Queensland's Largest Marine Attraction
Situated at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a multi-award-winning aquarium that has been drawing visitors since it first opened as UnderWater World in 1989. Now owned by Merlin Entertainments — the global leader behind SEA LIFE centres worldwide — this is Queensland's largest aquarium and oceanarium, housing more than ten thousand marine and freshwater creatures across eleven themed zones on three immersive levels. From luminous jellyfish drifting under specialised lighting to grey nurse sharks cruising overhead in the 80-metre Ocean Tunnel, it is a genuine all-weather destination that works just as well on a rainy Tuesday as a sunny Saturday.
The stars are many: the Sunshine Coast's only colony of Little Blue Penguins waddle, dive, and play across a two-level Antarctic-themed exhibit. Playful resident seals and sea lions perform in daily presentations that are a crowd favourite for all ages. Eight species of shark patrol the Shark Shipwreck zone. Seahorses drift in the Seahorse Sanctuary. And the Tidal Touchpool lets visitors gently feel sea stars, sea cucumbers, and other creatures with guidance from the marine team.
Beyond general admission, SEA LIFE offers a suite of hands-on premium experiences — cage-free shark diving, seal swims, in-water penguin feeding, behind-the-scenes turtle rehabilitation tours, and a three-hour Ultimate Animal Experience. Conservation is central: the aquarium runs a dedicated turtle rehabilitation programme, rescuing, treating, and releasing sick and injured sea turtles back into the wild, supported by the SEA LIFE Trust charity.
Three Levels of Marine Discovery
Each zone highlights a different facet of the aquatic world — from deep ocean predators to Queensland's freshwater billabongs.
Ocean Tunnel
The centrepiece — an 80-metre walkthrough with grey nurse sharks, giant stingrays, grouper, potato cod, and reef fish gliding overhead. Unmissable.
Little Blue Penguins
The Sunshine Coast's only penguin colony across two immersive levels. Watch them waddle, swim, and play in their Antarctic-themed habitat.
Seal Island
Home to resident seals and sea lions. Daily presentations at 10:30am and 12:30pm are included in admission — a fan favourite for all ages.
Tidal Touchpool
Roll up your sleeves. Gently feel sea stars, sea cucumbers, shark eggs, and sea slugs with guidance from the marine team. Perfect for kids.
Shark Shipwreck
Eight species of shark in a dramatic sunken-ship setting. Get face-to-face with these magnificent predators through floor-to-ceiling glass.
Coral Kingdom
Colourful living reef with clownfish, anemones, tropical corals, and seahorses. A vibrant display of Indo-Pacific marine biodiversity.
Jellyfish Kingdom
Australia's largest sea jelly collection. Moon jellyfish drift under specialised lighting that reveals their ethereal natural patterns.
Seahorse Sanctuary
Three species of seahorse, including the remarkable weedy sea dragon. Delicate, fascinating, and surprisingly rare in aquarium settings.
Billabong
Australian freshwater species — barramundi, lungfish, and unique natives from Queensland's creeks and rivers in a bushland setting.
Coastal Wreck
Octopus, lionfish, moray eels, and crustaceans exploring a themed sunken wreck habitat. Dark, moody, and mesmerising.
Shipwreck Shores
A three-level indoor play area designed for young children. Climb, slide, and explore in a marine-themed adventure zone.
Go Beyond General Admission
Hands-on encounters that take you behind the glass. All include full-day aquarium admission.
Shark Dive Xtreme
Cage-free scuba dive among sharks, giant stingrays, and tropical fish in the Ocean Tunnel. No prior dive experience needed — full briefing and training provided. Thirty-minute dive, all equipment and wetsuit supplied. Saturdays at 9:30am and 12:30pm.
Seal Swim
Twenty-minute guided swim with the resident seals, including a behind-the-scenes look at the seal husbandry area and a souvenir photo on the jetty. Monday to Saturday at 10am. Bring your own towel and swimwear.
In-Water Penguin Encounter
Stand hip-deep in the penguins' pool and hand-feed the adorable Little Blue Penguins their favourite fish. Watch them waddle, swim, and play at arm's length. Each penguin has a distinct personality you'll get to know up close.
Turtle Rehab Tour
Small-group visit to the back-of-house turtle rehabilitation area led by a marine expert. Learn how sick and injured sea turtles are rescued, treated, and nursed back to health. A moving and educational experience.
Seal Encounter
Prefer to stay dry? Meet a seal face-to-flipper, learn about their care and personalities from the seal team, and take home a souvenir photo. Sundays at 10am. Great for visitors who want the seal experience without getting wet.
Ultimate Animal Experience
A three-hour immersive journey combining multiple behind-the-scenes encounters — the most comprehensive experience available. Get up close with sharks, seals, penguins, and the turtle rehab team in one unforgettable session.
