Leading Sunshine Coast tourism and leisure attraction UnderWater World today announced the development of a new state-of-the-art shark facility at the aquarium with a major upgrade underway at the attraction’s shark tank.
UnderWater World General Manager Tim Stonhill said to ensure UnderWater World continued to provide world-class leisure experiences, the attraction’s shark tank was being closed to the public while works were completed.
Mr Stonhill said the upgrade to the shark tank would have no impact on any other aspect of the visitor experience at UnderWater World with all of the attraction’s other undersea experiences and animal displays open as usual.
“It will be business as usual at UnderWater World. Our sharks are just one of the exciting exhibits to see and experience at the aquarium,” he said.
“Once completed the new shark tank will be a brand new state-of-the-art exhibit, incorporating new themeing and bringing a revitalised presentation to one of UnderWater World’s most important displays.
“While the upgrade is taking place, we have reduced entry prices to UnderWater World as an incentive for visitors to come and see all the other exciting displays and attractions we have to offer.
“Visitors are still able to experience UnderWater World’s most popular attraction in the seal and otter shows along with thousands of other marine and freshwater animals including sharks, stingrays, sawfish, tropical reef fish and turtles.”
Mr Stonhill said the shark tank upgrade represented a major investment by UnderWater World’s owner, Living and Leisure Australia Group, in both the aquarium and the Sunshine Coast tourism and leisure industry.
“The upgrade will bring immediate benefits for the local economy through the creation of employment opportunities as we progress works on the tank over the coming months,” he said.
“We also expect the upgrade will bring more visitors to the attraction once completed and will benefit the local community over the longer term.”
Mr Stonhill said while the upgrade works were underway UnderWater World had introduced a range of admission discounts which represented great value for money.
Commencing 23 November 2011 adult entry prices at UnderWater World would be reduced to $20 per admission and child admissions would be reduced to $12. All concession and group admission prices would also be reduced in line with these discounts.
Mr Stonhill said the shark tank was now 22 years old and the upgrade was typical for a facility of this age to ensure the highest standards of safety and animal care are maintained.
“Unfortunately it is not possible to complete the upgrade work without closing the tank so all animals will be relocated to holding tanks while works are completed,” he said.
“UnderWater World is proud of the integral role it plays in the Sunshine Coast’s tourism and leisure market and is committed to ensuring its facilities remain of a world-class standard.”
UnderWater World continues to offer visitors the opportunity to explore seven unique zones including Touch and Tell, Weird and Wonderful, Seal Island, Otter Empire, Fresh and Freaky, Billabongs and Backyards and Crawly Creatures. The aquarium also runs 11 presentations each day including the Rocky Shore and Touch Pool Talk, Showtime at Seal Island, Behind the Scenes Tours, Otter Shows, Stingray Guided Tours and Billabong Talks and Feeds.
The multi-award winning tourist attraction is part of Living and Leisure Australia’s Oceanis Group – one of the world’s largest owners and operators of aquariums, by number of customers and volume of displays.
