Myzone
Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…
read moreAfter 50 years of operations, the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary is to close its doors.
Merlin Entertainments Group, which runs what was formerly known as Oceanworld Manly, has advised that the business is no longer viable in the ageing building where it is located.
Merlin Divisional Director - Australia & New Zealand Rob Smith told local newspaper The Manly Daily “as a building it’s not a viable investment to keep on running it as an aquarium.
“From 1965 to now, it has had lots of different additions, different elements added, which has overall impacted the lifespan of the building as an aquarium.”
The aquarium is home to more than 100 sharks and rays, 2000 fish, 19 penguins and 11 reptiles. There also 500 invertebrates, including octopuses, at the venue.
All these creatures are set to be safely relocated to other regional Sea Life aquariums operated by Merlin.
Smith advised that around 40 staff members employed at the attraction will be relocated to “other areas of our business.”
Smith said it had “not been an easy decision” to close the attraction, but it was relative to the cost required to maintain and upgrade.
The 1900 metre² beach side site of the aquarium is owned by the NSW Government’s Roads and Maritime Services, but it is unclear what its plans are for the venue.
The sanctuary originally opened in 1965, as Marineland and is made up of three exhibits: Penguin Cove, Shark Harbour and Underwater Sydney.
Images: The Manly Sea Life Sanctuary from Sydney Harbour (top) and sharks at the Sanctuary (below).
27th April 2016 - MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS MARKS FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONS IN AUSTRALASIA
16th July 2012 - SYDNEY AQUARIUM TO RELAUNCH AS SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM
16th May 2012 - MERLIN TO RELAUNCH OCEANWORLD MANLY AS MANLY SEA LIFE SANCTUARY
18th February 2012 - MERLIN CONFIRMS LIVING AND LEISURE AUSTRALIA TAKEOVER
22 February 2011 - OCEANWORLD MANLY UNVEILS ‘MIRACULOUS’ BABY EAGLE RAYS
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…
read moreAPT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
read moreA leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…
read moreWhether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreCommercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…
read moreFun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…
read moreHIB Insurance Brokers - Experts in Leisure and Amusement Insurance With over 20 years specialising in the Amusement and Leisure industries, we have the experience to understand your operations and…
read moreAs of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!