Walk, Swim or Get Married Underwater at Oceanworld Manly

During ExperienceOz’s Sydney stay, we got to see the wonders of the underwater world at Oceanworld Manly. We took a gorgeous ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, where Oceanworld Manly sits on the picturesque Manly Cove Beach.

Starting on the top floor, we first visited Little Rascal’s Reef. This large tank is home to several tropical, brightly coloured fish, giant rays, large swordfish, and a three-finned rescue turtle named Sea Biscuit. Depending on the day, it is also possible to see children swimming in this reef as part of the kids snorkel safari!

Next, we walked through the Oceanarium, a 110 metre long viewing tunnel surrounded by 4.5 million litres of water and unique marine life.

We were amazed watching fish swim freely above, beside, and beneath us; we experienced the tunnel darken as a giant rays floated above us and we came face to face with sharks.

Having lived 25 years in captivity, Striker is the eldest of the Oceanarium’s 8 sharks and is three metres long. While the reputation and the toothy smile of the sharks can be intimidating, a marine expert tells us it is the loggerhead turtles that rule the Oceanarium.

Unlike the soft-shelled large, leatherback turtles, the loggerheads have hard shells, as well as massive heads and strong jaws. They can grow up to three feet and weigh about 115kg.

Because of their hard helmets, the loggerheads bravely swim the waters, unworried about which fish they bump into—even sharks. However, from what we saw, these turtles are very graceful reptiles.

For those interested in the getting in these turtle and shark-infested waters, Oceanworld offers Shark Dive Xtreme. This program is suitable for all levels of divers, as scuba training is first provided in a separate pool. Once prepared, you are free to dive with the vast array of marine life. You may also choose to experience a feeding frenzy inside the tank with the Shark Feed Xtreme.

Dedicated to customer service and underwater fun, the staff at Oceanworld Manly try their best to accommodate guest requests. For example, many husbands have proposed to their wives in the tank—underwater! At the right time, the groom-to-be surprises his woman underwater by pulling the “question card” (laminated by Oceanworld) and ring from his pocket! Even more impressive, the Oceanarium has hosted an entire underwater wedding!

With so much to do and see, Oceanworld Manly makes a fun day out for people of all ages!

Buy your Oceanworld Manly tickets here!