SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Oceanarium water fill with Blue Whale Skeleton and Lost City ruins
	SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Oceanarium water fill with Lost City ruins
	SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Oceanarium water fill

Sydney Aquarium aquarists today turned on the tap in its famous 1.5 million litre Oceanarium, signalling the finishing stages of the biggest renovation in the attraction’s history. This milestone marks the final weeks of the attraction’s extensive nine month, $10 million renovation programme.

As the beginnings of 1.5 million litres of water jetted into the giant tank and Sydney Aquarium’s famous Oceanarium came to life, aquarists celebrated this final stage before they can start transferring the marine animals back into the Oceanarium. The complete water fill will take up to three to four days as the pontoon styled Oceanarium requires a delicate balancing act of intermittent water releases. Once filled, the 1.5 million litre Oceanarium will become home to over 1700 magnificent marine animals from 16 unique species.

Now featuring a giant whale skeleton amongst the tumble-down ruins of an ancient Lost City temple, the $5 million Oceanarium will be home to Shark Valley, which spans an impressive 100 metres of ocean tunnel walkthrough. Shark Walk – an impressive glass walkway partly submerged in water – will also allow guests to face their fears and walk over a variety of stunning sharks including Grey Nurse and Lemon Sharks.

“Turning on the tap in one of the world’s biggest Oceanariums is a significant moment for us at Sydney Aquarium. A labour of love for nine months, it marks the final chapter of the huge refurbishment program and the beginning of a new journey as Sydney Aquarium becomes SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. We’re truly passionate about what the SEA LIFE stamp means for this iconic attraction and can’t wait to share the new and exciting experience with our visitors,” commented Jade McKellar, Head of Merlin Sydney.

This September, Sydney Aquarium will fly the world-famous SEA LIFE flag when it officially opens its doors as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, housing the largest variety of sharks and rays in the world and 14 newly-themed zones. Boasting a truly interactive and educational experience, the world-class aquarium will lift the lid on this spectacular refurbishment on Monday, 24 September 2012, just in time for the school holidays.

What: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (right next door to WILD LIFE Sydney)
Opening hours: 9am – 8pm daily

For the best value, combine Sydney Aquarium with a pick and mix of your other favourite Sydney attractions including WILD LIFE Sydney, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.