There are plans for SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast to be more interactive in 2021, after this bumper summer holiday period.
After closing for three months earlier in the year due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors are flocking to the venue during the school break.
There’s a ‘Summer of Sharks’ campaign, featuring a shark dive, amid the multitude of attractions.
Curator Kate Willson said they had made plenty of improvements at the centre during 2020 and were looking forward to further development next year.
“We’ve upgraded signage, improved air con and created a new display (fluorescent tank) … there’s been a bit of a facelift around the building,” she said.
“And we’re really looking forward to doing some new display upgrades next year. We want to get things more interactive.
“And we want to change a few of our tanks. They’re getting a little bit old and need a bit of a spiff up.
“So, we’re hoping that next year we can do lots of things that can enhance that experience and try and get more involvement for adults and kids.”
The crowds are enjoying the shark theme during the holidays, with grey nurses, wobbegong and a variety of reef sharks on display.
There’s a ‘guru’ on hand, with plenty of information about sharks, while eager visitors are able to get in the water with the imposing creatures as part of ‘Shark Dive Extreme’, which has relaunched after a three-year hiatus.
The cage-free experience is available to guests aged 14 and over.
“We launched shark dive and we thought as part of that let’s celebrate all things sharks and help educate everyone a bit more about their importance in the environment as well as how we can co-habitat with them,” she said.
“The ocean is their home, but we can still go out and enjoy the ocean and not have to be wary about sharks – we can be shark smart.”
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Meanwhile, Sea Life seals have seemingly welcomed the crowds with open flippers.
“Their presentation area is now back to full capacity.”
“Earlier in the year our trainers were still able to do lots of training with them and playing games with them, so they weren’t bored …. but they like seeing the guests and hearing the cheers and clapping, so it’s nice for them to see the guests again.”
The fluorescent tank, with coral, has been a hit.
“Some of the coral have a pigment in them that can glow, so we’ve used a really funky black light and turned the day-night cycle upside down so when the guests are in the building, they can see the coral glowing.”
There are also the ever-popular penguins, which are moulting, along with stingrays, starfish and more.
All visitors must pre-book their tickets online in advance. Visit sealifesunshinecoast.com.au for updates, tickets, opening hours and health and safety information.
