Why Visit The Sydney Aquarium

Since it opened in October 1988, the Sydney Aquarium has been educating visitors on the wonders of the flora and fauna that make up the aquatic ecosystems inland and off the coast of Australia. With its unique architecture, the building appears to rise like a wave from Darling Harbour on its perch north of Pyrmont Bridge.

Habitat exhibits are arranged according to geographical location. The aquatic complex is divided into areas that explore the Northern and Southern river habitats in addition to the oceans that surround Australia. The main exhibit hall contains a number of displays but there are many others that have been incorporated into floating oceanariums.

The Northern Rivers region is home to the playful platypus. Found only in this particular geographical location, this furry mammal is always a favourite with aquarium visitors. There are a number of unique fish species on display that can only be found around the Murray Darling River System. Other Southern Rivers inhabitants are the side-necked turtle, the water dragon and several varieties of freshwater crustaceans.

The rivers found in northern Australia are unique in that they contain fresh water during the wet season but salt water when it is dry and waters spill in from the coast. Many of the fish and animal species that live here are able to adapt to this fluctuation. One such example is the Barramundi, a large food and sport fish that can be found at the aquarium’s Northern Rivers section.

The Southern Oceans exhibit features a massive system of underwater tunnels and invites visitors to examine marine life as up close and personal as possible without actually getting wet. Also found here are the Seal Sanctuary, the Open Ocean Oceanarium, little penguins and a Sydney harbor display.

The Seal Sanctuary floats on the ocean surface and offers viewing points from an open deck as well as the underwater tunnel system. Living here are several species including fur seals, subantarctic fur seals, New Zealand fur seals and sea lions.

The aquarium is especially proud of the Open Ocean Oceanarium, which represents the largest exhibit of its kind anywhere. Gigantic stingrays, large fish species and the world’s largest collection of captive sharks can be found swimming through the waters here. At 3.5 metres long, some of the Grey Nurse Sharks are the largest species in this exhibit.

Another must see is the massive reproduction of the Great Barrier Reef. Two million litres of seawater are contained in this magnificent creation where hard and soft coral formations combine with tropical fish in an explosion of color and underwater beauty. You can spend hours watching the fish dart in and out of the feathery anemones. Sea cucumbers and sea stars dot the sea bottom in slowly changing patterns. Nowhere on Earth offers a greater diversity of species in one location and they are all represented here. The Reef Theatre is dominated by tall windows that stretch from floor to ceiling and give visitors a panoramic view of the underwater splendour.

The Mermaid Lagoon is home to a pair of orphaned Dugongs that are favorites for many aquarium visitors. Also known as sea cows, these gentle creatures feast on sea grasses and local legend claims that these beasts were sometimes mistaken for mermaids by European sailors when they traveled through the oceans off the continental coast.

Anyone who would like to take a closer look at the marine life found in and around Australia should make it a point to visit the Sydney Aquarium.

Howard Rudd serves as a experienced reporter that is seen as a Sydney Accommodation specialist and is also well known for working on Sydney travel and information undertakings