UnderWater World unveils new ocean tunnel attraction

Sunshine Coast aquarium UnderWater World has this week officially opened its spectacular new $3.5 million ocean tank and walk through attraction, showcasing over 50 species of fish, awe-inspiring sharks, colourful corals and majestic sea turtles once fully populated.
The 2.5 million litre ocean tank now displays a new under the sea world across four exciting new themed zones, including Shark Shipwreck, Coral Cove, Bay of Rays and Turtle Temple.
The new ocean tank and walk through is part of a $4 million investment by Merlin Entertainments Group into the Mooloolaba attraction which also includes a state-of-the-art water filtration system and the introduction of a more extensive marine conservation program.
UnderWater World General Manager Tina Holmes said the refurbishment is an exciting milestone for the aquarium which has been operating for 23 years, stating "it's a significant moment for us at UnderWater World. It's been ten months in the makingand we can't wait to share the new and exciting zones with our visitors.
"We'll be continuing to move animals into their new home over the coming weeksand expect the new ocean walk through to be very popular these school holidays. We're sure it will be the icing on the cake for visitors including both tourists and locals rediscovering their favourite attraction."
Merlin Entertainments Group Divisional Director Australia & New Zealand, Edward Fuller said the company had enormous confidence in the attraction, adding "we are committed to a multi-million dollar investment program to ensure UnderWater World's future as a must-see attraction for the region.
"The opening of the ocean tank and walk through is just the first stage and we're looking forward to announcing further plans in the future."
Opening in time for the school holidays, visitors to the new attraction will be taken on a journey through four intricately designed zones featuring stone totems and arches, shipwrecked submarines and ruined temples.
Turtle Temple, filled with the ruins of a Polynesian temple, will house recovering sea turtles of all species and sizes, as part of UnderWater World's rescue, rehabilitation and release program for Australia's most loved and endangered marine animals, the sea turtle.
Head Curator Mark Smith said UnderWater World has been involved in rehabilitating sea turtles for many years and Turtle Temple will become an integral part of the attraction's marine conservation program.
Smith explained "Turtle Temple will house rescued sea turtles in their final stage of rehabilitation, helping the animals transition to a wider space, before we manage the turtle's release back to into local waters.
"Over the past year, we've rehabilitated and released more than 30 sea turtles and the new zone will not only provide a wonderful transition environment for the animals, but also provide our visitors with educational information and tips on what can be done to help protect these endangered animals."
Eight different species of shark call Shark Shipwreck home and visitors will come face-to-face with the impressive creatures as they walk through the ruined remains of a submarine in the 80 metre long tunnel.
The Bay of Rays zone will see a collection of gliding rays, from the sleek sting rays to the spotty leopard rays and the new cownose rays smoothly sail through the sea water tank. While over at Coral Cove, brightly coloured fish swim in and around radiant coral.
As well as the four new zones in the Ocean Tunnel, visitors can explore seven other unique zones throughout the aquarium including Seal Island, Otter Empire, Fresh and Freaky, Billabongs and Backyards, Touch and Tell, Weird and Wonderful and Crawly Creatures with thousands of marine and freshwater animals and over 210 different species on display.

http://www.underwaterworld.com.au