Behind The Scenes Tour
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Explore behind the scenes at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Our VIP experience
Go beyond the surface with a dedicated expert on our new Behind the Scenes Tour, for just $12pp extra!
Step into areas not usually open to the public and discover the inner workings of our aquarium. Here you'll learn how we create and maintain our ocean environments for the creatures in our care, find out how we prepare the food they like to eat and be one of the first to meet our newest arrivals! You'll even get hands on, including prepping the next meal for our resident Dugong, Pig.
Learn all about the SEA LIFE Trust and our mission to Breed, Rescue and Protect by taking a closer look at two of our local conservation projects - including our White's Seahorse breeding program and Cauliflower Soft Corals project.
Our 30-minute Behind the Scenes Tour is the perfect way to upgrade your visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Tour Times
| 10:30am | 1:30pm |
| 11:30am | 2:30pm |
| 12:30pm | 3:30pm |
Tours are conducted regardless of weather. Sea Life umbrellas are available for use by our Behind-the Scenes Tour guests.
What will you experience?
Life Support
See how we create & maintain the various water environments.
Babies & Breeding
See how we breed & grow new animals for our SLSA & beyond.
Feeding & Meal Preparation
Learn about the huge amount and variety of food we feed our creatures.
Animal Care
Discover more about our rescue initiatives and how we care for our local marine life.
Handling & Cleaning
Get hands on with the team and see how hard it is to maintain the perfect habitats for the animals.
SEA LIFE Trust
Find out about protecting the world's oceans including what we do to help.
What's included?
- Access the working areas which are usually closed to the public
- Learn all about our breeding, research and conservation programmes
- See how the fish food is prepared
- Ask all of your burning marine life questions
- Tour lasts approximately 30 minutes
- This tour is wheelchair friendly, however, please note that service animals are not allowed into back of house spaces.
Terms and Conditions
- There are limited spaces available, so booking in advance is essential
- Participants must arrive at the entry at the time on their ticket. Your experience commences 30 minutes after your entry time slot. i.e., if you book for 10:00am, your experience will depart the meeting point on Dugong Island at 10:30am. Late arrival will result in non-admittance to the experience.
- Maximum 10 people per timeslot
- This tour is for ages 3+
- Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them
- We advise guests to wear comfortable footwear
- Must have a ticket to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium for the same day as tour
How to Book?
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium + Behind The Scenes Tour Tickets
- Book together for guaranteed entry. All you need to do today is select your Behind the Scenes tour date and time.
- Your visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium needs to be valid for the same day.
- Participants must arrive at the entry on time for your experience. Please note, latecomers may not be admitted to the experience.
- Participants must arrive at the entry at the time on their ticket. Your experience commences 30 minutes after your entry time slot. i.e., if you book for 10:00am, your experience will depart the meeting point on Dugong Island at 10:30am. Late arrival will result in non-admittance to the experience.
Merlin Annual Pass Holders
- Are you a Merlin Annual Pass holder? Great, all you need to do is add on the Behind The Scenes ticket & select a time slot for the day you wish to come.
Accessibility
- A Behind-the Scenes 'Walkthrough Guide Board' can be used for the duration of the tour if the guest may need additional assistance whilst on the tour or would like to read at their own pace/follow along with the guide. This may particularly be the case for guests who may need additional time to understand the points brought up during the tour or may learn better from visual material. (located in Dugong Kitchen but can be used throughout tour)
- A magnifying glass can be used in the Conservation Lab if the guest is having trouble seeing our seahorse fry. This may particularly be the case for guests who are visually impaired or long-sighted. (located in Conservation Lab)
- A chair can be provided in the Conservation Lab if the guest would like to be seated for this portion of the tour or needs a rest from standing. These chairs are only for guests who require them. (located in Conservation Lab)
Adopt a juvenile White's seahorse!
2023 is the fourth year of our seahorse breed and release program, we'll be releasing over 700 seahorse fry back into Australian waters! By e-adopting one of our seahorses for yourself or a friend, you will be making a real conservation difference; helping to secure the future of our local marine creatures and support the continuation of the program into future years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the tour is accessibility friendly. For all accessibility information please see here.
Yes this tour is for ages 3+. Everyone 16 and under must have an adult with them when partaking in this experience.
Yep! Gift vouchers can be purchased from one of the ticket boxes above!
Yes, you can purchase online on the day. There are only 10 spots per tour, so we recommend booking early to not miss out.
Yes, you can! Merlin Annual Pass holders receive a 20% discount off the full price of the Behind-The-Scenes ticket – that’s just $8 per passholder.
Yes, feel free to take a camera and document your tour. Please remember that no flash photography is allowed throughout the aquarium including our back of house areas where this tour takes places.
Please email Sydney.Experiences@merlinentertainments.com.au
