Australia features a large diversity of aquatic life. Adding to its impressive collections of the marine ecosystem is SEA Life Sydney Aquarium. Known as Sydney Aquarium, SEA Life Sydney is home to more than 700 species and a total of 13000 animals. Some of the most marvellous of them are Lemon Sharks, Little Penguins, and Australian sea lions, and you can catch some of them glide right over your head! Read on to know all about the fascinating under sea experiences in Sydney Aqurium.
SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
Essential Information
Things to know
Best time to visit - December to February
Starting SEA Life Sydney Aquarium Ticket price - AU$38.4
Duration - Approximately 2 hours
Closest Light Rail Station - QVB
Sydney Aquarium Opening Hours
Thursday - Monday: 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday are closed
Highlights
Jurassic Seas
Day and Night on the Reef
Penguin Expedition
Shark Valley
Sydney Aquarium Address
1-5 Wheat Rd,
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Get There
Why visit SEA Life Sydney Aquarium ?
- SEA Life Sydney is pinned as one of the coolest aquariums in the world by Conde Nast Traveller!
- It is home to Dugongs who were once belied to be mermaids by seafarers. Did you know the largest population of Dugongs are found in Australia?
- The aquarium is home to over 13,000 animals distributed over 14 themed zones.
- You can walk through 100 metres of glass tunnels in the floating oceanarium while sea animals swing all around you.
- This aquarium is the perfect edutainment experience for your little ones. Teach them about marine ecosystems while taking them through fascinating adventures - a memory that will last a long time!
Animals to lookout for at SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
Sydney Aquarium is home to 13000 marine lives that are from 700 distinct species. Some of the unique creatures that you must not miss are Dugongs, the largest population of which is found in Australia. You will also find Nemo (Clown Anemonefish), and Dory (Blue Tang). Other noteworthy fishes include Unicornfish, Harlequin Tuskfish, Little Penguins, and jellyfishes. Children and adults will have equal fun identifying the different species and of course, Finding Nemo.
Exhibits at SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
Sydney Aquarium has 8 zones open as of May 2021. Here is a glimpse of each one and what you can expect at each zone.
1Day and Night on the Reef
This zone is a mini version of the aquatic ecosystem in the Great Barrier Reef. State of art technology is being used for the visitors to have a unique and interactive experience. You will see a vivid display of over 500 sea creatures in a 1.7 million litre display from the Great Barrier Reef.
2Penguin Expedition
Watch Sydney’s only sub-Antarctic penguin colony as they waddle and swim. The display is inspired by Macquarie Island home to the King and Gentoo Penguins. Kids will also be taught about pollution and its direct impacts on the natural habitats of these species.
3Shark Valley
Face your fears at the depths of the Ocean in the Shark Valley. You will get to view some of the world’s largest aquarium sharks first hand, including the mighty Grey Nurse Sharks.
4Dugong Island
Get the chance to meet Pig, the famous Dugong. Walk through the tunnel as Pig swims around you. The other sea animals at Dugong island are White Spotted Eagle Rays, Bamboo Sharks and dozens of species of fish.
5Discovery Rockpool
Discovery Rockpool is the most fun of all the zones since you meet the sea animals without a barrier. The Rockpool expert makes a trivia about the various shore animals such as sea stars, shark eggs, shells and sea urchins in the touch pool.
6South Coast Shipwreck
Want to see the incredibly popular colony of Little Penguins? Head to South Coast Shipwreck. The cheeky little penguin crew will slip, slide and swim right in front of you. Meet Mr Black, Spinner and Raptor, who consider themselves the Kardashians of the colony.
7Sydney Harbour
Discover the species that are native to one of the most iconic harbours in the world, Sydney Harbour. Get to see water animals such as Water Dragon, Lionfish, Boxfish, and Old Wife.
8Jurassic Seas
Dive deep into the depths of the ocean to see where life began. At Jurassic Seas, you will get to see the weird and wonderful living fossils. It gives you a great opportunity to see in awe, the mysterious evolution of life. Catch a glimpse of hagfish, lungfish, octopus and mudskipper in this inspiring zone.
SEA Life Sydney Aquarium Tickets
Grab your SEA Life Sydney Aquarium Ticket online with a 20% discount only on Headout! Skip the line, save time and avoid queues.
Explore More at Sydney
Dine and Wine at Sydney Aquarium
Dine and wine, surrounded by hundreds of vibrant sea life at the Sydney Aquarium Dinner. Private dining at Sea Life Sydney is a one of a kind experience that entails a self-guided tour of the aquarium along with a private three-course intimate dinner with drinks. Dine at the Great Barrier Reef while looking at marine life through a floor-to-ceiling glass barrier - the Sydney Aquarium Dinner is a must try!
SEA LIFE Glow
Image Courtesy: SEA Life Sydney Aquarium Website
Fancy partying in the ocean? You can at the Aquarium Sydney! SEA Life Glow is an adults-only event that happens after dark where the venue transforms into a glow-in-the-dark affair with pop up bars, food stations and entertainment. Get ready to be greeted with cocktails and sip them as you enjoy the world of glowing corals, bioluminescence & sea creatures. Shake a leg and rave the night away at this one of a kind underwater world party!
