Sea Life Sydney Aquarium: Get Up Close with Sea Creatures from Around the World

1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

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Are you fascinated by the underwater world and what lurks beneath the surface? Then you can’t go past Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. Located in the heart of Sydney, this iconic attraction is home to more than 700 species comprising more than 13,000 fish and other marine life – from sharks and stingrays to seahorses and jellyfish. You can explore different habitats, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Tasman Sea, and see firsthand the amazing creatures that call these waters home.

Sydney Aquarium is also committed to conservation, and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the threats faced by many of these species. Whether you’re a keen fish enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable day out, Sydney Aquarium is sure to educate and delight.

Displays & Exhibits

The aquarium features a number of interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with some of the residents.

Day and Night on the Reef

Sea life Sydney Aquarium’s newest exhibit is an immersive experience that takes you through the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Set against the backdrop of the reef transitioning through night and day, the exhibit showcases the vibrant colours and diverse marine life of this natural wonder. With state of the art technology, the exhibit brings to life the 24 hour cycle of the reef, from the bustling activity of daytime to the calming tranquility of night.

Shark Valley

Looking for an up-close encounter with some of the ocean’s most intriguing creatures? Then be sure to check out Shark Valley at Sea Life Sydney! This unique exhibit allows you to get eye-to-eye with a variety of sharks, including grey nurse, bull and hammerhead sharks. And if you’re feeling brave, there’s even the opportunity to dive with the sharks! Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or a first-timer, Shark Valley is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Dugong Island

Sea Life Sydney is home to a number of permanent residents, including adorable dugongs. Dugongs are gentle marine mammals that share many similarities with humans, including the fact they are warm blooded and bear live young. These curious creatures are a hit with visitors of all ages, and the island offers plenty of opportunities to learn more about these amazing animals. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the dugongs, be sure to check out the Feeding Experience. There’s also a ranger-led talk several times a day, where you can learn even more about these fascinating creatures.

Discovery Rockpool

The discovery rockpool at Sea Life Sydney is a great place to learn about the amazing creatures that live in our oceans. You can touch and feel starfish, urchins, crabs, and other sea life, and get up close and personal with some of the most incredible animals on Earth.

The discovery rockpool is also a great place to take photos and create lasting memories.

South Coast Shipwreck

This popular exhibit features a colony of Little Penguins, which are sure to bring a smile to your face as they swim and slide around their enclosure. In addition to the penguins, you’ll also be able to learn about the shipwrecks that have occurred off the coast of Sydney.

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour Exhibit allows you to view a variety of native fish and marine life, as well as learn about the history and ecology of the harbour. The exhibit is home to over 600 species of fish including Lionfish, Boxfish, Old Wife, Cray Fish and many more.

Jurassic Seas

The Jurassic Seas exhibit is a great way to learn about the prehistoric world beneath the waves. This stunning display is home to a variety of creatures that once ruled the oceans, including lung fish, moray eel and mudskippers. You can view these fascinating animals up close, and learn about their unique adaptations for survival in the deep.

Animals at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

At Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, you can see a variety of animals that call the ocean their home. From sharks and stingrays to turtles and seahorses, the aquarium offers a close-up look at the amazing creatures that live beneath the waves.

In addition to being fun, the aquarium is also educational. The staff is always on hand to answer questions and provide information about the animals on display.

Some of the animals you can expect to see include:

Lionfish
Crown of Thorns Starfish
Dugongs
Clown Anemonefish
Blue Tang
Harlequin Tuskfish
Unicornfish
Emperor Angelfish
Grey Nurse Shark
Blacktip Reef Shark
Wobbegong Shark
Leopard Shark
Tawny Nurse Shark
Freshwater Sawfish
Ocellated Eagle Ray
Smooth Stingray

Little Penguins
Gentoo Penguins
Australian Green Sea Turtle
Broad-shelled Turtles
Moon Jelly
Jelly Blubber
Upside Down Jellyfish
Moray Eel
Queensland Groper
Sydney Octopus
Mourning Cuttlefish
White’s Seahorse
Razorfish
Sea Star
Hermit Crab
Slate Pencil Urchin

Photo Gallery

School Holiday Activities

School holiday activities at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium are a great way to keep the kids entertained these holidays. There are plenty of fun and interactive activities on offer, including feedings, meet-the-animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational presentations.

Plus, with over 700 different species of marine life to see, there’s something for everyone at the aquarium. And if that’s not enough, there are also two amazing underwater walkways where you can get up close and personal with some of the resident sharks!

Check out Sea Life Sydney Aquarium school holiday activities.

Animal Feeds & Talks

Animal feeds and talks are a great way to learn about the creatures at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium.

For a schedule of live presentations and talks, check out the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium website.

You can also see the pre-recorded talks by experienced staff on the Aquarium website.

In these talks, the staff introduce you to the different species of fish, reptiles, and mammals that call the aquarium home. You’ll also get to see the animals being fed and learn about their diet and nutritional needs.

Experiences

Glass Bottom Boat

A glass bottom boat experience is a great way to see the amazing marine life at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. The boat is specially designed to provide clear views of the underwater world, and the experienced crew will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable journey.

During your trip, you’ll have the chance to see a wide variety of marine creatures, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, and more. Plus, you’ll learn all about the different habits and behaviors of these amazing animals. Glass bottom boat experiences are the perfect way to get up close and personal with the wonders of the underwater world.

Virtual Reality Experience

Get up close and personal with the animals through a variety of immersive virtual reality experiences.

Swim with Humpbacks experience allows you to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.

