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Aquaduck Sunshine Coast Visual Story

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Arrival at Aquaduck Sunshine Coast

Upon arrival at The Wharf, visitors will find the Aquaduck departure point in front of SEALIFE Sunshine Coast. This unique amphibious vessel offers a combined land and water tour of Mooloolaba, spending around 40 minutes cruising the waters and 20 minutes exploring by road. 

Visitors should note that the Aquaduck requires ascending five steps to board and whilst the entry is not wheelchair accessible, the team will support individuals with mobility disability to explore what can work.

Parking at The Wharf includes over 400 spaces with a 4-hour limit and six designated access and inclusion bays, subject to peak period occupancy. The nearest bathroom facilities are located within The Wharf precinct.

Aquaduck in front of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast white corrugated building with two large posters for Little Blue Penguin and Sea Island on the upper left and right wall. Aquaduck is a large bus with orange-white color schemes, blue waves, a logo, and the word “AQUADUCK” on the side. Inside the bus are blue seats occupied by visitors. The bus front resembles the head of a smiling duck with a big yellow beak. To the back are people near ramp access with handrails, while behind are palm trees.
Front of the Aquaduck are two headlights at the bottom and below the driver’s glass window to the right is a small white plate number 101-XEZ. On the right side is a 5-tiered step with handrails to board the amphibious vessel. It is parked on the side of a red brick pathway and a blue fence that shows a shark and a professional diver with the words "Get Closer Than Ever Before" and “Shark Dive” in white letters. Seen above the fence is a glass railing, while to the left is the car park.
Side of the Aquaduck parked near a red brick pathway that is partly shaded by palm trees. Detailed below the right glass window of the driver’s corner is a black typeface that reads “Reggie 445751” and “PH: 5539-0222”. On the ceiling inside the vessel are orange life jackets. The side body has an orange-white color scheme, blue waves, a logo, and the word “AQUADUCK.” Left of the Aquaduck is the car park that has an alternating black and yellow speed bump. To the back are two white buildings.
Group of happy adults and children posing for a photo in front of the Aquaduck parked near the red brick pathway and a blue fence that shows a professional diver with an okay sign and yellow diving goggles. Detailed below the driver’s right window are “Reggie 445751” and “PH: 5539-0222”. Further to the left is a white building with a blue sign that says “SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast” in white letters and a green perforated gate with a blue-green sign for ENTRY ONLY in white letters over above.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Trees rustling
  2. People walking & talking
  3. Vehicles driving past
  4. Excited children
  5. Directional Instructions
Smell

Smells

  1. Coastal air
  2. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  3. Café aromas (distant)
  4. Mulch
Touch

Feel

  1. Excited
  2. Elevated heart rate
  3. Close proximity to others
  4. Stepped entry
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Large, tall, imposing vehicle
  2. People queuing
  3. Parked vehicles
  4. Trees & gardens
  5. Large wheels on vessel

Boarding Aquaduck and around town

As visitors board the Aquaduck via the steps, staff assist in locating their seats and securing seatbelts, with handrails present for additional support. A safety orientation precedes the tour, which navigates through Mooloolaba's beach, esplanade, and the renowned Sunshine Strip. 

Observers often notice pedestrians smiling, waving and gesturing towards the unique vehicle. Throughout the experience, guides narrate the region's indigenous history, early European settlement, beach culture, and native wildlife.

The tour's highlight is the Aquaduck's seamless transition from land as a truck, to become a boat in the Mooloolah River.

Entry to the Aquaduck is through a middle rectangular opening, which is part of the red AQUADUCK detailed on the body of the vessel. There is a 5-tiered, stainless steel stair with a rough surface for added friction against the footwear to avoid slipping, and yellow lines mark it. On the sides of the stairs is a rope handrail knot around two stainless steel posts. Beside the stairs is a woman wearing a blue shirt and dark sunglasses in front of a circular table with a black top and yellow body.
Interior of the Aquaduck at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. The bus has a white ceiling with two lanes of orange life vests inside plastic and is secured by black straps forming an X. On the side of the ceiling are small signs for rules to be remembered. The seats behind the driver are arranged in rows of 4 blue seats with yellow, red, and light blue line patterns and are separated by a center aisle. The bus has large windows on both sides with white frames and a floor with black rubber mats.
The middle of the Aquaduck is a long bench-type seat with a back support that has blue seat padding with yellow, red, and light blue line patterns. To the back is another row of 4 blue seats with yellow, red, and light blue line patterns, which are separated by a center aisle. Above and below the windows are varying colors and sizes of signs for rules and safety precautions. On the ceiling are two lanes of orange life vests inside plastic secured by black straps forming an X.
Aquaduck passing through the white zebra crossing in SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. The vessel has orange-white color schemes, blue waves, a logo, and the word “AQUADUCK” on the side. The front resembles the head of a smiling duck with a big yellow beak. On the right is a verge garden with grasses that have parallel venation. To the left is a large pine tree and behind it is a car park, a pathway with palm trees on its edge, and parking signs, with the ocean in the background.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Announcements
  2. Tour guide narration
  3. Engine sounds
  4. Vehicles driving past
  5. Truck noises
Smell

Smells

  1. Ocean smells
  2. Food aromas
  3. Damp carpet
  4. Vehicle exhaust (ocassional)
  5. Cleaning products (mild)
Touch

Feel

  1. Close proximity (semi enclosed)
  2. Excitement & anticipation
  3. Elevation
  4. Bumpy & bouncy movements
  5. Steep stepped entry
Sight

Sight

  1. Elevated views in traffic
  2. Shops, vehicles & other attractions
  3. People pointing at vessel
  4. Pedestrians waving
  5. Vibrant life jackets

Splashdown on Aquaduck

When the Aquaduck transitions from land to water, passengers experience the 'splashdown' as the aluminium-hulled, amphibious vessel enters the Mooloolah River. Descending down a steep boat ramp passengers may experience a sense of excitement and apprehension of "What Happens Next". 

A series of unique movement sensations may be experienced as the truck starts to float, the wheels loose contact with the bottom, and the propeller engages to propel the boat. Visually the sensation of elevation from sitting at high truck height to sitting close to water line level is notable.

Aquaduck descending down a steep boat ramp. A visible difference in the floor from grey to cement color can be seen in the image. The background features a clear blue sky, a body of water, buildings, vehicles, and a palm tree on the right. The vessel has orange-white color schemes, blue waves, a logo, and the word “AQUADUCK” on the side. The front resembles the head of a smiling duck with a big yellow beak. Found on the end of the vessel are two orange life buoys.
Aerial view of the Aquaduck, transitioning from the steep ramp and into the light blue water of Mooloolaba River. Noticeable on top of the vessel are three yellow squares with white straps on the sides. On the left side of the vessel is a long, smooth bridge in the middle of the corrugated steep ramp that extends beyond the scope of view of the image. As the Aquaduck enters the water, it creates a series of small waves.
Aerial view from the left side of the Aquaduck leaving the steep boat ramp with horizontal lines. In the middle of the ramp is a smooth bridge that has a short ramp entry access with two yellow bollards. The bridge ends at a deeper portion of the Mooloolah River. On the right side of the bridge are three black posts with a white cone top. Further to the back of the ramp is a parking lot where several cars are parked adjacent to the rocky shorelines.
Aquaduck ascending from the steep boat ramp. Image also shows the yellow bollard at the start of the short ramp of the middle bridge. From this image, the short ramp is made of concrete, while the bridge is supported by a grey frame on the side and a grey structure underground. The back of the image shows the residential area and a marina filled with sailboats.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Whirr of machinery
  2. Spinning propellor sounds
  3. Splashing water
  4. Constant hum
  5. Directional Instructions
Smell

Smells

  1. Marine smells
  2. Salty air
  3. Vehicle exhaust fumes (occasional)
  4. Carpet (wet)
Touch

Feel

  1. Splash down
  2. Uncertainty
  3. Excitement & amazement
  4. Steep incline
  5. Bracing for the unknown
Sight

Sight

  1. Changing elevation
  2. Water splashing
  3. Passengers cheering & laughing
  4. Vessel entering water
  5. Steep entry into water

As a boat on Aquaduck

The tour continues along the river as a boat, allowing for views of the expansive waterways, complete with sights of impressive homes and luxurious mansions along the shoreline, fishing industry and notable Mooloolaba Historical moments. 

Emphasizing safety, there's no need for swimming skills; passengers remain on board throughout the tour. Life jackets are readily available, and staff are trained to assist in emergencies.

Aquaduck amphibious vehicle in the water. The vessel has orange-white color schemes, blue waves, a logo, and the word “AQUADUCK” on the side. The front resembles the head of a smiling duck with a big yellow beak. Found on the end of the vessel are two orange life buoys. The passengers sitting in their seats are feasting their eyes on the beautiful view of the surroundings and the calm waters of the Mooloolaba River. The background is a marina with many boats and yachts.
The Aquaduck navigating the waters of the Mooloolaba River. The amphibious vehicle creates bubbles of water against its back portion. To the right end are sailboats and yachts for the rich fishing industry of the place. Also visible from this image are docks and bridges available in the area, as well as the parking area protected by varying tree types.
View of the Aquaduck in the water focusing on the folded 5-tiered stainless steel stair with yellow lines and rope handrails of the portion. The passengers are seated on blue seat padding with yellow, red, and light blue line patterns. The boat has a white roof with a warning sign that reads, “Mind your head,” and other safety signs and instructions on the walls. The boat has large windows that offer a view of the water and the shore.
A smiling girl with blonde hair is wearing a captain's hat with white, black, pink color and yellow rope. A yellow stuffed duck with black AQUADUCK lettering in the middle of its chest is placed on top of the black steering wheel. The girl is wearing a blue netted sweater and is sitting on a grey seat with a black cover.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Splashing water
  2. Whirr of machinery
  3. Spinning propellor sounds
  4. Loud speaker
  5. Constant hum
Smell

Smells

  1. Marine smells
  2. Salt air
  3. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  4. Carpet (wet)
Touch

Feel

  1. Movement on water (listing to one side)
  2. Salt spray
  3. Vibrations through boat & floor
  4. Splashes from water
  5. Amazement & excitement
Sight

Sight

  1. Large waterfront houses
  2. Water & river
  3. Passengers enjoying ride
  4. Splashing water
  5. Passengers driving the boat
Two hands shaking Thankyou graphic

Thank You

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