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 – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 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 Great place to spend an afternoon with the kids. The price is discounted in the evening but not all the attractions are available. Don’t miss the dugong! The exhibits were very informative and interactive which the kids enjoyed. There is a bit of walking involved. There are ramps and the place is wheelchair friendly.
Mashel Mughal-Sultan - a week ago

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4 Star Rating Hadn't been to the Aquarium in YEARS, but was just as amazed by it as in the past! If you come to Sydney, make sure to check it out. Took us just under 2 hours (taking our time) to go through it, taking PLENTY of time to take photos and videos along the way. Wish there were more bathrooms on site, not just near the end and then at the exit. Wish there was a map showing entire layout and "You are here", so you know how much longer you've got to go. Maybe it's online, not sure. Loved the infamous tunnels beneath the dugong, sting rays, sharks, etc. 🦈 Plenty of space so you can stop to take pictures or keep going, unlike the walkways going up and down to these tunnels. Loved the penguins! 🐧You feel so close to them just looking through the glass. They get close and look at you, creating great photo opportunities. We skipped the penguin ride because the wait was estimated to be around 30 minutes. Not sure it's worth the wait. Plenty of little kids around, and parents, please: keep a hold of your kids, I saw a few of them fall over or get hit by people as they turned, including me with my purse. 🤦🏻‍♀️ We bought tickets online, seems like everyone does, because I didn't see ticketing booths to get in, just a person with a scanner at the entrance.
Elizabeth C - a month ago

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4 Star Rating It's good to see the marine animals a little. Yes, it is true that they have a little noise with the children but it is also normal. We liked it quite a bit even though it seemed a little small to us. They have the circuit set up quite well.
Xavi Jimenez - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Fantastic place to visit with lots to see. The family loves going. Shark dive is amazing to do. The place can get busy so I would recommend going early before the crowd, although there is plenty of space to walk and to enjoy the different areas. You can buy food and drinks there.
David Doherty - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Had a great time at SEA LIFE in Sydney! Loved how interactive and informative the sessions and marine spaces are. The lining up and ushering didn’t take too long as it’s divided by sessions so don’t show up super early! About 5-10 mins before your session is just fine as priority is given to earlier ticket holders. The various displays had me captivated and I easily spent close to 3 hours exploring and viewing everything!
Bhawisha Chand - in the last week

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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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