Cairns Aquarium offered for sale to new investors

The owners of the Cairns Aquarium have put the popular attraction on the market, with commercial real estate agents, Colliers, appointed to manage the sale process, which it is hoped will attract "global interest".

Home to more than 5,000 marine animals, the attraction has welcomed more than 1 million guests since its opening in 2017.

Housed over three-storeys, the 7,500 metre² attraction was developed by investors Daniel Leipnik and Andrew Preston at an estimated cost of $54 million, receiving substantial government funding and support throughout its development.

Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, in association with Ellick & Partners, the building's exterior is made up of a series of 'tectonic plates' symbolising the movement of the earth and subsequent creation of the Great Barrier Reef and Northern Queensland's rain forest covered mountains.

However, construction suffered a series of delays and, like all attractions, the Cairns Aquarium struggled with reduced income during pandemic lockdowns.

Commenting on the offering, Colliers advised "after six years in operation, with increasing profitable revenues and vigorous growth, the founding partners of Cairns Aquarium are seeking expressions of interest to become invested in this proven and successful business opportunity.

"It provides visitors with an educational and entertainment experience across more than 70 displays, showing casing the species, habitats, and ecosystems of tropical north Queensland."

Colliers’ Stacey Quaid, who is managing the expressions of interest campaign with colleagues Matthew Meynell, Karen Wales and Jason Lynch, added “this is a real opportunity to purchase into not only an iconic site in the tourism hotspot of Cairns City, but the business as well.

“This successful all-weather venue provides guaranteed access and experiences of ecosystems seldom accessible in habitat providing a must-see close-up view of creeks and streams, wetlands and swamps, rainforest and forest floor, mangroves, the great barrier reef and the ocean depths.

“This is a highly successful enterprise that combines hands-on experience with education, conservation and social good, showing the best of our tropical marine environments.”

International expressions of interest will close on 22nd June 2023.

Click here for more information on the Colliers website.

Images: Cairns Aquarium has welcomed more than 1 million guests since its opening in 2017 (top) and the attraction's exterior is made up of a series of 'tectonic plates' (below). Credit: Cairns Aquarium.