Which Aquarium to visit : Sydney or Manly?

Sydney Sealife Aquarium or Manly Sealife Sanctuary? Your time is short and you want to decide which Sydney aquarium to visit? Here is a detailed comparison and many photos to help you choose based on your expectations: animals, locations, atmospheres...

Welcome to the Battle of the Sydney aquariums!

THE RULES OF THE AQUARIUM BATTLE

In this guide you will find how I think those 2 aquariums compare in regards to Atmosphere, Installations, Exhibits, Location, Accessibility & price. And then I am sharing some of my best-of photos (well it is still aquarium photos so the quality is not exceptional) & moments for each one.

And if you want to see more animals while in Sydney don’t forget to also check the zoos/wildlife battle: Taronga zoo vs Wildlife Zoo vs Featherdale!

Before telling your all about those 2 aquariums, let’s start with a picture of my favorite animal at those aquariums: the Shark saw

COMPARISON OF THE AQUARIUMS

Here is a table summarizing my opinions regarding the Sydney Sealife Aquarium and the Manly Sealife Sanctuary in regards to the following criteria:

• Atmosphere
• Set up
• Animal variety – exhibits
• Location
• Accessibility
• Price

My preference is slightly going towards Sydney but I also really enjoyed Manly and my time strolling along the beach after.

I have only assisted to one talk. It was in Manly and was really great. I learned a lot but in a light and fun way. And their love for the animals shines through.

Best of – Sydney Sealife Aquarium

A platypus

The first of at the Sydney aquarium is the Platypus exhibit. And I LOOOOOOVE Platypus. I was actually lucky enough to see one in the wild when I went on a tour to spot wild Australian animals. It is very exciting to see on in the wild but you actually only see its back from far away. Here I saw it swim, eat a shrimp and scratch itself (which was quite funny ) I don’t have great photos as they move fast and it is quite dark for the camera but I have a wonderful memory!

Installations

The aquarium as some great installations to get up close with the animals:

The Shark tunnel

And the amazing tunnels to get surrounded by sharks and rays…

And the slightly awkwardly placed food court when you get out:

Best of – Manly Sealife Sanctuary

Installations

Not as varied as Sydney but still well designed for a great viewing experience

Tunnel

Manly Aquarium’s tunnel had some great sharks, giant turtles!

  Pint it!