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Located in Darling Harbour just north of the Pyrmont Bridge, the Sydney Aquarium opened in October 1988 as a place to exhibit and preserve the flora and fauna of Australian marine ecosystems. The unique architecture resembles a wave rising from the harbor and complements the underwater theme contained within its walls.

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 playful platypus is a favorite with visitors interested in seeing what lives in rivers to the south. This furry egg bearing mammal is completely unique to that geographical area and as such, is a must see when touring the aquarium. The Murray Darling River System houses unique species of fish that cannot be found anywhere else. Other regional species that can be seen among the Southern Rivers habitat are water dragons, side-necked turtles and many different kinds of freshwater crustaceans.

Rivers in northern Australia can be filled with freshwater or sea water depending on the time of year. During the dry season, coastal waters flood the rivers with salt water. To live here, many species of animals and fish, like the Barramundi, have developed the ability to adapt to the changing salinity. The Barramundi is just one species from the northern territory that can be seen here.

Also popular with visitors is the Southern Oceans display with its system of tunnels that run underwater and offer great views of the undersea world. Get up close and personal with a multitude of fascinating sea creatures and take time to explore the Sydney Harbor display, the Seal Sanctuary, and the Open Ocean Oceanarium.

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 Open Ocean Oceanarium is among the largest on the planet and boasts the largest collection of sharks kept in captivity in addition to gigantic stingrays and other large fish. The endangered Grey Nurse Sharks are the largest species found here with some measuring 3.5 metres in length.

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.

The Sydney Aquarium is well worth the visit for anyone who is interested in learning more about the wondrous creatures that call this part of the world home.

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