Getting to Aquarium Wharf by Ferry

Just one of the many things that is so great about SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium being located in the heart of Darling Harbour, is that you can skip the traffic and catch a ferry right to our front door. What better way to start a fantastic day out at the aquarium than hopping on a ferry? On your way, you can take in famous Sydney sights and soak up some sunshine and fresh air as you glide across the water.

Although it is important to note that the public ferry service no longer stops at the Aquarium Wharf, it remains a key stop for tourist-oriented ferry services like Captain Cook Cruises. If you want to catch a public ferry, the quickest option is to take a Transport NSW ferry to Darling Harbour (either Barangaroo Wharf or King Street Wharf), and then walk to the aquarium. The walk from King Street Wharf is only about 5 minutes and from Barangaroo Wharf, it’s about 10-15 minutes along the waterfront.

Depending on where you’re coming from, there’s three different types of ferry’s you can catch to SEA LIFE Sydney. Each take different routes and offer different stops and sights along the way. We’ve popped them below so you can start planning your trip to the aquarium and ensure you make the most of your day out.

Sydney Harbour Explorer (formerly Eco Hopper)

If you're heading in from Manly, you can catch the Sydney Harbour Explorer for a scenic and convenient journey to Darling Harbour and other key stops around Sydney Harbour. Before 9 am, the journey from Manly to Darling Harbour takes approximately 30-35 minutes with limited stops. 

Limited Stops Before 9am:

• Milsons Point
• Pyrmont Bay
• Darling Harbour

After 10 am, the ferry expands its service to include additional stops, such as:

• Q Station (North Head)
• Watsons Bay
• Rose Bay
• Taronga Zoo
• Fort Denison
• Circular Quay
• Milsons Point
• Pyrmont Bay
• Darling Harbour

This hop-on-hop-off service allows you to explore Sydney’s iconic destinations at your own pace, making it a great option for both tourists and locals.

You can find the full timetable here.

If you’d love to explore somewhere else on your way to or from the aquarium with the Sydney Harbour Explorer Eco Hopper, but only have time for one extra stop, we recommend Watson’s Bay. This cute little fishing village is now one of the most favoured picnic and family fun zones in Sydney, with lots of grass and sand on which to enjoy your fresh fish and chips. There’s also many cafés and restaurants to have something to eat or drink at and watch the world go by, and a bustling beer garden in the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. If you’re keen to stay a little longer, there’s also several charming and scenic coastal walks around the cliffs.

Captain Cook Cruises

This red and white fleet of ferries is a familiar sight cruising along Sydney’s “harbour highway.” With many daily departures from various locations like Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Shark Island, and Sydney Fish Markets, this service remains one of the best ways to explore Sydney’s iconic destinations.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a two-day hop-on-hop-off pass that covers up to eleven stops, including:

• Manly
• Watsons Bay
• Shark Island
• Fort Denison
• Circular Quay
• Darling Harbour (ICC and Pier 28)
• Barangaroo
• Sydney Fish Markets
• Luna Park
• Taronga Zoo

Why not stop at Shark Island after your visit to SEA LIFE Sydney for a relaxing picnic? Enjoy incredible 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, take a refreshing swim in the calm waters, and explore the historic grottos dating back to the 1900s

Transport NSW Ferries          

Transport NSW operates an extensive ferry network connecting key locations across Sydney. You can hop on a ferry to travel from Manly, Mosman, and Neutral Bay in the Northern Suburbs, to Double Bay in the East, or even venture west along the Parramatta River, reaching as far as Sydney Olympic Park and Parramatta. This convenient network allows you to explore Sydney’s many sights while enjoying the stunning harbour views. You can find the full timetable on the official Transport NSW website.

A great way to spend the day is starting at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour and then catching a ferry to Cockatoo Island. Here, you can dive into the island’s rich convict and shipbuilding history. For a unique experience, you can even stay overnight in one of the luxury houses, apartments, or camp on the harbour’s edge in one of the world’s most spectacularly located campsites​.

Alternative Transport Options

If you’re looking for alternative ways to reach the Aquarium Wharf, here are a few options to consider:

• Majestic Water Taxis: For a touch of luxury, opt for Majestic Water Taxis. They offer customised tours of Sydney Harbour and can drop you off right at the Aquarium Wharf.
• Walking: The aquarium is a short walk from the Sydney CBD, Pyrmont Bay, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Walking is a fantastic option for those who want to soak in the sights and sounds of Darling Harbour.

 

Plan Your Visit

Planning a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney is a breeze with a few handy tips. To make the most of your day, consider booking your tickets online in advance. This not only helps you save money, but it also guarantees your entry to the mesmerising Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. It is always best to check the aquarium is opening times.

For a more enriching experience, think about purchasing a combo ticket that includes entry to other top attractions like Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and Sydney Tower Eye. This way, you can explore multiple iconic spots in one go.

Don’t miss the awe-inspiring shark tunnel, the giant glass walls showcasing vibrant marine life, and the interactive experiences that bring you face to fin with the ocean’s wonders. Be sure to check out the daily feeding times and animal encounters for a chance to get up close and personal with the fascinating marine creatures.