Booking choice: The SEA LIFE Sydney ticket, timed entry with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Book this Compare the options below
SEA LIFE Sydney opened in 1988 and SEA LIFE Melbourne in 2000, and both now carry the SEA LIFE name under Merlin. They are separate buildings with separate tickets, and neither ticket covers the other.
This guide sets out what is distinctive at each, how they compare on size, their opening hours, and the ticket details on each listing.
The quick answer
Sydney is the choice for Pig the rescued dugong, sharks and the Penguin Expedition raft ride. Melbourne is built around a 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, with king and gentoo penguins, a crocodile and a 4D cinema. The operator estimates one and a half to two hours at each, and up to three in Melbourne with talks.
Is SEA LIFE Sydney worth it?
For visitors interested in Australian marine life, it is a strong choice. The listing describes it as the world's largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life.
Sydney has nine zones, including Shark Valley, Day and Night on the Reef, Rockpool Ranger and the Penguin Expedition. The official site lists 13 shark species. It is at 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, so it fits easily into a day around the harbour.
Darling Harbour's aquarium on a skip-the-line ticket, about two hours on the Sydney listing.
Book thisCan you still see Pig the dugong at SEA LIFE Sydney?
Yes. Dugong Island is currently closed, and Pig, the rescued dugong, now lives in the Day and Night on the Reef zone.
Its other dugong, Wuru, died in 2018. If seeing Pig is the reason for your visit, Day and Night on the Reef is where to look.
What is the Penguin Expedition at SEA LIFE Sydney?
A raft ride through the penguin zone, included as one of Sydney's nine zones.
It is a ride rather than a viewing window, so it takes a set amount of time and is a highlight for children. Allow for it when planning your two hours.
What is special about SEA LIFE Melbourne?
Its 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, king and gentoo penguins, a crocodile, Ocean Invaders jellyfish, the Bay of Rays and a 4D cinema.
The building sits at the corner of Flinders Street and King Street on the Yarra, opposite Crown, and was designed to resemble a moored ship, set 7 metres below street level. It has 12 zones, more than 10,000 animals and over 550 species.
The crocodile is named Pinjarra on the listing; the official site now names Coowonga.
Melbourne's Oceanarium, penguins and crocodile on the Yarra, with a ticket valid a year from purchase.
Book thisWhich is bigger, SEA LIFE Sydney or Melbourne?
It depends on the measure and the source. Sydney's figures range from over 300 species (official) to 700 (Wikipedia); Melbourne lists more than 550 species.
Animal counts vary as much: Sydney is given as more than 4,000 animals on the official site and 13,000 on Wikipedia, against more than 10,000 for Melbourne. Melbourne publishes the volume of its Oceanarium at 2.2 million litres. In practice, both take a similar time to visit.
| Sydney | Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Opened | 1988 | 2000 |
| Zones | 9 | 12 |
| Species | 300+ (official) / 700 (Wikipedia) | 550+ |
| Signature | Pig the dugong, Penguin Expedition | 2.2 million litre Oceanarium |
| Time needed (operator) | 90 minutes to 2 hours | 90 minutes to 2 hours, up to 3 with talks |
What are the opening hours for SEA LIFE Sydney and Melbourne?
Per the operators: Sydney opens 10am to 5pm on weekdays and 9:30am to 5pm at weekends; Melbourne opens 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 9:30am to 5pm at weekends.
- Sydney: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:30am to 5pm; school holidays 9am to 5pm; last entry 4pm.
- Melbourne: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, last entry 3pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:30am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.
Melbourne's earlier weekday close catches people out. Check the hours for your date before booking.
How does the SEA LIFE Melbourne ticket work?
The Melbourne listing states that after booking you select a timeslot on the supplier's website, and that tickets are valid for one year from purchase.
That makes the Melbourne ticket flexible: buy it once your trip is confirmed, then choose your slot when you know your day. The listing also states free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The Sydney listing describes a one-day, skip-the-line ticket; the operator also advises booking online to guarantee entry.
Book Melbourne now and pick your timeslot later: the listing states tickets are valid a year from purchase.
Book thisWhich should I choose if I have time for one?
Choose Sydney for Pig the dugong, sharks and the raft ride; choose Melbourne for the Oceanarium, two penguin species and the 4D cinema.
Both are city-centre visits of around two hours, so the decision usually comes down to which city you are in and which animals matter most to you. For SEA LIFE elsewhere, see our guide to SEA LIFE aquariums worldwide.
Sharks, Pig the dugong and the Penguin Expedition at Darling Harbour, on a skip-the-line ticket.
Book thisFrequently asked questions
Is SEA LIFE Sydney bigger than Melbourne?
It depends on the measure. Published species and animal counts vary by source, and Melbourne highlights its 2.2 million litre Oceanarium. Both take a similar time to visit.
Where is Pig the dugong now?
Pig lives in the Day and Night on the Reef zone at SEA LIFE Sydney, as Dugong Island is currently closed.
How long is a SEA LIFE Melbourne ticket valid?
The Melbourne listing states tickets are valid for one year from purchase, with a timeslot chosen on the supplier's website after booking.
Does one ticket cover both SEA LIFE Sydney and Melbourne?
No. Each ticket is for one aquarium.
Ready to book
Choose your aquarium
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Timed e-tickets on GetYourGuide.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Entry Ticket
- Entry to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Skip-the-line access, as stated on the listing
- Day and Night on the Reef, Shark Valley, Penguin Expedition, Rockpool Ranger
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Entrance Ticket
A 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, penguins and a saltwater crocodile
