Darling Harbour Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Darling Harbour Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney, Australia. It is located in Darling Harbour, which is a bustling waterfront precinct that offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors.
History of the Aquarium
The aquarium was opened in 1988 and has since then been a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. It was originally called Sydney Aquarium and was later renamed to Darling Harbour Sea Life Sydney Aquarium after it was acquired by Merlin Entertainments in 2011.
The aquarium is home to over 13,000 marine animals from 700 different species. It has a variety of exhibits that showcase the diverse marine life of Australia and the world.
Exhibits at the Aquarium
The aquarium has several exhibits that are designed to educate visitors about marine life and conservation. Some of the popular exhibits include:
- The Great Barrier Reef exhibit, which showcases the beauty and diversity of the world's largest coral reef system.
- The Penguin Expedition, which takes visitors on a boat ride through a recreated Antarctic landscape where they can see penguins and other marine animals up close.
- The Shark Walk, which is a glass tunnel that allows visitors to walk through a tank filled with sharks and other predatory fish.
- The Dugong Island exhibit, which is home to a pair of dugongs, which are a threatened species of marine mammal.
Conservation Efforts
The aquarium is committed to conservation efforts and has several programs in place to protect marine life. It has a breeding program for several endangered species, including the Weedy Seadragon and the Grey Nurse Shark.
The aquarium also participates in research and rehabilitation efforts for marine animals. It has a rescue and rehabilitation center for sick and injured animals, and works closely with the New South Wales government to protect marine habitats.
Visiting the Aquarium
The aquarium is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. It is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus and train options available. Visitors can also take a ferry to Darling Harbour from Circular Quay.
There are several ticket options available, including a general admission ticket and a combination ticket that includes entry to other attractions in Darling Harbour. Visitors can also purchase an annual pass that provides unlimited entry to the aquarium and other Merlin Entertainments attractions in Australia.
Conclusion
Darling Harbour Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. It offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world's most fascinating marine animals up close, while also learning about the importance of protecting our oceans and marine habitats.