Coast’s new $4 million tourist attraction

SEA WORLD has unveiled a brand new multi-million-dollar attraction, with the addition expected to bring in thousands of extra tourists each week.

The theme park has launched its $4 million stateof-the-art whale-watching boat, Spirit of Migaloo II, just in time for humpback whale migration season.

The vessel boasts six external viewing platforms, tiered outdoor seating and a hydraulic platform to lower passengers closer to the whales.

It also features a VIP captain’s lounge and a sun deck, but it is the new technology which sets the boat apart.

The vessel is able to broadcast live whale songs and also features underwater cameras.

Sea World Cruises general manager Anthony Ardern said it was the most advanced whale-watching vessel now on offer in Australia.

He said more tourists and larger whale numbers had prompted the business to invest in the elaborate attraction.

“We’re hoping to exceed the numbers, the previous vessel held 125 people so during peak season we had a maximum of 250 per day … now we can carry over 1000 people a day,” he said.

The city is home to the longest whale watching season on the east coast with more than 30,000 humpback whales travelling through the city’s waters each year.

Whales have already been spotted migrating in local waters but Mr Ardern said Sea World would wait until the start of June to launch tours to ensure passengers will get the best chance to see the majestic creatures up close.

Acting Mayor Donna Gates welcomed the new “worldclass” attraction for both tourists and locals. “We need to have new product to stay at the forefront and to remain the leading tourism destination in our country … we’re now welcoming nine million visitors (a year) from international locations,” she said.