2023 SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Review

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, located in New South Wales, opened in 1988 and is considered one of the world’s largest aquariums! Filled with plenty of tropical fish, a great barrier reef, and more Australian aquatic life, families from all over will enjoy this aquarium experience. Below we will share all the information you need before heading to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, including the best time to go, details on the various exhibits (featuring 9 interactive zones), and where you can grab a bite to eat.

About SEA LIFE

You may be surprised to know that SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is home to over 700 different species and 13,000 animals! In total, the aquarium holds an impressive six million litres of water. All the exhibits and places are accessible by ramps for those who are curious, which makes it convenient for strollers, wheelchairs, and alike to move around within the aquarium. Most of the restrooms include a place to change a baby’s diaper, so that shouldn’t be an issue. There is something for everyone to enjoy at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Best Time to Visit

Given that SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is by far one of the most popular attractions in Sydney, it makes sense to try and avoid large crowds by arriving at a certain time. The best time to arrive is in the morning when SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium opens up. It only takes about 2 to 3 hours to walk through on average. Keep in mind that December to February is Australia’s summer months, so SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will most likely be the busiest during these months. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is open every day except for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Buying Tickets

It does cost money to enter SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, but ticket prices are lower if you pay for them online ahead of time. Children ages 2 and under are free! SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium does offer the option to bundle if you want to visit more than 1 attraction and save some money doing so. With a SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium admission, families can choose to add on 1, 2, or 3 more attractions between WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, or the Sydney Tower Eye. 

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Day & Night Exhibit

The Day & Night exhibit is SEA LIFE’s newest exhibit, and it takes visitors on a journey as they experience a recreation of the Great Barrier Reef and how it transitions in a 24-hour day. There are over 500 creatures (reef sharks, marine turtles, etc.) in a 1.7 million liter display. Families can interact with virtual baby turtles and interact with a bio-luminescence light show. This exhibit is actually the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world! 

Penguin Expedition

Make sure to stop by the Penguin Expedition! Take a fun penguin expedition boat ride (also called a penguin exhibit raft ride) to see King Penguins and Gentoo Penguins up close. Each boat can hold 6 guests at a time as it travels along a river to explore sub-Antarctic penguins. No need to pay extra for this attraction as it is included in the price of a general admission ticket. 

Dugong Island

At the Dugong Island exhibit, visitors can see Pig the Dugong in addition to White Spotted Eagle Rays, Bamboo Sharks, and plenty of tropical fish. Pig, who is from North Queensland, has a heartwarming rescue story as he was rescued and brought to Dugong Island after being found alone and washed ashore. Since then, families and visitors alike have taken to Pig and enjoy spending time watching him swim around and feed on cos lettuce at Dugong Island.

South Coast Shipwreck

Visitors can get a good look at native Southern Ocean animals at the South Coast Shipwreck exhibit. The animals that can be seen at South Coast Shipwreck are Little Penguins, Octopus, Seahorses, Black Bream, and more. Little Penguins are a popular group to watch swim, slide, and waddle around. Families will enjoy learning each of their names and personalities. 

Discovery Rockpool

If you are ready to get your hands on some marine life, the amazing Discovery Rockpool is the exhibit to head to. Visitors can get the opportunity to personally find out what some marine life feels like. Some of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s sea life that can be touched inside the (touch) pool include shark eggs, sea stars, sea urchins, and more. There are also hermit crabs and waratah anemones. 

Shark Valley

For an up-close look at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s Grey Nurse Sharks, the world’s largest aquarium sharks, Wobbegong Sharks, and more, stop at Shark Valley. Shark Valley is an exciting exhibit to visit as families can walk through underwater tunnels as they watch sharks, rays, and black cod swim by. You could call Shark Valley the ‘shark walk’ as visitors of all ages enjoy this eye-catching and ‘underwater’ experience.

Eating at SEA LIFE

Visitors can choose to eat inside SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium at The Wharf Kitchen, where sandwiches, kids’ meals, coffee, and tea are available, among other options. Another great option is to eat in Darling Harbour (also known as Sydney Harbour), where there are a ton of delicious restaurants to choose from. Nick’s Seafood Restaurant in Cockle Bay Wharf is only a 5-minute walk from the aquarium and is highly recommended. Braza, an all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ, is also a popular dining option!

Conclusion

If you have never been to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, what are you waiting for? This amazing (and large) aquarium park should be at the top of your Sydney bucket list. With it being close to Sydney Darling Harbour, you will have plenty to see (and eat) even after your aquarium visit is over. Plus, did you know that SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is only about 58 miles from the beautiful Blue Mountains? You could plan to visit both during your trip! Make sure to check out the ticket bundles if you make plans to stop at more than one attraction (like WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo). It’s totally worth the savings! 

Have you been to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium before? If so, what did you love the most?