How to Enjoy the Ocean Without Ever Getting in the Water

By: Alex Harmon, ellaslist

It’s not safe to enter the water! I'm kidding of course, Sydney has some of the most wonderful and safest beaches in the world, but try telling that to my partner who won’t even dip a toe for fear of what lurks beneath (ah, the British and their little nuances). That’s okay though, because there are plenty of places in Sydney where you can appreciate our wonderful marine life, without ever having to remove your shoes.  

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

See our toothy sharks from the safe enclosure of this aquarium. It’s the ideal place to get up close with beautiful fishies, dugongs, sharks and rays. You can also hop-aboard the world’s first ride through penguin experience, because everyone loves penguins! See all of our unique freshwater and marine aquatic life, and unless you dip your hands into the Discovery Rockpool, you won’t get wet at all. For a big day out on dry land, why not invest in a Sydney Big Ticket which will give you access to Sydney’s other top attractions including Madame Tussauds, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Sydney Tower Eye, saving you over 55%.

Meanwhile over at Wild Life Sydney Zoo you can safely see some beasts from the water, including a huge saltwater crocodile!

 

Wet’n’Wild Sydney

Did you know that Western Sydney has its own beach? You’ll find ‘the beach’ smack bang in the middle of Wet’n’Wild waterpark, opening soon (September 29, 2018). It even has waves, but not all the time, so you can choose to dip when it’s more like a lagoon if that’s your preference. There’s also a lazy river you can float along in an inflatable ring, complete with dinosaurs – yes that’s the only threat you’ll find here! Get updates on Wet’n’Wild’s new season here.

 

Cables Wake Park

I love wakeboarding but I also grew up in a town where one of the locals got bitten by a shark when she was out boarding with her family. So, naturally this plays on my mind when I hear the word wakeboarding. Wake in Fright, indeed. Now I prefer to hit the water at Cables Wake Park in Penrith. Here you can test out your water skiing and wake boarding skills at a man made water ski park. Kids will also love the inflatable water park with huge inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows and structures. Find out more here.

Whale Watching

Want to get up super close with the most magnificent beasts of the ocean without immersing yourself in the cool water? A whale watching cruise is for you, my tepid friends! In our Sydney waters, thousands of whales migrate annually from May to November. If you don’t want to cruise (hello, sea sickness) there are many headlands and viewing platforms on the coast where you can see frolicking humpbacks and southern rights. Did you know Sea Life Sydney Aquarium have a deal where you can do both the aquarium and a whale watching cruise in one day for a bargain price? Find out more here. 

 

Urbnsurf Sydney

This urban surf park hasn’t opened yet but we are already frothing over the news. Parramatta will be home to Sydney’s first ever man made wave park, where surfers can catch a perfect point break style wave in a 3.2 hectare lagoon. Set to open this year, the waves will range from the beginner-friendly 0.6 metre height to the more high end performance wave at 1.7 metres. And no chance of Jaws lurking beneath. Get updates on Urbnsurf Sydney here.

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!