Emma Thompson_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

Emma Thompson Mar 17,2025

I'd read reviews saying the aquarium was worth visiting, so we wandered over. When we arrived, there were huge queues everywhere. We quickly bought electronic tickets that didn't need to be exchanged, though we still had to wait in line - but it was the shortest queue available. Perhaps because it was both a holiday and weekend, the place was absolutely packed...

The aquarium is most famous for its dugongs, sharks, and penguins, housed in three main pavilions that you can visit in sequence... We walked through the dugong tunnel in a daze and completely missed seeing it. Only when we reached the upper level and heard a guide giving a presentation did we realize we'd missed it. With the crowds being so dense, it wasn't practical to go back, so we only managed to catch its silhouette from the surface...

There's a free boat ride that takes you for a close-up view of the penguins, but seeing the endless queue, we decidedly skipped it. Near the penguin pavilion's exit, there's a small tunnel you can crawl through for an up-close view of the penguins. It's tiny though - only fitting about 3 adults - mainly designed for children to peek through.

After leaving the aquarium, you come out at Darling Harbour, which is basically a port filled with private yachts.