sydney aquarium
Opened in 1988, the Sydney Aquarium is one of
the largest Aquariums in the world and ranks with other leading
aquariums such as those in Monterey in the USA and Osaka in Japan. It
is Sydney's premier tourist attraction with over 55-60% of its visitors
each year coming from overseas.
Designed by
Australian architects and taking nearly two years to build, the
Aquarium is in the shape of a large wave, thereby complementing the
underwater theme of the Aquarium itself and also the maritime theme of
Darling Harbour. The Great Barrier Reef complex which opened in October
1998 continues this same theme.
The Sydney Aquarium can immediately be recognised as Australian in
terms of its clear themes and displays, which take visitors on a
journey through the continent's rich and diverse waterways and marine
ecosystems. Visitors travel through the rivers of Australia, exploring
the Southern and Northern River habitats, as well as the oceans of
Australia, through the Southern and Northern Ocean habitats.
Local and overseas visitors become aware of the complex and fragile
nature of Australia's very different and unique aquatic environments.
Some of the displays are featured in the main exhibit hall and others
are housed in floating oceanariums. The Open Ocean exhibit is a massive
oceanarium, amongst the largest in the world, and comprises underwater
tunnels allowing visitors to glimpse Australia's famous marine life at
very close quarters. In the Open Ocean Oceanarium, Sydney Aquarium
houses the largest collection of sharks in captivity. Huge sharks, many
of which have been at the Aquarium since before it opened, weigh up to
300 kg and are over 3 m in length.
For further information, please visit www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
