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SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: All you need to know about the history, what's inside, & more

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a conservatory and aquarium located in Sydney with over 700 species and 13,000 animals! The aquarium features a large walk-through tunnel with sharks and realistic recreation...

Founded On

1988

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

10am–5pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

1200000

TICKETS

From AU$ 38.40

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The aquarium's design reflects the movement of a wave, a subtle nod to its aquatic focus. It took nearly two years to construct this building.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium utilizes innovative filtration systems that return clean water back into Darling Harbour, effectively creating a mini marine sanctuary within the city.

As you walk through the aquarium, take a peek down! Special viewing windows allow you to see the bustling world of marine life beneath the walkways.

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Book your tickets to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

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from

AU$38.40

Sydney Multi-Attraction Pass

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from

AU$65

Combo (Save 15%): Sydney Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets

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AU$91.35

Combo: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium + Taronga Zoo with Express Ferry Tickets

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AU$113.40

What is the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

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In the heart of Sydney

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction located in Darling Harbour, Sydney. It is home to over 13,000 marine animals ranging from sharks to rays and sea turtles to penguins.

History of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Established in 1988, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has become a significant part of the city's tourist landscape, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Construction of the aquarium began in the late 1980s, and was designed to resemble a wave, taking nearly two years to build.
In 1998, the Day and Night on the Reef exhibit was opened, which houses over 5,000 animals in a 1.7 million-litre oceanarium. It underwent a revamp in 2018, which resulted in the immersive exhibit you will see today. It is known to be the largest replication of the Great Barrier Reef habitat in the world!
The Dugong Island exhibit opened its doors in 2008, and was home to two of the five dugongs ever, in human care. Pig, the in-house dugong, is the official ambassador of the aquarium, and is a favorite among visitors.
Another must-visit exhibit, the Penguin Exhibition, was opened in 2016, featuring King and Gentoo penguins in a thoughtfully created habitat that resembles their home, Macquarie Island.
Over the years, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has continued to evolve, with new exhibits and experiences being added. Stay tuned for other exciting developments at the aquarium.

Nature & biodiversity of the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to over 13,000 marine animals from over 700 different species, and takes great measures in the conservation of the animals. Visitors can see an array of exotic and beautiful creatures, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, jellyfish, octopuses, and many different species of fish.
The Day and Night on the Reef exhibit is a highlight of the aquarium and features a wide variety of coral species, as well as fishes like blue tangs, moray eels, green sea turtles, and more.
Gentoo and King penguins from the Macquarie Islands, and Little penguins from the Souther Oceans are also residents at the aquarium. You can see them at the Penguin Expedition and South Coast Shipwreck exhibits.
Dugongs, aka sea cows, are one of the most unique animals you will see here. Visit the Dugong Island exhibit and meet Pig the Dugong, bamboo sharks, and eagle rays.
The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has provided thoughtfully designed homes to their aquatic residents that resemble their natural habitat, making it a safe and sustainable environment for them to grow and thrive in.

Know before you visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney timings

SEA LIFE Sydney location

The aquarium is open from 10am to 5pm, daily. They may occasionally close certain sections for maintenance, so check in with the venue before you visit, to avoid unexpected closures.

It can take approximately 1.5 hours to tour the aquarium completely. But feel free to stay as long as you like; your ticket has a full-day validity.

Best time to visit: December through February is peak season in Australia, since it is the Summer/Spring season in the country. You'll find most attractions to be crowded, so this might not be the best time to visit if you don't like crowds. For a less crowded experience, visit Australia in November or March. This is the shoulder season, so the weather is still pleasant, but with less of a crowd.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is located in Darling Harbour, a bustling entertainment district in the heart of Sydney, Australia. You can easily walk to other attractions such as WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia | Find On maps

Get to the aquarium by public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries.

Things to see inside SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Great Barrier Reef

Day and Night on the Reef

This immersive exhibit shows you what a full 24 hours at the Great Barrier Reef would be like.

See all photos

Frequently asked questions about the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

What is the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

SEA LIFE Sydney is an interactive and educational aquarium that brings you closer to the marine life of Australia. More than 700 species and 13,000 different types of fish and marine animals, SEA LIFE Aquarium is one of Sydney’s most popular attractions bringing in people from all over the world.

Where is the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium located?

The SEA LIFE Aquarium is located in the Darling Harbour in the Central Business District of Sydney. Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia | Find on maps

What is the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium famous for?

SEA LIFE Sydney is known for its in-house mascot dugong, Pig, their educational programs and interactive exhibits like the Penguin Expedition and Day and Night at the Reef. You get to view animals like penguins, sharks, dugongs, and jellyfishes living in their natural habitats and also learn about how to protect and conserve them.

How do I book tickets to visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

You can easily book tickets to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium online. Booking online is the best option to get guaranteed tickets on the date of your choosing, and avoid waiting in line at the venue.

When did the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium first open?

SEA LIFE Aquarium opened in 1988 as Sydney Aquarium and was rebranded in 2012, to its current name.

What’s inside the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

With a variety of exhibits, SEA LIFE Aquarium houses 13,000 different marine animals, including sharks, dugongs, penguins, rays, turtles, reef fish, and more. There are eight interactive exhibits that houses these fascinating marine animals in their natural habitat, and lets you learn about them through interactive experiences.

When does the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium open for the day?

SEA LIFE Sydney is open for business daily, from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Timings may vary slightly every few months, so we suggest that you always check with the venue before you head out to the aquarium.

Is it worth visiting the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

SEA LIFE Aquarium can be considered one of the top attractions in Sydney, attracting more than half of its visitors from overseas. With carefully curated interactive programs, not only do you get to learn about these fascinating creatures, but also make some wonderful memories on your visit.