Spectacular 2.5 million litre ocean tank and walkthrough tunnel to open as part of $3.5 million refurbishment

Visitors to the Sunshine Coast’s UnderWater World will discover a magical new world under the sea filled with colourful coral, fanciful fish, awe-inspiring sharks and majestic sea turtles when the new Ocean Tunnel attraction opens on 22 September.

Opening in time for the school holidays, the new Ocean Tunnel is part of a $3.5 million refurbishment of the aquarium that introduces four exciting new themed zones, including Shark Shipwreck, Coral Cove, Bay of Rays and Turtle Temple.

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.

Eight different species of shark will call Shark Shipwreck home and visitors can 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 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, brilliantly coloured fish swim in and around the shipwreck remains.

With over 50 species of fish in 2.5 million litres of water, the new ocean tunnel gives visitors a magical look at the under sea world.

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.