SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling HarbourCredit: Destination NSW
Young boy enjoying his visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
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Visitors haven’t been able to step inside the magical enclaves of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo for some time, but a series of TikTok videos via @sealifesydneyaquarium and @wildlifesydneyzoo, are taking the menagerie of sea and land creatures to the world, reaching a bigger global audience than pre-lockdown. Fans enjoying up-close views of the colourful inhabitants now number in the millions, with an adorable penguin video going viral garnering a whopping 5.8 million views.
This pivot has created a new business arm for both SEA LIFE and WILD LIFE, which are owned by Merlin Entertainment, a leader in location-based, family entertainment venues and experiences. “The team has been determined to showcase all of the interesting things that occur within our attractions every single day,” says Kristy Brown, Head of PR with ANZ Merlin Entertainment.
“Our aquarists and keepers are still on site daily, caring for our animals and providing them with wonderful enrichment opportunities that our guests love to see.”
A vibrant range of entertaining and educational content via live streams and private Zoom sessions has seen the pivot turn profitable. New Wild at Home Tours offer 45-minute private and interactive virtual meetings with SEA LIFE aquarists or WILD LIFE keepers to meet the animals and ask questions. “It shows the best of Australia’s wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the majestic underwater wonders at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium,” says Brown.
Conservation, protection and exploration are at the core of SEA LIFE and WILD LIFE, and in this time of lockdown, online education has taken a front seat through the free Wild at Home hub on the website, which has drawn in the highest number of visitors across the Merlin Entertainment portfolio. “The Wild at Home hub is the ultimate online destination for parents looking for fun and educational activities to keep the kids entertained,” says Brown. It has also received positive feedback from teachers. “They appreciate the extra free content to support learning from home.”
Wild Life Sydney Credit: Merlin Entertainment Group
Wild Life Sydney, Australian animal adventure at Darling Harbour
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Wild Life Sydney Credit: Merlin Entertainment Group
Wild Life Sydney, Australian animal adventure at Darling Harbour
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Native koala at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney.
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WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Native koala at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney.
The content has been shared far and wide. A recent TikTok video of a feeding time dance routine by the keepers of the gentoo penguins has been the most successful. The video, showing the penguins becoming engaged with their dancing keepers to the trending track Fancy Like by Walker Hayes, went viral, scoring a combined 5.8 million views.
The stunning result saw SEA LIFE’s TikTok following increase from 27,000 to over 100,000 in just five days. It was also shared on the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s Instagram and Facebook pages, reaching an additional 135,000 viewers.
“Many of our guests are missing the animals at SEA LIFE Sydney and WILD LIFE Sydney so it’s been a pleasure to be able to keep them connected, and it has helped many families get through those long days of home-schooling.”
Some of the other star performers on TikTok include a dugong named Pig, the seahorses, stingrays and giant sharks. “We have been sharing feel-good videos across all our channels,” adds Brown.
For the time being, the doors remain shut of both attractions. “Given a high proportion of Merlin’s visitors are from overseas or interstate, trading conditions continue to be significantly impacted,” admits Brown. But she’s optimistic about the valuable lessons learned from the lockdowns that will vigorously drive the business into the future. “Businesses learned very quickly to be agile and never count on things staying the same, but in spite of these tough times, some of the most innovative and creative ideas flourished,” she says. “Listening to what your customers want and being creative enough to deliver it in new ways is key.”
visitsealife.com/sydney
wildlifesydney.com.au
Facebook: @sydneyaquarium
Instagram: @sealifesydneyaquarium
Tiktok: @sealifesydneyaquarium
Facebook: @wildlifesydney
Instagram: @wildlifesydneyzoo
TikTok: @wildlifesydneyzoo
For more information on things to see and do in Sydney go to www.sydney.com
Share your favourite holidays in Sydney and NSW on social media using @sydney #ilovesydney @visitnsw #lovensw.
The NSW Government via Destination NSW is sharing a series of NSW Success Stories – businesses of all types that have adapted their offerings to face the current environment and continue serving their community with a fresh approach and shining success. These innovative initiatives are nothing short of inspiring.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying their visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
#ilovesydney
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying their visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying their visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
#ilovesydney
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying their visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.