NSW Premier launches Wildlife World at Darling Harbour

Sydneysiders and tourists can now enjoy an authentic Australian wildlife experience in the city with the launch of Sydney Wildlife World, officially opened today by NSW Premier, Morris Iemma.

Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the $50 million attraction, owned by the Sydney Attractions Group features the largest variety of native Australian plants and animals in the one location, with more than 6,000 animals and 130 different species.

During an official opening ceremony, Iemma commented on the boost Sydney Wildlife World will offer to the Australian tourism industry at both the domestic and international level.

“This new attraction is a wonderful addition to our tourism industry that will surprise not only visitors from overseas and interstate, but also locals. It provides an insight into our unique wildlife and encourages people to consider the importance of conservation of our precious, endangered species,” Mr Iemma said.

Spanning more than 1km of glass walkway over two storeys, visitors will go on a journey through various Australian habitats, including a Queensland rainforest full of tropical butterflies, a flight canyon replicating the Carnarvon Gorge, semi-arid grasslands from Australia’s red heart, a lush Daintree rainforest and wallaby cliffs modelled on the Flinders Ranges.  Unique animals will include the Cassowary (the world’s most dangerous bird) the Ulysses butterfly, the Yelllow-footed Rock Wallaby and the deadly Inland Taipan Snake.

“No other wildlife attraction offers the truly immersive and authentic experience we have created at Sydney Wildlife World,” Sydney Attractions Group CEO James Fulford said.

“We have essentially replicated habitats from around Australia, right down to the trees, grass and soil of each habitat, to provide the visitor with an experience they could only otherwise obtain if they travelled all around the country.”

To help raise public consciousness of the importance of conservation, Sydney Wildlife World is working in partnership with Australian Wildlife Conservancy to raise funds to protect endangered species.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works to protect Australia’s wildlife through acquiring land to create sanctuaries for threatened species, implementing practical conservation programs (such as eradicating feral animals and reintroducing endangered species), and conducting scientific research into key issues affecting biodiversity in Australia.

“Australian Wildlife Conservancy and Sydney Wildlife World have formed an innovative partnership that will both raise awareness about the plight of Australia’s threatened wildlife and deliver practical, on-ground action where it really counts – in the field.  Australian Wildlife Conservancy is pleased to be part of a partnership that will help provide a more secure future for Australia’s wildlife,” Mr Fleming said.

At the official opening, local indigenous group Gavala performed a blessing ceremony to welcome Sydney Wildlife World and pay respect to the traditional people of the Sydney area. Sydney Wildlife World is working closely with Gavala to obtain guidance, artworks and historical information that will strongly contribute to the Aboriginal themes prominent throughout the attraction.