Sydney gets Penguins in a world-first
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium will officially welcome Sydney’s first colony of sub-Antarctic penguins with the launch of the world first Penguin Expedition experience.
The $9 million dollar exhibit is said to have been inspired by Macquarie Island, and is the largest creature-based experience undertaken by the aquarium.
The experience will take guests on an immersive journey through the rugged, sub-Antarctic environment featuring the Sydney’s first and only colonies of King and Gentoo Penguins. The immersive attraction is a recreation of the penguins’ native sub-Antarctic home on Macquarie Island and provides educational fun for all. 
Visitors will take a raft voyage through a rugged landscape complete with a flurry of snow, whistling winds and a southern lights display, all at a cool yet comfortable six degrees. The short trip is also a first for Sea Life Aquarium, and expected to be popular with return visitors as well as to tempt new guests.
Furthermore, an on-ice experience is set to open late 2017, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the furry creatures.
“We expect a visitor increase of around 10% over the next year,” Richard Dilly, General Manager, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said.
Dilly told Travel Weekly the majority of visitors to the aquarium are a mixture of local and domestic, but 40-50% were from overseas, and believes the new attraction which ties in with the opening of the ICC will encourage more inbound tourism.
The exhibit will also play an important role in teaching guests about the impact plastic pollution is having on wild penguin colonies, and how each of us can help protect our marine life.
Dilly said looking ahead the venue will undergo cosmetic changes to improve the overall visitor experience, with an estimated $1.1 million going into infrastructure.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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