Three Grey Nurse Sharks re-homed as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Completes $10M Overhaul

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium today completed some of the final stages of its $10M overhaul with its most significant animal operation to date; the re-housing of three of its largest inhabitants – 3.2 metre long, 300 kilogram Grey Nurse Sharks.

The Grey Nurse Sharks were some of the final animals to be rehoused following their removal from SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s enormous 1.5 millionlitre tank in order to make way for its $5M renovation. It took a team of 20 dedicated aquarists to meticulously move the animals into their spectacular new dwelling – an impressive, fully refurbished Shark Valley oceanarium.

Sebastian Schmid, Life Sciences Manager at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium commented: “We could not be more thrilled about how smoothly the re-homing operation went and the animals are already settling in famously. The team is exceptionally proud to be sharing this world class aquarium experience with our local and international visitors.”

The momentous, nine month refurbishment involved over 300 individual marine animals from up to 30 species, including Smooth Stingrays, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks as well as Loggerhead and Green Turtles.

The animals’ spectacular new home has a glass walkway which literally allows guests to walk above a stunning shoal of over 50 sharks as they swim just inches beneath. It is situated in Shark Valley, an impressive 100 metres of ocean-tunnel walkthrough that delves deep into the underwater world, encouraging visitors to come face-to-fin with these awe-inspiring creatures. Shark Valley is dominated by a giant whale skeleton amongst the tumbled-down ruins of an ancient lost city temple and of sharks and rays gliding amongst the rocks.

Located in the heart of Sydney at Darling Harbour, visitors to the new SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will be taken on a journey of amazing discovery through 14 newly-themed areas, including the new Shark Walk, Tropical Bay of Rays, Discovery Rockpool, Mangrove Swamps, South Coast Shipwreck, Dugong Island and the stunning new ocean tunnel walk-through, Shark Valley.

For more information on the newly relaunched SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, please visit: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Holidaying Families Increasingly Choose Apartment Living

A leading provider of accommodation in Australia says families are finding the convenience of apartment living the best way to stretch their budget and maximize their lifestyle while on holidays.

With 13 properties and more than 1,000 rooms across Australia, Metro Hotels offers both hotel and apartment-style accommodation and has experienced an increase in demand for apartments in its key city locations.


Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is located in walking distance to the many attractions of Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct as well as close to Monorail and train stations for access to other areas. Metro Apartments on Bank Place is located in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping district.

The two boutique properties offer everything a family wants when holidaying in two of Australia’s most exciting cities – a convenient location with enough space for the family to relax but without the huge price tag of an expensive hotel or resort.


Metro Hotel’s Chief Operating Officer, George Bedwani, said leisure travellers were a strong market for Metro Apartments Darling Harbour and Metro Apartments on Bank Place, with guests citing the convenient location, extra space and facilities as the greatest attractions.


“In Sydney, our guests love the fact they can walk out the door and be in the heart of one of the city’s most attractive and vibrant areas in minutes, yet are only a short walk or train trip from most other attractions,” Mr Bedwani said. “In Melbourne, Bank Place is truly in the heart of the city so people can shop, enjoy a show or just stroll along the Yarra River.

“Yet the real attraction of both these properties for families is when they return to their apartment and can relax and enjoy a home-away-from-home experience. They can prepare a meal or do their own washing without leaving the premises, yet when they depart they don’t have to clean up and change beds like you would in a rental property.



“Australians may aspire to owning a backyard when it comes to our homes but we are increasingly choosing an apartment when it comes to our holidays.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics data found the number of guest nights spent in serviced apartments jumped 73 percent in the past decade to more than two million nights.

Extended Day for Koala Breakfasts

Sydney –15 October, 2012 – With day light saving now in place for the warmer months, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo has extended Koala Breakfasts to both Saturday and Sunday. So as the warmer weather starts to set in, enjoy WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s truly unique dining experience, Breakfast with the Koalas.

With exclusive access to the attraction before the crowds arrive, Breakfast with the Koalas will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 7:15am, granting breakfast guests an exclusive guided tour through WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo when the animals are at their most active.

The limited capacity Breakfast with the Koalas will commence with an exclusive highlights tour guided by WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s experienced keepers. On the tour, guests will gain access to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s residents including Rex, our huge Saltwater Crocodile, a range of tropical butterflies, wallabies, and some of Australia’s most unique creepy crawlies.

Following the highlights tour, guests will receive an informative koala talk, a delicious hot buffet breakfast and an interactive experience with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s resident koalas.
Visitors will also be able to take home special memories of their intimate koala encounter in the form of a 6 x 8 photograph, taken by a WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo photographer who will be on-hand to capture the experience as visitors cuddle up to the cute koalas.

About Breakfast with the Koalas:

Where: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (next door to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium)
When: Every Saturday and Sunday 7:15am for a 7:30am start
Bookings recommended: 02 9333 9288 or www.wildlifesydney.com.au

About WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo:

Opening Hours: 9am to 8pm daily (until 6 April 2013)
Cost: Best price tickets guaranteed online at www.wildlifesydney.com.au
Contact: 02 9333 9288 or www.wildlifesydney.com.au
For more information on WILD LIFE Sydney, please visit: www.wildlifesydney.com.au