Shark Dive lets you get in the water with tiger sharks while searching for an underwater strip called Tiger Beach.

Legend of Lusca experience takes you on an underwater adventure through a shipwreck in the deep sea of the Bahamas.

Drift is an animated experience which follows a young boy’s journey through the ocean.

Champainting

Have you ever fancied yourself as an artist? If so, Champainting VIP Sydney is the perfect activity for you. When you book a session, you’ll be given a unique opportunity to the magical underwater world at SEA LIFE Sydney

Private Dining

Looking for a unique dining experience in Sydney or wanting to celebrate a special occasion? Sea Life Sydney Aquarium offers an exclusive private dining experience after hours!

During your 45 minute tour, you’ll get to see the aquarium’s resident creatures up close as they go about their nocturnal activities.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a selection of breads and olives for starters, followed by a delicious main course.

For dessert, you’ll share a Treats Platter with your fellow diners.

Your 2 hour Premium beverage package includes sparkling, white, and red wine, house beers, and soft drinks.

Tickets & Passes

There is a variety of tickets and passes available for Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

General Admission

Gives you access to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium for 1 day.

Merlin Platinum Annual Pass

For one low price, you can enjoy unlimited access to 10 top attractions in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Auckland. Attractions include Madame Tussauds Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, 4 SEA LIFE aquariums, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne, Sydney Tower Eye, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.

You also receive discounts for admission for friends, food and beverage, birthday parties and more.

Group Tickets

Groups of 10 or more people can purchase tickets at a discounted rate, making it more affordable to bring the whole family or a group of friends.

School Tickets

School groups can get discounted tickets when they book in advance! The Aquarium is a great educational opportunity for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep everyone entertained.

2 Attraction Pass

2-attraction pass lets you explore Sea Life Sydney Aquarium as well as one of the following:

Madame Tussauds
Wild Life
The Sydney Tower Eye

3 Attraction Pass

3-attraction pass lets you explore Sea Life Sydney Aquarium as well as two of the following:

Madame Tussauds
Wild Life
The Sydney Tower Eye

4 Attraction Pass

Best value, the 4-attraction pass lets you explore Sea Life Sydney Aquarium as well as :

Madame Tussauds
Wild Life
The Sydney Tower Eye

If you buy a combination ticket, you will need to book a time slot for each attraction. You can book a time slot here.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm
Saturday to Sunday: 9.30am to 5pm.

It is a good idea to prebook your tickets online to ensure you don’t have to wait in a long queue or

The aquarium is open 7 days a week and is an all-weather indoor attraction.

Parking

Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium offer cheap parking rates at several car parks in central Sydney.

To get a discounted rate, enter the code MERLIN when booking your parking spot.

Wilson Parking – Citipark
431 Kent Street, Sydney

Wilson Parking – Harbourside
100 Murray Street, Sydney

Wilson Parking Darling Park
1-11 Harbour Street, Sydney

Wilson Parking
383 Kent Street, Sydney

Wilson Parking
321 Kent Street, Sydney

Wilson Parking – Darling Sq
Zollner Circuit, Haymarket

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Party

Celebrate your child’s birthday at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and create lasting memories.

For just $30 per child, you and your guests will enjoy a self-guided tour of the aquarium. See the Little Penguins, majestic dugongs, and iconic Grey Nurse Sharks.

Then, head to the Aqua Café for a reserved party area where you can enjoy some delicious party food. All children will also receive a free toy, and you’ll get a souvenir photo to remember the special day.

For an additional $10 per child, you can upgrade to a goodie bag that includes a plush toy, ice cream, and lollies.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Cafe

When you’re done exploring the aquarium, head down to Wharf Kitchen for some food and drinks. They have an array of options including sandwiches, kids explorer boxes, hot pies & steaming sausages rolls! There are also plenty undercover tables where you can sit while you enjoy your meal, ice cream or milkshake.

Darling Harbour, where the aquarium is located has a large variety of cafes and restaurants offering tempting cuisine from all over the world, just a few steps from the Aquarium.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Gift Shop

The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium gift shop has a wide variety of affordable souvenirs and gifts for all ages. From cuddly soft toys to keyrings and magnets, there is something to suit every budget. The friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice and help you find the perfect present.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options near Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, so you’re sure to find something to suit your needs and budget.

Booking.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to walk through Sydney Aquarium?

There’s no need to rush when you’re exploring Sea Life Sydney Aquarium! We recommend budgeting at least 2-3 hours to discover all the wonders of the underwater world. Of course, you can always stay longer if you like – there’s plenty to see and do!

Is the Sea Life Aquarium worth it?

A visit to the Sea Life Aquarium is definitely worth the money. There is so much to see and learn, and the kids will love getting up close to all the different types of sea life.

The Aquarium also offers a great annual pass or multi attraction pass, which gives you more value for your money.

If you are planning on visiting other attractions in the area, then the combination pass is definitely the way to go.

On the other hand if you plan to visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium multiple times over the next 12 months, then consider getting the Merlin Annual Pass, which gives you access to the aquarium as well as many discounts.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of Australia’s top underwater attractions, providing an up-close look at the amazing creatures that live beneath the sea. The aquarium features a wide variety of habitats, from the Great Barrier Reef to Shark Cove, and is home to over 700 species.

In addition to the aquarium’s impressive collection of marine life, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium also offers a range of educational programs and events. These include behind-the-scenes tours, talks by marine biologists, and opportunities to learn about ocean conservation. With so much to see and do, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is the perfect place for a fun and educational day out.