SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Discover vibrant marine life, from sharks to penguins, in immersive tunnels and engaging shows at this family-friendly Mooloolaba aquarium.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant marine life, from sharks to penguins, in immersive tunnels and engaging shows at this family-friendly Mooloolaba aquarium.
"Walking through the underwater tunnels was definitely a highlight, it felt like being surrounded by the ocean."
Book Ahead for Deals
Save money by booking tickets online a few days in advance. :ticket:
Arrive for the Seal Show
Time your visit to catch the informative and fun seal show. :clapper_board:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Tunnels
Mooloolaba
Walk through mesmerizing tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and vibrant fish. It's like stepping into the ocean!
Seal Show
Mooloolaba
Enjoy a fun and informative show featuring playful seals, a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Ruby the seal is a star!
Little Blue Penguins
Mooloolaba
Meet the adorable and 'at risk' Little Blue Penguins, a highlight for many visitors.
Interactive Touch Pool
Mooloolaba
Get hands-on with marine life like starfish in this engaging and educational experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance for Savings
Plan for a 2-3 Hour Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Deals
Save money by booking tickets online a few days in advance. :ticket:
Arrive for the Seal Show
Time your visit to catch the informative and fun seal show. :clapper_board:
Explore the Tunnels
The underwater tunnels offer an immersive experience with sharks and rays. :underwater_wave:
Touch Pool Fun
Engage with marine life at the interactive touch pool. :hand_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Deals
Save money by booking tickets online a few days in advance. :ticket:
Arrive for the Seal Show
Time your visit to catch the informative and fun seal show. :clapper_board:
Explore the Tunnels
The underwater tunnels offer an immersive experience with sharks and rays. :underwater_wave:
Touch Pool Fun
Engage with marine life at the interactive touch pool. :hand_wave:
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Consider the tour for a deeper look at conservation efforts. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally have a positive experience at Sea Life Sunshine Coast, praising the variety of marine life, the engaging seal show, and the immersive underwater tunnels. The interactive touch pool is a hit with families. Some find the Behind-the-Scenes tour a bit short and note that food options are limited to snacks.
"Visited here on a Sunday. There was no wait. Time to get in. It was quite good. Arrived. Just in time to see the seal show which was quite informative and fun to watch good size little aquarium. Take the kids walk around. Sharks manta rays seahorses etc had a great day.
Staff friendly Would recommend."
Caroline Grant
"The admission prices are reasonable. But if you book days in advance they are cheaper. We paid an extra $15 per person for the Behind-the-Scenes Tour
I loved seeing all the animals. There was an adorable baby penguin and a fun hands-on section where we got to touch some marine life. Walking through the underwater tunnels was definitely a highlight, it felt like being surrounded by the ocean — though it was crowded at times.
The Behind-the-Scenes Tour was a great experience. We saw how they house for injured animals and protect local marine life. There were three green sea turtles recovering, and we got to look down into the big pool above the tunnels — seeing the sharks and other animals swimming below was amazing.
The seal show was light-hearted and fun, especially Ruby, a playful five-year-old seal. She was absolutely adorable! In total, we saw three seals during the show.
The café, which had some food options — mainly small snacks and pies. So, don’t expect a full meal there.
The only downside was, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour felt a little short, and unfortunately, no photos or videos were allowed during it.
A wonderful experience and perfect would definitely come back again!!"
Tea
"Was a great experience. Relatively easy to get in.
I suggest It only takes about an hour to an hour and a half to see everything. However, it's much nicer if you have the mindset of going through and enjoying each part of the experience.
Probably only need about 2 to 3 hours here with kids at most before they ready for something else.
Great experience and would recommend."
Tim Desmond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium is located at The Wharf, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, QLD 4557. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options also serve the Mooloolaba area, making it convenient to reach this popular aquarium on the Sunshine Coast.
Yes, there is parking available near the aquarium in Mooloolaba. It's advisable to check for any parking fees or time limits, especially during peak seasons.
Mooloolaba is well-served by local bus routes, making it possible to reach the aquarium via public transport. Check with local Sunshine Coast transit for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
For many visitors, driving to Sea Life Mooloolaba is the most convenient option. Alternatively, local buses can get you to the Mooloolaba area, and it's a short walk from there.
The aquarium is situated in a popular tourist area of Mooloolaba, making it generally easy to find and access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but booking tickets online in advance often secures cheaper rates than purchasing at the gate. Look for Sea Life Sunshine Coast deals for potential savings.
Yes, booking online in advance is the best way to find cheaper tickets for Sea Life Sunshine Coast. Keep an eye out for special promotions or family packages.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Sea Life Sunshine Coast website for the most current information before your visit.
While you can typically buy tickets at the door, booking online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and potentially get better prices for Sea Life Mooloolaba.
It's advisable to check the booking requirements on the Sea Life Sunshine Coast website, as time slot bookings may be necessary, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of marine and freshwater creatures, including sharks, manta rays, seals, penguins, seahorses, and tropical fish.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits like the touch pool, engaging shows, and fascinating marine life that kids love.
The seal show is a highlight, featuring informative and entertaining presentations with playful seals like Ruby.
Yes, the aquarium features impressive underwater tunnels where you can feel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other marine life.
Yes, there's a popular touch pool where visitors can get hands-on with marine creatures like starfish.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers snacks and some light meal options, though it's best not to expect a full restaurant menu.
It's generally recommended to check the aquarium's policy on outside food and drinks, but the on-site cafe provides convenient options.
The cafe typically offers small snacks, pies, and other light refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the aquarium, allowing you to capture the amazing marine life. However, restrictions may apply during special tours.
While general photography is permitted, some special tours, like the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, may prohibit photos or videos.
The underwater tunnels offer incredible photo opportunities, as do the exhibits featuring colorful fish and the penguins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for about 2-3 hours to explore without overwhelming little ones. The aquarium's layout is generally easy to navigate with strollers, and the variety of marine life keeps young minds captivated. Consider booking tickets online in advance to save time and money.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a cafe for snacks, consider packing some of your own light refreshments to further reduce costs. Focus on enjoying the main exhibits and shows, which are included with admission, rather than opting for additional paid experiences if on a tight budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful that flash photography is often discouraged to protect the animals. While general photography is allowed, special tours like the Behind-the-Scenes experience may have restrictions, so check in advance if capturing images is a priority for that specific activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Sea Life
One notable initiative involves the transfer of Little Blue Penguins to support breeding efforts, as these charming seabirds are classified as 'at risk' in their natural habitats. Visitors can learn about these conservation efforts and how they can contribute to protecting marine life.
The aquarium also houses injured animals for rehabilitation, showcasing their dedication to the welfare of marine creatures and the broader ecosystem. This commitment to conservation adds an educational and impactful layer to the visitor experience.
Family Fun and Educational Experiences
Highlights for kids include the hands-on touch pool, where they can safely interact with marine life like starfish, and the mesmerizing underwater tunnels that make them feel like they're swimming with sharks and rays. The seal show is another major draw, providing fun and learning opportunities about marine mammals.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the aquarium provides educational programs and insights into marine biology. The 'Animal Crossing' event, for instance, brought a unique gaming-inspired element to exploring the aquarium, demonstrating creative ways to engage younger audiences with the underwater world.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
During the tour, visitors can see the facilities where animals are housed and learn about the conservation work being done. A particular highlight for some is looking down into the main tanks from above, observing sharks and other large marine creatures swimming in their habitat.
While the tour provides valuable insights, some visitors have noted that it can feel a bit short and that photography may be restricted. Despite this, it's considered a worthwhile experience for those interested in the welfare and management of marine animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit