Accessibility Guide

Here at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium we welcome all and strive to make our attraction as accessible as possible to all of our guests.

The following information is designed to answer any questions you may have on your upcoming visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Please also be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions page as well as our Visual Story Guide before visiting SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Hidden Disability Sunflower

Merlin Entertainments is partnering with Autism Spectrum Australia to roll out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme at the SEA LIFE Sydney Attraction. This program enables anyone with a hidden disability to choose whether or not they would like to be more visible, so that we can make suitable adjustments to make their visit more inclusive.

Customers can pick up a lanyard when they arrive, which indicates to our staff that they may need additional time, support or understanding. Our staff have been specially trained in understanding what a hidden disability is, how to respond appropriately to someone wearing the Sunflower lanyard and how to help modify the environment around them to be more accessible and inclusive.

Mobility

Is SEA LIFE Sydney wheelchair accessible?

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has extensive wheelchair access facilities throughout the attraction and wheelchairs are available to hire for free from guest services on arrival on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be booked or reserved ahead of time.

Please be advised that, due to the steepness of our ramps that lead down to our deeper oceanariums, wheelchair users may find they require extra assistance. As there are also some narrow turning spaces, electronic scooters are not permitted to enter these sections (Shark Valley and Dugong Island) of the attraction. Our friendly Admissions Team would be happy to provide you with a complimentary manual wheelchair and hold onto your electronic scooter during your visit.

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible throughout the attraction, however, please note that there are ramps connecting each level so care should always be taken. Part of the attraction is floating and attached to the wharf so the ground may be slightly uneven depending on tide times. Please mind your step at all times.

You will be required to leave your ID behind while you use the wheelchair.

Some secondary, behind-the-scenes experiences may be unsuitable for a person who uses a wheelchair.

Sensory

Guests with sensory sensitivity are welcome in the attraction at any time. If you would prefer your visit to be less crowded and loud, we recommend you visit during the week (outside of school holidays), or any day after 2pm. As the attraction is open till 4pm (last entry 3pm) on weekdays and closes 5pm (last entry 4pm) on weekends, this allow you plenty of time to enjoy the full benefits the attraction has to offer.* 

For your information, there will be varying levels of lighting and music throughout the attraction to enhance the visit - please be prepared if this is a concern.

SEA LIFE Sydney also offers free Escape the noise kits provided by the St Vincent de Paul Society. These include noise-reducing ear plugs and noise reducing ear muffs. Please speak to a staff member at the admissions desk to access an escape the noise kit. 

*Opening hours are subject to change. Please visit our opening hours page for the most up to date times here

Rides and Additional Experiences

Glass Bottom Boat Experience:

• This experience is suitable for guests that are able to ascend 3 flights of stairs and safely board the boat unaided.

Penguin Expedition:

• This is a boat ride experience and as such is suitable for guests who can safely board the boat unaided.
• Any mobility devices will be left with staff during the ride.
• Only one non-ambulant guest can be on the ride at any one time. 
• Accompanying them guests will need a minimum of two companions over the age of 16. If travelling alone, let our friendly staff know and we can organise a staff member to ride the experience with you.
• Guests must be able to sit upright without assistance. 

Toilets & Family Facilities

There are accessible toilets available for your convenience which are located at the entrance to the aquarium, in the middle after the Gentoo and King Penguins and at the exit near the gift shop.

There are changing facilities located in both the ladies bathroom and the accessible bathroom.

We would recommend visiting the bathroom before your visit to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible.

Carers and companions

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offers free entry to carers or essential companions of those with disabilities. We accept the national Companion Card.

All tickets must be pre-booked online in advance, therefore, please book your ticket via our website here and then for your carer, please scroll down in the webstore and select the free carer option. The carer must provide a valid companion card.

If you are a Merlin Annual Passholder and have additional needs and require assistance on your visits to our attractions, we issue one complimentary Merlin Annual Pass per disabled Passholder to be used by any carer. Apply for a carer pass here. 

Visual Impairments

SEA LIFE Sydney welcomes assistance animals in the aquarium. 

We also offer Xtra eyes kits provided by the St Vincent de Paul Society. These kits help to support if you may have forgotten your glasses or the writing on our signage is too small. Please speak to a staff member at the admissions desk to access an xtra eyes kit. 

Support on the Day

Our team at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is here to help! Be sure to visit our team at the Admissions Desk should you require any assistance on the day.

There will also be Guest Experience team members scattered throughout the aquarium to support each and every guest whilst making sure that everyone has the best experience possible.

Transport & Parking

The nearest transport links to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are as follows;

Bus (depending on bus route)

• Sussex Street (approx. 400m)
• Erskine Street (approx. 400m)
• Clarence Street (approx. 500m)

Train

• Wynard (approx. 750m)
• Town Hall (approx. 850m)

Light Rail 

• Pyrmont Bay (approx. 850m)
• Convention (approx. 950m)

The closest public car parks to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is Wilson Parking - Darling Car Park or Wilson Parking - 383 Kent St Car Park, both approximately 500m from the attraction entrance. Visit our Cheap Parking page for more details on parking locations, prices and offers. 

For more information on how to get to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, including additonal information for parking or public transport, please visit our Getting Here page.

Seating

Bench seating (without back or armrests) is available at intervals throughout the aquarium.

Emergency Exits

The emergency exits are accessible and hazard free. There are audible fire alerting devices.

The assembly areas are on an accessible route. Our staff are on hand to assist with evacuation requirements

Website Accessibility

Questions?

If you have any questions about Accessibility at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, or any other questions whatsoever ahead of your visit, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page where you will also find our contact details.