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Sharks of the Reef

Home of the largest variety of sharks in Australia!

Sharks of the Reef

Celebrate all things JAW-some!

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to the largest variety of sharks in Australia, is celebrating all things JAW-some! Discover the 13 species of sharks which call the aquarium home and become a shark expert through a range of interactive activities focusing on myth-busting, conservation, fun facts and more!

Embark on your shark escapade through the aquarium and put your knowledge to the test – can you spot all 13 of our shark species? Hint: there are four different species in our new Day and Night on the Reef exhibit alone, including the Black and White Tip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks and Tawny Nurse Sharks.

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  • Price includes Digi Photo Pass with 8 digital photos included – valued at $26!
  • Get your ticket on your phone
  • Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
  • Guarantee entry by booking online
Blacktip Reef Shark at SEA LIFE Sydney

Blacktip Reef Shark

The Blacktip Reef shark is habitually identified by its prominent black tips on its fins. This species can grow up to 120 centimetres in length and feeds on crustaceans and other small fish. They are typically found lying within shallow, inshore waters over reef ledges and sandy flats of tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. However, they sometimes appear within brackish and freshwater environments too.

Wobbegong

Wobbegong Shark

Wobbegong sharks are species of carpet sharks found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Region. The origins of the name ‘Wobbegong’ is derived from the Australian Aboriginal language meaning ‘shaggy beard’, a reference to the whisker-like growths around its mouth. Unlike other sharks, the Wobbegong’s skin is patterned, giving the appearance of light and dark blotches which assist its ability to camouflage on the ocean floor. Most species of Wobbegong grow up to 1.5 metres in length.

Grey Nurse shark at SEA LIFE Sydney

Grey Nurse Shark

Despite its fearsome appearance and rows of sharp teeth, the Grey Nurse shark offers no threat to humans and is, in fact, a superbly adapted fish-eater, usually swallowing its prey whole. During the 1960s and 1970s, the population of the Grey Nurse shark declined sharply and in 1984, they became the first shark species in the world to be awarded protected status. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium supports conservation measures to protect the species, such as through the establishment of marine parks where fishing is prohibited.

Whitetip Reef Shark at SEA LIFE Sydney

Whitetip Reef Shark

The Whitetip Reef shark is widely found across the Indo-Pacific region nestling near caves as well as the coral heads and ledges of coral reefs. Whitetips are more slender in body shape than other sharks, have oval-shaped eyes, characteristic white tipped fins and can grow up to 1.6 metres in length. Its diet consists of eels, octopus and crustaceans.

Portjackson

Port Jackson Shark

Port Jackson Sharks are a local species of shark that live in rocky environments around the coast of Australia! This species is has harness-like markings across their eyes and back which make them easy to identify. Port Jackson Sharks can grow up to 95 cm. 

Sharks Of The Reef Video

Imagine a world without sharks

As apex predators, sharks maintain the species below them in the food chain and serve as an indicator for ocean health and its ecosystem. However many shark species are in trouble due to ocean pollution. A major killer of our marine life is ghost nets!

What is a ghost net?

Ghost nets refer to fishing nets left or lost in the ocean. They get their name because they continue to drift through the ocean catching marine life, even after they are no longer being used. Ghost nets can entangle and kill marine life such as sharks, turtles, seabirds and whales!
An estimated 800,000 metric tonnes of ghost netting is left in the marine environment every year.

Come face to face with our sharks!

Experience these apex predators up close. No cage, just you, your instructors and our incredible sealife. You'll meet our Grey Nurse Sharks, sea turtles, huge stingrays, Port Jackson Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks and hundreds more amazing sea creatures.

Shark Dive Xtreme requires no previous diving experience. Are you ready for the most exhilarating diving experience in Sydney? Find out more information below or book your tickets now!

No cage, face-to-face!

  • No cages - just you, your instructors, sharks, giant stingrays and more
  • No previous diving experience required (age 14+)
  • Dives run 7 days a week, all day aquarium admission included

No cage, face-to-face!

  • No cages - just you, your instructors, sharks, giant stingrays and more
  • No previous diving experience required (age 14+)
  • Dives run 7 days a week, all day aquarium admission included

Unique Gift

  • No cages - just you, your instructors, sharks, giant stingrays and more
  • No previous diving experience required (age 14+)
  • All day aquarium admission included
  • Gift voucher valid for 3 years on
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