Families and visitors to Cairns can now board a multi-dimensional underwater journey, following today’s launch of the Sea Explorer 5D attraction at the Cairns Aquarium and Reef Research Centre.
This $1.1 million investment is one of several project components of a $4.7 million project jointly funded by the federal government under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages and Cairns Aquarium and Reef Research Centre Pty Ltd.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, who launched the new attraction today, said the immersive experience will allow visitors to enter into a futuristic submarine to travel around the world’s oceans.
"The Sea Explorer 5D provides visitors to the Cairns Aquarium with a fun, new, technology-driven and entertaining way of experiencing simulated ocean life," Mr Entsch said.
"This state-of-the-art attraction provides a 270-degree underwater view, complete with special audio and visual effects, visitors will get up close to the reef’s world-famous flora and fauna.
"This attraction provides a memorable experience and interaction with the incredible fish and animals from the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest and the addition of an underwater submarine simulator ride experience of other realms is a wonderful enhancement to a fun day out for the family.
"We are only able to invest in projects like this because we have managed the economy effectively.
"This attraction will be another jewel in our tourism crown and will ensure we continue to be the state’s premier tourism destination."
Cairns Aquarium Daniel Leipnik CEO said he was delighted with the outcome of the new attraction.
"Warren has been a big supporter of the Cairns Aquarium from day one and I want to personally thank him for his unwavering support," Mr Leipnik said.
"The Regional Jobs and Investment Package grant we received allowed the Cairns Aquarium to be able to hire additional staff to operate the 5D Sea Explorer attraction and more importantly, retain our current staffing levels.
"In addition to increased staffing levels, support through RJIP assisted the business to pay for the costs of installing and commissioning the 5D Sea Explorer attraction."
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the federal government’s $2.35 million investment in the Cairns Aquarium has led to a jobs boom in the region.
"With an estimated 150 jobs created during construction and another 180 ongoing roles at the aquarium and through suppliers of goods and services, this is a huge expansion in Far North Queensland’s economic potential," Mr McCormack said.
"It also offers the chance for tourists who might not have the time, money or ability to swim to make it to the reef to see what happens in our beautiful waters."
