Australia is known for its critters, ones that can potentially do you some damage, and sharks and crocs are at the top of that list: Like Arthur, the three metre salt water croc who’ll be one of the first residents you meet on a visit to the Sydney Aquarium. He lolls, eyes watching you from just above the waterline, ancient, slightly menacing relic that he is.

The significantly less dangerous Port Jackson Sharks must come close to the top of the unusual critters list, they look like giant fish tank cat fish, their soft skin a dappled camouflage of tan and green/ grey. But it’s their eggs, shaped like screws which are the most unique thing about them.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef fish ensure the menagerie has colour, but the best enclosure has to be the big tanks. Built into the harbour, you walk under them in glass tunnels, as vast, graceful sting rays, manta rays and sharks coast above you. This is a diver’s eye view without the wetsuit, and if you’re down there at feeling times you get to see the diver go in and feed the big guys – lucky too, in a tank this size there are always a couple of poor fish who look like they’ve had a few nibbles taken out of them.

Dolphins and seals live upstairs, as do the penguins.

Written by  Kat Mackintosh.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

Sydney Aquarium

First stop, Sydney Aquarium, which in all honesty would not be on the top of my “must see” list on a usual holiday, turned out to be much fun and impressive. Amanda the Aquarist, kindly informed us of the living and eating habits of the infamous Dugongs (or Dudongs/Wallagongs as Cuzzy would call them)! We also got up close and personal to sea turtles and sharks, but through a glass tunnel which was close enough for me!

 

Review posted 20th August 2009 by sydneysider.

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address