Accessibility Guide

Is SEA LIFE Sydney wheelchair accessible?

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has extensive wheelchair access facilities throughout the attraction and wheelchairs are available to hire for free from guest services on arrival on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be booked or reserved ahead of time.

Please be advised that, due to the steepness of our ramps that lead down to our deeper oceanariums, wheelchair users may find they require extra assistance. As there are also some narrow turning spaces, electronic scooters are not permitted to enter these sections (Shark Valley and Dugong Island) of the attraction. Our friendly Admissions Team would be happy to provide you with a complimentary manual wheelchair and hold onto your electronic scooter during your visit.

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible throughout the attraction, however, please note that there are ramps connecting each level so care should always be taken. Part of the attraction is floating and attached to the wharf so the ground may be slightly uneven depending on tide times. Please mind your step at all times.

You will be required to leave your ID behind while you use the wheelchair.

Some secondary, behind-the-scenes experiences may be unsuitable for a person who uses a wheelchair.

We’re proud to introduce our brand-new Sensory Room at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - a calm space designed to support guests with additional sensory needs. This dedicated space ensures everyone can explore and enjoy the magic of the underwater world in a way that feels comfortable and inclusive.

About the Space:
This calm space is specifically designed for guests with additional sensory needs. To ensure it remains a safe and relaxing environment:

• Max Occupancy: 8 people
• Time Limit: 20 minutes during busy periods
• Quiet Zone: Please avoid disruptive behaviour
• Access: Reserved for individuals with sensory needs and their companions

Relaxation Space: Our new sensory room provides a safe, calming environment for guests needing a break from sensory overload.

Inclusive Accessibility: Designed for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, it offers a space to regulate, de-escalate, and recharge.

Supporting Well-Being: This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusivity, providing emotional balance for guests and staff alike.

Making a Difference: With sensory challenges affecting up to 96% of those with hidden disabilities, this space ensures everyone can enjoy their visit.

If you need assistance, our team is here to help. Please contact our Duty Manager 0436 919 365

Guests with sensory sensitivity are welcome in the attraction at any time. However, if you would prefer your visit to be less crowded and loud, we recommend you visit during the week (outside of school holidays), or any day after 2pm. As the attraction is open until 4pm (last entry 3pm) on weekdays and closes 5pm (last entry 4pm) on weekends, this allows you plenty of time to enjoy the full benefits the attraction has to offer.* 

For your information, there will be varying levels of lighting and music throughout the attraction to enhance the visit - please be prepared if this is a concern.

SEA LIFE Sydney also offers free Escape the noise kits provided by the St Vincent de Paul Society. These include noise-reducing ear plugs and noise reducing earmuffs. Please speak to a staff member at the admissions desk to access an escape the noise kit. 

*Opening hours are subject to change. Please check our opening hours prior to your visit. 

Visual stories are used to prepare a person for, and increase the predictability, of a new environment or situation. This helps bring familiarity to a process to reduce anxiety and stress. Visual stories are written in an easy-to-read format and use pictures to provide greater accessibility for everyone. 

Penguin Expedition:

• This is a boat ride experience and as such is suitable for guests who can safely board the boat unaided.
• Any mobility devices will be left with staff during the ride.
• Only one non-ambulant guest can be on the ride at any one time. 
• Accompanying them guests will need a minimum of two companions over the age of 16. If travelling alone, let our friendly staff know and we can organise a staff member to ride the experience with you.
• Guests must be able to sit upright without assistance. 

Merlin Entertainments is partnering with Autism Spectrum Australia to roll out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme at the SEA LIFE Sydney Attraction. This program enables anyone with a hidden disability to choose whether or not they would like to be more visible, so that we can make suitable adjustments to make their visit more inclusive.

Customers can pick up a lanyard when they arrive, which indicates to our staff that they may need additional time, support or understanding. Our staff have been specially trained in understanding what a hidden disability is, how to respond appropriately to someone wearing the Sunflower lanyard and how to help modify the environment around them to be more accessible and inclusive.