Aquariums in Brisbane

There is something truly magical about quietly observing the creatures that live beneath the sea in their natural habitat—all without getting wet! Aquariums are serene, graceful, and in a world very different from our own. Their effect on people is somewhat mesmerising. Although there are no aquariums in Brisbane, many are close to our city.

Sea Life Aquarium, Sunshine Coast

Located on the Sunshine Coast, Sea Life is the closest actual aquarium to Brisbane and one of the most impressive in our state. Its 80-meter-long Ocean Tunnel is a feature exhibit offering an immersive experience within an underwater world.

With 11 themed zones, some of our favourites include the Little Blue Penguins, the Tidal Touch Pool, and the Seahorse Kingdom. If you are brave enough, you can swim with the sharks, and during school holidays, you can even book an overnight stay in the Ocean Tunnel.

Being located on the Sunshine Coast means there is also a wide range of fun activities you can do with the kids there. Although it is only about 1.5 hours north of Brisbane, if you stay for a few days, you can make the most of the incredible beaches and other local Sunshine Coast attractions.

Address: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Sea World

Combining a love of underwater marine animals with one of the biggest theme parks in our country, Sea World is another attraction near Brisbane that offers aquarium experiences for visitors.

A marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park located on the Gold Coast, you can endlessly run between thrill rides, the water park, and incredible animal encounters.

If you would love to be immersed in a giant aquarium, their Shark Bay exhibit is two levels of lagoon exploration which offers incredible viewing both topside and underwater.

Admire tropical fish, rays, and other bottom-dwellers in the Tropical Reef Lagoon, and then stand alongside sharks as they glide by the aquarium’s windows in Shark Bay. 

You can also enjoy a range of marine animal encounters, such as Ray Feeding, live shows, and animal presentations. Visit the illuminated sea jelly tanks, and if you want to immerse yourself in the magnificent creatures that live here, you can even swim with some of them as an additional activity.

Located on the Gold Coast, about an hour’s drive south of Brisbane, Sea World offers a full day of action, fun, and adventure. It might be worth booking a few days (or more!) down the coast while you are there and discovering some of the other fun things you can do on the Gold Coast with kids.

Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Australia Zoo

Known for its incredible range of native exotic animals but less so for underwater aquariums, did you know that Australia Zoo is also home to the only underwater viewing enclosure for tigers in the southern hemisphere? Yes, you read that right. Tigers! It’s not the usual marine life you expect to see underwater, but it’s a highly unique experience that you may not want to miss out on!  

Owned by the legendary Irwin Family, Australia Zoo is a world-class conservation facility and tourist attraction home to more than one thousand native and exotic animals. They even have a wildlife hospital onsite where, for an extra $2 entry fee, you can take a sneak peak inside and learn more about their conservation and rehabilitation.

(Note that we have visited Australia Zoo many times, and only a handful of times have we sent the tigers in the water. We advise checking out their tiger show, where this experience of underwater play is more likely)

Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah

Aquarium Stores in Brisbane

If you live locally and would love to set up your own mini aquarium at home, the below stores in Brisbane will be a good place to start. They are filled with all your aquarium needs and desires—fish, coral, tanks, care supplies—and you can get lost in the giant underwater tanks and displays while at any of these places, too!

Aquarama

Aquarama is a stand out when it comes to aquariums in Brisbane. Their impressive setup comprises six systems and an awe-inspiring array of over 300 fish tanks. Even if you are not planning to set up your home aquarium just yet, you can get all the information you need to do so here, and be absolutely mesmerised by the gloriously lit tanks filled with an incredible array of fish.

Address: 482 Stafford Road, Stafford

Mad Aquariums

Mad Aquariums is run by a family of true aquatic enthusiasts. Two decades in the making, a visit here will envelope you in their passion as you explore the countless tanks, equipment and fish varieties they have on display. Be prepared to be blown away by their range of African Cichlid fish and Tropical, Native, and American fish types.

Address: 1/2940 Logan Rd, Underwood

Aquariums R Us

Aquariums R Us is renowned for its bespoke tank designs and service, high quality, and innovation. Because of this, it has flourished as a business since 1996 and has collaborated with Australia Zoo, Sea World, and even the Queensland Museum. Come here and be guaranteed you will walk away with a quality tank that fits your needs perfectly, as well as all the wonderful elements and fish you will need to fill it well.

Address: 107 Dickson Street, Wooloowin

For more wildlife experiences, you might also enjoy:

Animal encounters near Brisbane.