Dolphin Discovery Centre redevelopment opens

Stage one of Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre has been officially opened by Western Australia's Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls.

Minister Grylls yesterday visited the award-winning Bunbury centre's new 'digital dolphinarium' 360-degree theatre, which is part of a multi-million dollar expansion of the centre.

The 'dolphinarium' is part of a major expansion of the centre which has been designed to create a contemporary year-round experience for visitors.

Minister Grylls said the redevelopments were a great addition to the centre, stating "the last time I was in Bunbury, I visited the Dolphin Discovery Centre to see how the theatre was coming along, so I am pleased to be back again to see the final product.

"Children will especially love to step inside this theatre, which creates the sensation of being underwater, and seeing aspects of dolphins' lives including birth, defence from sharks and a feeding frenzy."

A new playground and conference room have also helped to enhance the centre, with more improvements planned for the coming years.

Established in the early 1990s, the centre is a not-for-profit ecotourism facility that gives people the opportunity to learn about and interact with wild bottlenose dolphins.

An interaction zone, swim tour and boat cruise provide unique opportunities for people to have close encounters with wild dolphins, while research into the impacts of human activities on dolphins is carried out from the centre by Murdoch University in partnership with the Dolphin Discovery Centre and local industry supporters.

About 150 people, including about 50 international visitors, volunteer their time at the centre each year.

Grants totalling $1,273,000 from the Western Australian Government's Royalties for Regions and the South West Development Commission have gone towards the revamp of the centre.

For more information go to www.dolphindiscovery.com.au/

Image: The digital dolphinarium at Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre.