Skip to main content

To celebrate National Science Week, Sea World Cruises will descend below the surface into the mysterious underwater world of whales with the launch of the Wine, Whales and Sea Tales events

Taking place over three nights in August, Wine, Whales & Sea Tales is an exciting line-up of science presentations, Q&A sessions, underwater photographic exhibits, short films, live music, vessel tours, giveaways and more.

Guests to the events will hear from six scientists across the week with speakers from Griffith UniversityThe University of QueenslandSea World Research & Rescue Foundation and Dolphin Research Australia. The event will also showcase the photography of Canon Master and AIPP Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year (2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007) Darren Jew who will be displaying his exquisite artwork of whales from around the world.

General Manager of Sea World Cruises, Anthony Ardern said the events are a unique experience for the local community to learn from leading researchers and visual artists who are making ground-breaking discoveries in our very own blue backyard

“As the city’s leading whale watching operator, we believe that we have a responsibility to help the whales benefit from tourism as much as we do,” he said.

“We use our whale watching boats as a platform for research, and we ensure that part of the income from our operations helps to fund ocean conservation. Hosting events where marine scientists and the local community can come together is an extension of that commitment.

“Modern technology has taken us to the Moon and beyond, but we are only just beginning to understand the extraordinary forms of intelligent life on own planet.”

Visiting Scholar at Griffith University and event speaker Laura Torre-Williams, said she is excited to be sharing her research with the local community.

“As a scientist, I feel we have a responsibility and privilege to be science communicators in our daily lives. The Gold Coast’s ocean ecosystems are incredibly special and events like this one help us share our results with the people it matters to the most,” she said

Held at the newly refurbished Sea World Cruises Terminal, the venue boasts a spacious, covered outdoor area complete with comfy lounges, heaters, a fully-licensed bar and unrestricted views of the Gold Coast Broadwater. For those feeling peckish, chef Johnno will be serving up a tasty barbeque dinner featuring seasonal produce sourced from regional farmers and growers.

The main event will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with doors open from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Audiences are welcome to arrive early, and stay late, to enjoy live entertainment and tour the recently launched Spirit of Migaloo II, Australia’s newest and most advanced whale watching vessel.

For more information or to reserve tickets, people can visit seaworldcruises.com.au/events. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children (3-13 years old.).  Ticket includes single night entry with a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink and a surprise gift. All proceeds from the event will be donated to independent marine research projects that tackle issues endangering local marine life.

Speaker Line-up

Monday, 12 August 2019

Decoding Sounds of Ocean Giants

Dr Rebecca Dunlop – Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Making Tracks on the Humpback Highway

Dr Olaf Meynecke – Research Fellow, Griffith University

Wednesday, 14 August 2019

Inside the Secret Lives of Dolphins

Dr Elizabeth Hawkins – Founding Director, Dolphin Research Australia

How to Save a Whale in 3 Days

Tacha Mulligan – Animal Care Supervisor, Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation

Friday, 16 August 2019

Humpbacks: Sentinels of Sea-ice

Susan Bengtson Nash – Associate Professor, Griffith University

Sex Under the Sea: Migration, Mating and Motherhood

Laura Torre-Williams – Visiting Scholar, Griffith University