Top Things to Do at Sydney Aquarium
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has the largest variety of Australian aquatic creatures in the world. From sharks and dugongs to stingrays and seahorses, 14 major themed areas can be explored during a trip to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. You can even dive with sharks. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes Tours, including glass-bottomed boat Tours.
Here are the top things to do at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, based on the information from the provided links, focusing on both the exhibits/zones and the animals:
Top Exhibits & Zones (Experiences)
- Day and Night on the Reef: Experience the world's largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit using state-of-the-art technology. Journey through 24 hours on the reef in a massive 1.7 million litre display featuring over 400 creatures (Rays, Sharks, Jellyfish, Tropical Reef Fish).
- Our New Rockpool Zone: Explore this fully immersive new zone. Discover fascinating rockpool creatures (sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, fish) up close, learn about protecting them, and get safety tips from SEA LIFE team members. Features giant LED waves and interactive displays.
- Penguin Expedition: Journey to Macquarie Island. Get up close to the playful colony of Gentoo and King Penguins as they waddle, slide, and splash. Highlight: Hop aboard the exclusive Penguin Boat Ride for an even closer encounter.
- Shark Valley: Face your fears walking under massive sharks in parallel underwater tunnels. Encounter Grey Nurse Sharks and explore the depths. Look out for the huge Smooth Stingray.
- Dugong Island: Visit the home of the magnificent Dugong, an animal historically mistaken for mermaids. See "Pig" the dugong from above and in viewing tunnels. Also home to White Spotted Eagle Rays, Bamboo Sharks, and dozens of fish species.
- South Coast Shipwreck: Explore a beached shipwreck environment featuring animals native to the Southern Oceans. Home to the incredibly popular colony of Little Penguins, seen darting through water and waddling on the beach.
- Sydney Harbour: Discover animals native to one of the world's most iconic harbours among stilted piers and decks. See a snapshot of the diverse life (over 600 fish species inhabit the real harbour) vital to the coastline's ecology.
- Jurassic Seas: Descend into the depths where life began. Encounter weird and wonderful living fossils like the hagfish, lungfish, Moray Eel, and mudskipper, and learn about evolution.
Top Animals to See
- Dugong: The star resident of Dugong Island, a beautiful and rare marine mammal.
- Sharks: Encounter multiple species, including Grey Nurse Sharks in Shark Valley and others throughout the aquarium.
- Penguins:
- Gentoo Penguins & King Penguins: The main colony in the Penguin Expedition.
- Little Penguins: The smallest penguin species, found in the South Coast Shipwreck zone.
- Rays: See various species like the huge Smooth Stingray in Shark Valley and White Spotted Eagle Rays in Dugong Island.
- Jellyfish: Discover their mesmerizing world, particularly featured in the Day and Night on the Reef exhibit.
- Seahorses & Relatives: Find unique species like seahorses, sea dragons, and pipefish.
- Tropical Reef Fish: A vibrant array of colourful fish, including clownfish (Nemo), featured prominently in the Day and Night on the Reef.
- Ocean Fish: Discover deep ocean species residing in zones like Dugong Island.
- Rockpool Creatures: Get hands-on (with guidance) or observe fascinating tide pool dwellers like sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins in the new Rockpool Zone.
- Living Fossils: See ancient creatures like the hagfish, lungfish, Moray Eel, and mudskipper in Jurassic Seas.
Planning Your Trip to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Source from SEA LIFE Official Website
Best Time to Visit
- Book online at least one day in advance (especially for weekdays) to save up to 25%. Expect higher prices and crowds during weekends, school holidays, and public holidays.
Must-See Animals & Exhibits:
- Dugong Island: Meet the rare Dugong ("Pig") and see White Spotted Eagle Rays & Bamboo Sharks.
- Penguin Expedition: Get close to playful Gentoo & King Penguins on land and water. Don't miss: The exclusive Penguin Boat Ride.
- Shark Valley: Walk under massive Grey Nurse Sharks and spot the huge Smooth Stingray in underwater tunnels.
- South Coast Shipwreck: Watch adorable Little Penguins darting through water and waddling on a beach.
- Jurassic Seas: Encounter ancient "living fossils" like hagfish, lungfish, and moray eels.
- Sydney Harbour: Discover native species thriving in a recreation of the iconic harbour.
- Tropical Fish & Jellyfish: Find Nemo's friends and mesmerising jellyfish, especially in the new Reef exhibit.
Ticket Options & Savings:
- General Admission:
- Save 25%: Book online ≥1 day in advance
- Includes Digi Photo Pass (8 digital photos worth $26).
- Add VR Experience: Underwater VR adventure for only $12 (save 20% when bundled).
- Multi-Attraction Passes (Save more:
- 2 Attraction Pass: Visit SEA LIFE + 1 more (WILD LIFE Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Sydney Tower Eye). Save up to 40%. Valid 30 days.
- 3 Attraction Pass: Visit SEA LIFE + 2 more. Save up to 55%. Valid 60 days.
Essential Tips:
- Book Online: Guarantees entry and offers significant discounts.
- Check Visibility: Some oceanarium views might be limited due to upgrades.
- Children: Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
- Concessions: Valid ID required for student/senior tickets.
- Allow Time: Explore 9+ immersive zones featuring over 4,000 creatures and 300+ species.
Plan your underwater adventure today and explore one of Sydney's most iconic attractions!
🎁 Book Cheapest Flights to Sydney | Search Best Hotels in Sydney| Grab New User Coupon for eSIM, Attraction Tickets Below!SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: Parking
Car Park Name | Location & Entry | Pre-Booked Online Rate | Discount Code | Important Notes |
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100 Murray Street (Harbourside) | Enter & Exit off Murray Street, Pyrmont (24/7) | $14 every day | MERLIN | Flat daily rate. Pre-booking required online or via app. |
Citipark | Corner of Kent, Market & Sussex St. Entry: 431 Kent St. or 204 Sussex St. | Weekdays: $21 all dayWeekends: $12 all day | MERLIN | Pre-booking required for weekend rate. Weekday rate available via pre-book or validation at attraction. |
Darling Park | 201 Sussex Street | Weekdays: $21 all dayWeekends: $12 all day | MERLIN | Pre-booking required for weekend rate. Weekday rate available via pre-book or validation at attraction. |
383 Kent Street | Entry via 383 Kent Street or 168 Sussex Street | Weekdays: $21 all dayWeekends: $12 all day | MERLIN | Pre-booking required for weekend rate. Weekday rate available via pre-book or validation at attraction. |
321 Kent Street | Entry via 86 Sussex Street | Weekdays: $21 all dayWeekends: $12 all day | MERLIN | Pre-booking required for weekend rate. Weekday rate available via pre-book or validation at attraction. |
Hotels Near SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
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