Sub-Antarctic Speed Dating in Sydney

15 Feb 17

For some people, the 14th of February can be a wonderful hallmark holiday full of love hearts and sappy cards while for others it's a reminder of the commercial-driven modern world in which we live. Valentine's Day can be a cringe-fest of snap-happy loved up couples flaunting their happiness all over social media. For some it can be a lonely time, while for others it can simply mean over-priced flowers and packed restaurants. However for 12 single Sydneysiders, the fire of love has been stoked this Valentine's Day with Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium the coolest place to be.

Twelve lucky men and women put themselves straight in the firing line of cupid's arrow, with one of the country's most unique speed dating events, surrounding themselves with sub-Antarctic Penguins. Forget chocolates and teddy bears, these six couples spent their evening trying to spark some attraction at one of the most popular Sydney attractions.

In collaboration with Simple Speed Dating, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium provided lucky loners with the chance to find love this Valentine's Day. In what could literally be the coolest speed date ever, these Sydney singletons spent two and a half minutes travelling through sub-Antartic conditions surrounded by the first colony of Gentoo and King penguins in Sydney. Part of the new Penguin Expedition at SEA LIFE, the couples travelled on a boat through the exhibit as they tried to get to know each other.

Richard Dilly, General Manager, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, said "there is plenty of love in the air amongst the penguins themselves as they get to know each other in their new environment. In fact, there is currently a love triangle with our Gentoo penguin colony as Gibson can't decide between his two ladies, Roxy and Nella."
After their romantic albeit rapid speed date boat ride, the singles retreated to a warmer section of the Penguin Expedition exhibit before retiring to the Great Barrier Reef Theatre with a glass of bubbles to view the other marine life and to give the singles a chance to mingle.