Sharks and giant stingrays have arrived at Sydney's Sea Life Centre following a $10 million refurbishment.

The new aquarium now has a total of 13,000 animals of 700 different species in eight million litres of water, the main feature of which is the shark walk - a glass viewing area with over 50 sharks.

"We're a harbour city, and I mean, this is fascinating, because this is what's happening just below us, and to get an insight into that, and I think it's quite a wonderful experience," said Sydney's Lord Mayor, Clover Moore.

The re-opening also unveiled 14 newly-themed areas, including the Tropical Bay of Rays, Mangrove Swamps and the South Coast Shipwreck.