When?: June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19th 2021
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Sydney Aquarium's Fascinating Facts
- The Aquarium houses over 13,000 animals from 700 species.
- You can walk underwater through over 100 metres of glass viewing tunnels and see Australia's marine ecosystem.
- It was opened in the year 1988 as Sydney Aquarium and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia that clocks over 1.2 million people every year.
- The Aquarium is designed to resemble a large wave and took over 2 years to build before opening in 1998.
- It accommodates the world's biggest and most stunning Great Barrier Reef exhibit with a a 1.7 million litre display and 500 animals.
Visiting Sydney Aquarium
Practical Information
Sydney Aquarium Opening Hours
Thursday - Monday: 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday are closed.
Getting to Sydney Aquarium
By Bus
Get down at Kent St after Market St and walk 5 minutes towards Darling Harbour. The aquarium is right next to the harbour.
By Train
The nearest Train stations are Town Hall and Wynyard. Both are 10 minutes walk to the aquarium.
By Ferry
Get down at Darling Harbour, Pier 26. Sydney Aquarium is 2 minutes walk from the pier.
Best time to visit SEA Life Sydney
Mornings are the best time to see the sea animals if you want to avoid crowds. Avoid weekends and public holidays. December to February is summertime in Australia and the weather would be perfect for a family visit. Booking your Sea Life Sydney Aquarium tickets is highly recommended to avoid waiting time at the venue.
Handy Tips for your first visit to SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
- It is one of the most frequented attractions in Sydney. Hence, make sure to purchase your Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Tickets beforehand to avoid waiting time.
- The aquarium is wheelchair accessible throughout.
- Free entry to carers or essential companions is offered by SEA LIFE Sydney.
- Don’t forget to say Hi to Pig, the Dugong!
- Assistance animals for people with visual imparities is allowed.
- You can purchase gifts and souvenirs for your kids and loved ones at the venue’s gift store.
SEA Life Sydney Aquarium Reviews
Sea life Sydney aquarium is wow. It’s so massive. When I entered, I thought I will spend 1-2 hours and as suggested on their website. But, it took me more than 3 hours. Children’s would love it as many things to see and learn. So many different species of marine life can be seen up & close.
I got to bust a move with the turtles, sharks and jellyfish and it was surreal. The crowd was fun and friendly. The staff were all smiles. I was a happy anemone. Highly recommend a visit during the day and a dance at night.
Things To Do Near Sydney Aquarium
1Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Sydney. It is also called the Coathanger, for its arch-shaped design and is the world’s tallest steel arch structure. You can also climb to the top of the 134-meter bridge with Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. The sight exposes panoramic views of the city, Sydney Opera House, Sydney central business district and Sydney’s beautiful skyline.
2Sydney Opera House
Another iconic landmark that most people around the world distinguish Sydney with, Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre. The building hosts 1,500 performances annually and is visited by more than 1.2 million people. It is estimated that approximately 350,000 visitors take a Sydney Opera House guided tour each year.
3WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo
Wild LIFE Sydney Zoo was opened in 2006 in Darling Harbour and is home to a wide range of exotic and native species. Over 2000 animals including Tasmanian Devils, saltwater crocodiles, Kangaroos, and Koalas can be found here. They are spread across 10 distinct zones where you get to watch and walk along with the animals. Talks, feeds, and shows go on throughout the day. It makes for the perfect sea like and land animals visit when combined with Sea Life Sydney.
4Museum of Contemporary Art
MCA Australia strives to display to the world that contemporary art matters. The collections stimulate the imagination and creativity of the visitors and have the power to transform lives through art. They conduct a diverse program of exhibitions and special events. It is located on the spectacular Sydney Harbour and inspires you with every display.
5Sydney Tower Eye
See the bird’s eye view of Sydney at the Sydney Tower Eye. The observatory stands at 250 meters tall and offers breathtaking views, up to the Blue Mountains. The tower is also known for a 4D cinematic experience which you must visit. It is built to withstand extremely stressful wind conditions as it features 56 cables to stabilize the structure. You can catch spectacular views of the sunrise or sunset with Sydney Tower Eye Tickets.
SEA Life Sydney Aquarium FAQs
All Your Questions Answered
What is SEA Life Sydney Aquarium known for?
Where is SEA Life Sydney Aquarium located?
How long does the SEA Life Aquarium Sydney take?
What are S.E.A Aquarium Singapore visiting hours?
Where can I buy SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
Are there seals at Sydney Aquarium?
Are there whales in Sydney Aquarium?
How thick is the glass at Sydney Aquarium?
How much is entry to Sydney Aquarium?
How long does it take to walk around SEA Life Aquarium?
Ready To Explore Sydney?
Check out our comprehensive guide of things to do in Sydney packed with itiniraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurents and a lot more.
