If you’re thinking about getting a Merlin Annual Pass for your family — especially if you live in Sydney or visit Darling Harbour often — this is the review you need to read first.
We’ve been pass holders for a while, and while it’s a big upfront cost, the value becomes obvious quickly if you visit multiple attractions throughout the year.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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The current Merlin Annual Pass prices (Gold & Platinum)
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Exactly what attractions are included
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The differences between the pass types
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Whether it’s worth it for families
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How it compares to buying individual tickets
What is the Merlin Annual Pass?
The Merlin Annual Pass gives you unlimited entry for 12 months to a range of Merlin attractions across Australia, including:
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Madame Tussauds Sydney
Sydney Tower Eye
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
Other SEA LIFE aquariums nationally
Depending on the pass tier, you also get discounts on food, retail, parking, and experiences.
What Attractions Are Included?
Both the Gold and Platinum Merlin Pass give you access to a suite of top attractions across Australia and New Zealand:
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium (NSW)
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo (NSW)
Madame Tussauds Sydney (NSW)
Sydney Tower Eye (NSW)
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (VIC)
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne (VIC)
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (QLD)
Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium (Auckland, NZ)
This means that if your family visits SEA LIFE Sydney or WILD LIFE even 2–3 times a year, the pass can pay for itself quickly.
If you want to dive deeper into why SEA LIFE Sydney in particular is a great indoor, family-friendly attraction (especially for younger kids), check out our SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium review — including what our 4-year-old loved most.
👉 Read our SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium review and ticket savings guide
Why We Bought the Merlin Annual Pass (As Parents)
We’re Sydney locals and often find ourselves in the city or around Darling Harbour. With a young child, we wanted:
Short, flexible outings (not full-day commitments)
Activities we could repeat without pressure
Attractions that were weather-proof and pram-friendly
SEA LIFE Sydney in particular became a regular favourite — our son never gets tired of the penguins, shark tunnel, and marine life.
👉 We explain exactly why SEA LIFE works so well for young kids in our SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium family review, including what our child loved most and how to save on tickets.
At that point, buying individual tickets every time simply stopped making sense.
Gold vs Platinum Merlin Annual Pass — What’s the Difference?
The Merlin Annual Pass Australia offers two main pass types designed to suit different needs and preferences: the Gold Pass and the Platinum Pass. Here’s a detailed comparison of these passes and their pricing.
1. Gold Merlin Annual Pass
Price
- Adult (16+): $95 AUD
- Child (3-15 years): $70 AUD
Key Features
- Unlimited Off-Peak Access: Enjoy unlimited entry to 8 top attractions in Australia and New Zealand, including SEA LIFE aquariums, Madame Tussauds, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and more. However, this pass is not valid during school holidays, public holidays, and other peak times.
- Discounts: Receive a 20% discount on food and beverages and a 10% discount on retail purchases at the attractions.
- Additional Perks: Discounts on select experiences, such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. You’ll also get discounted entry for friends and family members.
Best For
- Visitors who can plan their visits during off-peak times and are looking for a more budget-friendly option with some great perks.
2. Platinum Merlin Annual Pass
Price
- Adult: $120 AUD
- Child (3-15 years): $99 AUD
Key Features
- Unlimited Anytime Access: This pass offers complete freedom with no blackout dates, allowing you to visit the attractions any time of the year, including school holidays and public holidays.
- Discounts: Enjoy the same 20% discount on food and beverages and a 10% discount on retail purchases as the Gold Pass.
- Exclusive Perks: The Platinum Pass also provides exclusive invitations to special events, previews, and other unique experiences available only to pass holders.
- Additional Benefits: Similar to the Gold Pass, this pass includes discounts on attraction experiences and guest tickets.
Best For
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Frequent visitors who prefer the flexibility to visit attractions at any time of the year without restrictions and want to take advantage of special events and experiences.
Pros
- Variety and Value: Access to 8 diverse attractions makes the pass highly versatile, catering to different interests and age groups.
- Cost Savings: Significant savings compared to buying individual tickets, especially for frequent visitors or families.
- Exclusive Perks: Discounts on purchases and exclusive event access add extra value to the pass.
Cons
- Location-Specific: The pass is limited to Merlin-owned attractions, which might not include all the sites you wish to visit.