Included in Your Admission
Talks, feeds, and presentations run throughout the day. Collect a timetable at the entrance and plan your route around the highlights.
Seal Presentation
First show at Seal Island. The fan favourite — playful seals with the seal team.
Tidal Touchpool Talk
Hands-on session with marine staff. Touch sea stars, sea cucumbers, and shark eggs.
Penguin Talk
Learn about the Little Blue Penguins — their personalities, diet, and conservation.
Seal Presentation
Second show at Seal Island. Arrive early for the best viewing positions.
Ocean Tunnel Talk
Walk through the 80m tunnel with an expert who identifies the species overhead.
Ray Talk
Discover the different species of rays at the Tidal Touchpool area.
Inside SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Everything You Need to Know
Tickets & Pricing
Book online at visitsealife.com to save up to 20% on walk-up prices and skip the ticket queue with fast-tracked mobile entry. Under-2s free. Children 3–15 reduced. National Companion Card accepted — free entry for carers. Digi Photo Pass available (8 digital photos). Last admission one hour before closing.
Getting There & Parking
Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557 — at The Wharf Mooloolaba, a short walk from the Esplanade. Free car park at The Wharf plus free street parking nearby (watch 2-hour limits on Parkyn Parade — unlimited parking a few metres further). Approximately 100km (~1 hr 20 min) north of Brisbane via Bruce Highway.
Public Transport
Sunbus operates regular services to Mooloolaba from Noosa, Maroochydore, and Caloundra. Queensland Rail Citytrain to Landsborough station, then connecting bus to Mooloolaba. From Mooloolaba Esplanade, it's approximately a 500-metre walk (5–7 minutes) to the aquarium entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Arrive at opening time for the best experience. Midweek mid-afternoon also tends to be quieter. During school holidays, book online in advance to guarantee entry. As an all-weather indoor attraction, SEA LIFE is ideal for rainy days.
Families & Kids
Stroller-friendly throughout. Shipwreck Shores three-level play area for young children. Changing facilities available. The Tidal Touchpool and seal shows are highlights for children of all ages. Photography permitted without flash — tripods and selfie sticks prohibited.
Nearby & Combine
The Wharf Mooloolaba has restaurants, cafés, and shops. Combine with Mooloolaba Beach (100m), the Esplanade, Aquaduck amphibious tour (departs from outside SEA LIFE), Point Cartwright lighthouse walk (3.5km), or the HMAS Brisbane Lookout (600m).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring all eleven zones, watching the seal presentation, and interacting with the touchpool. If you add a premium experience like the Shark Dive Xtreme or Seal Swim, allow extra time. Plan your visit around the daily show timetable to make sure you catch the highlights.
Absolutely. The aquarium is stroller-friendly throughout, and Shipwreck Shores is a dedicated three-level indoor play area for younger visitors. The Tidal Touchpool, penguin exhibit, and seal shows are all huge hits with young children. Under-2s enter free. Changing facilities are available.
You can buy tickets at the door, but booking online at visitsealife.com is recommended — you'll save up to 20% on walk-up prices and get fast-tracked mobile entry so you skip the queue. During school holidays and peak weekends, online booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry.
Yes — Shark Dive Xtreme is cage-free diving in the 80-metre Ocean Tunnel and requires no prior dive certification. You'll receive a full 90-minute introduction to scuba diving with a briefing and training session before your 30-minute dive among grey nurse sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. All equipment and wetsuits are provided. Available Saturdays at 9:30am and 12:30pm.
Yes — SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is wheelchair accessible throughout the attraction, with the exception of the viewing area at the top of the Oceanarium. Assistance animals are welcome inside with certification. The National Companion Card is accepted, providing free entry for carers. Please contact the aquarium in advance for specific access queries.
The Seal Presentation runs daily at 10:30am and 12:30pm at Seal Island. It's included in the price of admission — no extra ticket needed. Arrive a few minutes early for the best viewing spots. The seals and sea lions are a fan favourite for visitors of all ages.
SEA LIFE is at The Wharf Mooloolaba, surrounded by restaurants and cafés. Mooloolaba Beach is 100 metres away. The Aquaduck amphibious tour departs from right outside. Point Cartwright lighthouse walk is a 3.5km drive. The HMAS Brisbane dive wreck lookout is a 600-metre walk. Further afield, combine with Noosa National Park, Eumundi Markets, or the Ginger Factory.
More Sunshine Coast Adventures
Combine SEA LIFE with other Mooloolaba and Sunshine Coast experiences.
Dive into the Deep
Sharks overhead, penguins at arm's length, seals performing on cue, and jellyfish drifting in the glow — Queensland's largest aquarium, rain or shine, right on the Mooloolaba waterfront.