Gallery
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A frog blending with its habitat at the Sydney Aquarium cc licensed photo by corrieb -
Photo Credit: Travolution360 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr
