Village Roadshow, Sea World launches new $4 million tourist attraction for whale-watching

The Gold Coast has unveiled a brand new multimillion dollar attraction, with the new addition expected to bring in thousands of extra tourists each week. SEE IT HERE FIRST.

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

The theme park has launched its $4 million state-of-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.

The new Sea World whale watch vessel, The Spirit of Migaloo II, on the Gold Coast. Picture: Jason O'Brien

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 viewing cameras.

Sea World Cruises General Manager Anthony Ardern said it was the most advanced whale-watching vessel currently on offer in Australia.

The VIP Captain's Lounge on-board the Spirit of Migaloo II - Sea World's newest whale-watching vessel.

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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.

On board The Spirit of Migaloo II - Sea World's newest whale-watching vessel.

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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 “world-class” 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.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks CEO Clark Kirby and Acting Mayor Donna Gates unveil the new Sea World Whale Watch vessel The Spirit of Migaloo II. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“It’s wonderful to see this level of continued investment by Sea World in tourism infrastructure for our city,” she said.

The new vessel is part of a revamp for the newly-renamed Sea World Cruises.

Sea World has also lowered the price of adult tickets from $99 to $69, and doubled the amount of daily tours to four cruises a day, in a bid to target day-visitors from the region.