Andrew Cooper_SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium_Attractions

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- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

· One of the world's largest aquariums, located near Darling Harbour and partially built underwater, has been open for nearly 30 years.
· Built alongside the harbor, it draws water directly from the port, providing marine life with an environment almost identical to their natural habitat.
· The aquarium not only showcases Australia's marine ecosystems but also collaborates with research institutions like the University of Sydney for marine ecological studies.
· The most thrilling experience is walking through the transparent tunnel, watching dugongs, moray eels, and sharks glide overhead.
· Watching sea lions play underwater creates a genuine underwater world experience with high-fidelity views of marine life up close.

Transportation

Bus: Sydney Sightseeing Bus Stop 24, or other buses to Market Street or King Street, then walk to Darling Harbour
Walking: 5-10 minutes along Market Street or King Street
Ferry: Take ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 5 to Darling Harbour, disembark at Aquarium Ferry Wharf

Admission
Adult: AU $46 Child: AU$ 33

Tips:
Ticket prices vary by season and special events. Please check the official website for current prices.

Opening Hours
10:00-17:00 (July 22-July 26, Mon-Sun)
09:30-17:00 (July 27-July 28, Mon-Sun)
10:00-17:00 (July 29-Sept 27, Mon-Fri)
09:30-17:00 (Aug 03-Sept 29, Sat-Sun)
09:30-17:00 (Sept 30-Oct 13, Mon-Sun)
10:00-17:00 (Oct 14-Dec 20, Mon-Fri)
09:30-17:00 (Oct 19-Dec 22, Sat-Sun)
09:30-17:00 (Dec 23-Dec 24, Mon-Sun)
09:30-15:00 (Dec 25-next year Dec 25, Wed)
09:30-18:00 (Dec 26-Dec 30, Mon-Sun)
09:30-15:00 (Dec 31-next year Dec 31, Tue)

Location
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Andrew Cooper Mar 24,2025

The aquarium is located at Darling Harbour, next to Madame Tussauds and Wild Life Sydney Zoo. You can buy a combined ticket for all three attractions. Since we went right when it opened, it wasn't crowded, though more visitors arrived gradually - showing its popularity.

As for the aquarium itself, it was... okay (getting less enthusiastic here...). You follow a single path through the exhibits. The main attractions are two underwater tunnels. The individual display tanks near the entrance are beautifully designed, with well-executed lighting effects and clever use of curved glass. Actually, I've always wanted to set up an aquarium myself.

The penguin exhibit is rather ordinary. Our tickets included a Penguin Island Adventure, but it was closed that day for some reason. Then come the two underwater tunnels: Ray Bay and Shark Valley. Ray Bay also houses dugongs.