- Crowded Attractions: Popular attractions can get busy during peak times, such as school holidays and weekends, potentially affecting the experience.
- Upfront Cost: Despite the savings, the initial cost can be a barrier for some, although payment plans are available.
Is the Merlin Annual Pass Worth It?
Here’s how the maths typically works out for Sydney families:
SEA LIFE Sydney ticket (online): ~$39 per adult
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo ticket: ~$39 per adult
2–3 visits per year → you’ve already exceeded the cost of the pass
Once you factor in:
Multiple visits
Food & drink discounts
Discounted parking (as low as $12 with Wilson using the MERLIN code)
…the Merlin Annual Pass often pays for itself within 2–3 visits.
We break down the real cost comparison in more detail inside our SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium review, including why combo tickets and annual passes offer far better value than single-entry tickets.
The Hidden Benefits Most People Miss
These are the perks that quietly add up over time:
🍔 Food & Drink Discounts
Merlin pass holders get 20% off food and beverages at participating attractions.
We’ve personally forgotten to mention this at checkout before — don’t make the same mistake.
🅿️ Discounted Parking
By pre-booking Wilson Parking and using the MERLIN promo code, you can park near Darling Harbour for as little as $12 all day.
🎁 Retail Discounts
You get 10% off merchandise, which helps if your child insists on a penguin plush every visit.
Who the Merlin Annual Pass Is NOT Worth For
To be completely honest, the Merlin Annual Pass is not for everyone.
It’s probably not worth it if:
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You’re visiting Sydney once as a tourist
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You’ll only visit one attraction a single time
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You prefer full-day, one-off experiences like Taronga Zoo
In those cases, online single tickets or combo passes are often better value.
Who Should Seriously Consider the Merlin Annual Pass
The Merlin Annual Pass makes the most sense if:
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You live in Sydney (or nearby)
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You visit Darling Harbour more than once a year
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You have young kids who enjoy repeat visits
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You want flexibility without pressure to “see everything”
For us, it’s been one of the best value family purchases we’ve made.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Merlin Annual Pass?
Yes — the Merlin Annual Pass is absolutely worth it for local families who plan to visit SEA LIFE Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, or other Merlin attractions multiple times in a year.
But just like SEA LIFE tickets themselves, value depends on how you use it.
If you:
Visit at least 2–3 times per year
Take advantage of food & parking discounts
Prefer short, repeatable outings
…the pass quickly becomes cheaper than buying individual tickets.
👉 Before buying, we strongly recommend also reading our SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium review, where we explain which ticket types make the most sense depending on how often you plan to visit.
Where to Buy the Merlin Annual Pass
To check current pricing, inclusions, and pass types:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) along with their answers that could be included in your Merlin Annual Pass Australia review article:
1. What attractions are included in the Merlin Annual Pass Australia?
Answer: The Merlin Annual Pass Australia gives you unlimited access to 10 top attractions, including SEA LIFE aquariums in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Sunshine Coast, Madame Tussauds Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s in New Zealand.
2. Are there any blackout dates with the Merlin Annual Pass?
Answer: The Gold Merlin Annual Pass has blackout dates, meaning it is not valid during school holidays, public holidays, and other peak times. The Platinum Merlin Annual Pass has no blackout dates, offering unlimited access any day of the year.
3. Can I use the Merlin Annual Pass in other countries?
Answer: The Merlin Annual Pass Australia primarily provides access to attractions within Australia and New Zealand. However, it’s specifically designed for attractions owned by Merlin Entertainments in these locations and is not valid for entry to attractions in other countries.
4. Do I need to book in advance to visit attractions with the Merlin Annual Pass?
Answer: Yes, pre-booking may be required for certain attractions, especially during busy periods. This ensures that you secure your spot and avoid long wait times. Check the specific attraction’s website for booking requirements before your visit.
5. Are there any discounts or perks with the Merlin Annual Pass?
Answer: Yes, pass holders enjoy several benefits, including discounts on food and beverages (20%), retail purchases (10%), and discounted entry for friends and family. The Platinum Pass also provides exclusive invitations to special events and previews.
These FAQs can help clarify key points for readers considering purchasing the Merlin Annual Pass, addressing common concerns and providing valuable information.