Is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium open earlier and later every day?

Extended hours apply on selected dates, including weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Opening and last entry times vary, so check opening hours for the date you’d like to visit.

When is the best time to visit for a little extra space?

The aquarium is often busiest between 10am and 1pm. An earlier morning or later afternoon entry slot may suit you if you’d prefer a little extra space to explore.

Do I have to arrive at the exact time on my ticket?

Your selected entry time is valid for a 30-minute arrival window. You can arrive at any time during that period.

What time is last entry?

Last entry is one hour before closing. Check opening hours for the time on your chosen date.

How long should I allow for my visit?

We recommend allowing at least 90 minutes to explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Has a King Penguin chick hatched at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

Yes, a King Penguin chick has hatched at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The chick is the newest member of the aquarium’s penguin colony and is being cared for by its parents, Quentin and Forrest.

Who are the King Penguin chick’s parents?

The chick’s parents are King Penguins Quentin and Forrest. Both parents are sharing parenting duties, which reflects the way King Penguins care for their chicks in the wild.

How old is the King Penguin chick?

The chick was six weeks old when it weighed in at 5.2kg. It is growing quickly and becoming more curious and adventurous as it reaches new milestones.

Can visitors see the King Penguin chick at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium?

Visitors may be able to see the King Penguin chick during their visit, depending on the chick’s care routine, behaviour and where it chooses to spend time. The animal care team continues to closely monitor the chick’s development.

Where can I see penguins in Sydney?

You can see King Penguins and Gentoo Penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour. The aquarium’s Penguin Expedition gives guests the chance to see penguins up close in Sydney.

What does a King Penguin chick look like?

King Penguin chicks are covered in soft, fluffy brown-grey down before they grow their sleek adult feathers. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s newest chick is currently a fluffy grey youngster and is growing quickly.

Why do King Penguin chicks make loud calls?

King Penguin chicks use vocal calls to communicate with their parents. These calls help parents and chicks recognise each other within a busy colony.

How many shark species live at SEA LIFE Sydney?

We’re home to 13 incredible shark species, from the iconic Grey Nurse Shark to Wobbegongs, Blacktip Reef Sharks, and more. You’ll even find some baby sharks in our nursery zone!

What is Shark Valley?

Shark Valley is our stunning walk-through oceanarium. It’s where you can see sharks swimming all around you, and sometimes right overhead, in one of the deepest indoor exhibits in the world.

Can I dive with the sharks?

Yes! Shark Dive Xtreme is one of the only cage-less shark dives in the world where no scuba experience is needed. You’ll come face-to-fin with Grey Nurse Sharks in an experience you’ll never forget.

Are the sharks dangerous?

Despite their reputation, our sharks are calm, curious, and incredibly misunderstood. The species at SEA LIFE Sydney are not a danger to guests and are cared for by expert aquarists.

What conservation work do you do for sharks?

We actively support shark conservation through rescue and rehab work, breeding endangered species like the grey nurse shark, and contributing to global rewilding efforts. Learn more in our conservation section above.

Do you feed the sharks? Can I watch?

Yes! Our aquarists feed the sharks regularly, and visitors can often watch during scheduled feeding sessions. Check the daily program for timings and be sure to catch a keeper talk.

Is the shark tunnel suitable for young kids?

Absolutely. Shark Valley is a gentle, accessible walk-through experience perfect for all ages, and a favourite for little ones with big imaginations. Please note, ramps can sometimes be too steep for wheelchair users if they do not have anyone with them to provide assistance.

Do sharks really have personalities?

They do! Like cats and dogs, individual sharks can show different temperaments. Some are shy, some bold, and others just curious about their environment.

What are baby seahorses called?

Baby seahorses are called fry. When they are born, they are tiny, independent, and fully formed versions of their parents. Seahorse fry must fend for themselves from the moment they hatch.

How long do seahorses live?

Seahorses typically live for 1 to 5 years. The lifespan of a seahorse can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. In captivity, with optimal care, some seahorses can live slightly longer.

What do seahorses eat?

Seahorses primarily eat small crustaceans like brine shrimp and plankton. They use their long snouts to suck up food, feeding almost constantly due to their lack of stomachs. A single seahorse can consume thousands of tiny organisms each day.

Where can you find seahorses in the wild?

Seahorses are found in shallow coastal waters worldwide, from tropical to temperate zones. They thrive in habitats with plenty of hiding places, such as seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangroves. In Australia, White’s Seahorses are commonly found around Sydney Harbour.

How do seahorses reproduce?

Seahorse reproduction is unique because the males carry the eggs. During mating, the female transfers her eggs to the male's brood pouch, where he fertilises them and carries them until they hatch. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on the species.

Are seahorses endangered?

Many seahorse species are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation programs, like those at SEA LIFE Sydney, are crucial for protecting and restoring seahorse populations.

Why are seahorses important?

Seahorses play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. As both predators and prey, they help control the populations of small crustaceans and serve as food for larger marine animals. Their presence indicates a healthy marine environment.

Can seahorses change colour?

Yes, some seahorses can change colour to blend with their surroundings. This ability helps them avoid predators and communicate with other seahorses, especially during courtship rituals.

Why Are Sawfish Endangered?

Sawfish are vulnerable to gillnets and trawlers because of their saw-like rostrum that gets easily tangled in nets. Along northern Australia, they're often accidentally caught in gillnets used to catch barramundi, or trawler nets used to scoop up prawns. They are also at increased risk due to habitat loss associated with coastal development.

How many Sawfish are left in the world?

It is believed that almost all sawfish species are critically endangered. Because of the lack of research, it is estimated that there are anywhere from 200 - 5000 sawfish left in the world.

Is a Sawfish a Shark or a Ray?

Despite their shark-like form and manner of swimming, they are actually rays!

Are Sawfish aggressive to humans? (Can a sawfish hurt you?)

Sawfish are typically not aggressive toward people; however, the saw can inflict a serious injury and those who catch a sawfish while fishing for other species should use caution when releasing the fish. Always proceed with caution when dealing with sawfish, and call a professional for help.

What is the Largest Sawfish ever recorded?

The largest sawfish ever measured by scientists was found in the Florida Keys. The 4.9-metre sharp-snouted fish was a mature female with eggs the size of softballs found in her reproductive tract.

Latest News at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

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Penguins may just be the cutest bird out there. But they're not just cute - they are also some of the most interesting creatures. Learn new facts about these waddling wonders.

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Our team at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium think dugongs are unique and incredibly intelligent creatures. Check out these 6 fun facts about dugongs and decide for yourself!

There’s plenty of things to do in Sydney in the Summertime

Need Something to Do with the Kids? Enjoy a Family Day Out in Sydney’s Darling Harbour Precinct and Barangaroo.

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SEA LIFE Trust

Local Conservation Projects

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Explore the Great Barrier Reef at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Interesting and Unique Facts about Penguins

6 Fun Facts About Dugongs

Family Friendly Things to do in Darling Harbour & Barangaroo

Become a Rockpool Ranger This Summer!

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