Merlin invests $4 million in Mooloolaba UnderWater World

While preparing to relaunch the Sydney Aquariam, Merlin Entertainments has also invested $4 million in Sunshine Coast attraction UnderWater World.

Since acquiring the Mooloolaba attraction in March, Merlin has been developing a new $3.5 million ocean tank and tunnel giving the tank four distinctly themed areas. Specialists from as far as Romania and Spain have been brought in for sculptural work within the new tank, which will including a coral garden, Polynesian ruins and a submarine wreck.

A new $500,000 water filtration system and a more extensive marine conservation program are also part of the investment, with new Ocean Tunnel to open from 22nd September, under Merlin's SeaLife branding.

Merlin Group Director Australia and New Zealand Edward Fuller explains "we are committed to a multi-million dollar investment program and see tremendous opportunity at UnderWater World.

"UnderWater World is a perfect fit for our portfolio and is the jewel in our Queensland crown. Our goal here is simple - to reinvigorate, bolster its presence and turn it into a must- see, unique Queensland attraction."

Meanwhile the Sydney Aquarium is set to be officially reopened to the public as the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, on Monday 24th September following a $10 million overhaul.

16th July 2012 - SYDNEY AQUARIUM TO RELAUNCH AS SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM

16th May 2012 - MERLIN TO RELAUNCH OCEANWORLD MANLY AS MANLY SEA LIFE SANCTUARY

17th March 2012 - MERLIN INVESTS TO REJUVENATE KELLY TARLTON’S

1st July 2011 - MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS LOOKS TO PROTECT GLOBAL BRANDS