Victorian attractions and waterparks look to reopening from this weekend

November 10, 2020

The ongoing easing of Victoria's Coronavirus lockdown restrictions is seeing the state's attractions, amusement and waterpark operators anticipate opening in the coming weeks.

With further lifting of the Victorian Government's lockdown rules for indoor entertainment venues, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium has today announced that it is reopening to the public from this Friday (13th November).

Advising that the underwater world will operate with capacity restrictions and extra health and safety measures in place, SEA LIFE Melbourne General Manager, Katie Isaac at SEA LIFE Melbourne explained "we are incredibly happy to be able to welcome guests back to SEA LIFE Melbourne and give people of all ages the opportunity to experience a fun and educational day out after spending so much time at home. Safety is our number one priority and we have implemented a range of health and safety measures to protect guests and team members. First and foremost, we ask that all visitors pre-book their tickets online in advance due to capacity restrictions."

The health and safety measures, which were originally implemented in June, include becoming a completely cashless operation, lowering capacity limits with allocated time-slots for guests, the use of additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing for staff, the provision of spatial separation markings, the installation of hygiene screens in various areas and vigorous cleaning regimes.

In addition, all visitors aged 12 and above will be required to wear face masks.

Isaac added "our dedicated team of aquarists and keepers have continued to work onsite at SEA LIFE Melbourne during the closure period to care for the marine creatures and maintain the attraction.

"Since we last closed our doors, we have welcomed several new species including a huge Tasmanian king crab, a fascinating tasselled anglerfish and six dainty tree frogs! These unique creatures are all on display for guests to see."

With further lifting of the Victorian Government's lockdown rules set to apply from 22nd November, CIM Business Events has today reported that the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel will reopen next week.

Melbourne Star Head of Sales and Marketing, Nicole Hill told CIM “we are so excited to be welcoming guests back to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel after being temporarily grounded for 231 days this year.

"As an iconic landmark of the Melbourne city skyline, while we’ve closed, the Star has continued to light up every evening during the lockdown, illuminating the city as a reminder of the strength and vibrancy of Melbourne.”

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel will reopen with new COVIDSafe measures including free upgrades to Private Cabins for all guests, with a maximum of six guests per cabin, entry and queue management, additional cleaning and hygiene practices at all high-frequency touchpoints including inside cabins and hand sanitiser stations. Patrons and staff will also be required to wear masks at all times.

Other major attractions are looking at upcoming openings.

In anticipation of their reopening, Funfields has been advertising for staff including lifeguards, baristas, front of house staff and kitchen/cooking staff - with the amusement and water park advising on Facebook it is seeking "Life Guards who have or are willing to obtain a National Life Guard Qualification."

In a 30th October post on Facebook, Funfields advised "we are looking forward to announcing our reopening date shortly."

Earlier last month, Funfields General Manager - Operations, Sam Holdich told the Whittlesea Leader "we are looking forward to helping to put some smiles back on the faces of our guests and helping them to create memories with us here at the Funfields."

Explaining Funfields' operations, Holdich added "we are working closely with other industry partners, as well as government bodies, to ensure that we are adhering to all social distancing and hygiene requirements to create a COVID safe environment for our Funfields community.

“Our team has been busy ensuring that we have the required safety steps and COVIDSafe plans in place for our customers and team. This includes increased cleaning regimes, sanitiser stations, staff training and also ensuring we are adhering to capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines set out by the Victorian Government.”

Adventure Park Geelong and Gumbuya World are anticipating reopening, with Adventure Park advising on its website "(we) are looking forward to announcing our reopening date shortly!"

During SEA LIFE Melbourne's six month closure, the aquarium brought marine experiences to people all over Australia and the world through live streams, virtual holiday camps, online school workshops and video messages from aquarists and keepers.

Images: SEA LIFE Melbourne (top), Funfields (middle) and Adventure Park Geelong's Tornado ride, supplied by ProSlide Technology (below).

10th November 2020 - Victorian Arts and Cultural centres to transform into COVIDSafe venues for festivals and events

9th November 2020 - New Victorian tourism campaign encourages exploration of local destinations

8th November 2020 - Victoria set to enter ‘Last Step’ measures from 22nd November

4th November 2020 - New $84 million elephant sanctuary to be developed at Victoria’s Werribee Zoo

4th November 2020 - Tourism Industry celebrates opening of NSW and Victoria border

27th October 2020 - Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says Melbourne’s Coronavirus restrictions will ease from Wednesday morning

26th October 2020 - Victoria’s decimated Tourism Economy needs State Government funding of $1.3 billion

23rd October 2020 - Victorian tourism industry unites in aim to drive reopening of visitor economy

22nd October 2020 - SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium appoints Laura Simmons as first female Displays Curator

9th October 2020 - Victorian Aquatic Industry Alliance wants to see children back in the pool

15th September 2020 - Easing of Coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria to allow resumption of outdoor activities and dining

14th July 2020 - SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium marks Shark Awareness Day with live streams and videos

27th May 2020 - AALARA releases guide for the reopening of Australia’s attractions industry

29th April 2020 - AALARA updates members on attractions sector challenges

25th March 2020 - AALARA releases COVID-19 Action Plan

24th March 2020 - Coronavirus Update: City of Melbourne ‘cleaning blitz’, Dreamworld food donations, Gumbuya World and MCA closures - 24th March 2019

16th December 2019 - Adventure Park ready for peak season with new waterslide and recognition as Victoria’s best attraction

4th December 2019 - Gumbuya World prepares for record-breaking crowds

1st November 2019 - Gumbuya World unveils new racer slides and wave pool

2nd October 2019 - Adventure Park Geelong reveals plans for soon-to-open triple funnel waterslide

20th December 2018 - Victoria’s first heated outdoor wave pool opens at Funfields

12th October 2016 - Funfields launches Virtual Reality Pirate Ship experience

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