Ever wondered what makes Dreamworld Australia's largest and most beloved theme park? Located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Dreamworld has been a favorite destination for thrill-seekers, families, and animal lovers since its opening in 1981. Founded by John Longhurst, this sprawling park offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, interactive animal exhibits, and themed areas inspired by popular DreamWorks Animation films. From the towering Dreamworld Tower to the immersive Dreamworld Corroboree, there's something for everyone. Whether you're eager to experience the world's tallest freefall ride or snap a selfie with a koala, Dreamworld promises unforgettable memories.
Key Takeaways:
- Dreamworld, located in Australia, was founded in 1974 and offers thrilling rides, unique animal encounters, and ongoing developments, making it a must-visit for entertainment enthusiasts.
- With iconic structures like the Dreamworld Tower and unique rides such as The Giant Drop, Dreamworld continues to evolve with new attractions and upgrades, promising endless fun for visitors of all ages.
Dreamworld: A Historical Overview
Dreamworld, located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is a beloved theme park with a rich history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its origins and evolution.
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Dreamworld was founded by John Longhurst in 1974 when he purchased 58 hectares of land in Coomera, Queensland. The park took seven years to construct and officially opened to the public on December 15, 1981.
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The Dreamworld Tower stands 119 meters (390 feet) high. This iconic structure houses The Giant Drop and the now-retired Tower of Terror II, both of which were record-breaking rides.
Thrilling Attractions and Roller Coasters
Dreamworld is renowned for its adrenaline-pumping rides. Here are some of the most notable ones.
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The Tower of Terror II made its final rides in 2019. This roller coaster was once the world's tallest and fastest, offering a heart-stopping experience.
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Mick Doohan's Motocoaster is a motorbike roller coaster that has received mixed reviews for its simplicity and rough ride experience.
Animal Encounters and Exhibits
Dreamworld isn't just about rides; it also offers unique animal experiences.
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The Dreamworld Corroboree is dedicated to Australian wildlife. Visitors can take selfies with koalas and kangaroos, making it a must-visit for animal lovers.
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Tiger Island is a well-themed area where Bengal and white tigers interact with keepers. The tiger shows are particularly popular.
Themed Areas and Experiences
Dreamworld features several themed areas that transport visitors to different worlds.
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The DreamWorks Experience area consists of three small themed lands: Shrek’s Faire Faire Away, Kung Fu Panda’s Land of Awesomeness, and Madagascar Madness. These areas showcase some of Dreamworld’s best theming skills.
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Ocean Parade opened in 1993 and features the Wipeout, a $6 million ride that was the world’s first Vekoma Wakiki Wave Super Flip.
Unique Rides and Attractions
Dreamworld offers some truly unique rides that you won't find anywhere else.
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The Giant Drop, which opened on December 26, 1998, is a $12 million ride designed by Intamin. It was the world’s tallest and fastest freefall ride at the time of its opening.
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BuzzSaw, a Maurer Söhne SkyLoop roller coaster, opened in 2011. It was part of a plan to incorporate DreamWorks Animation films and characters into the park.
Memorable Moments and Changes
Dreamworld has seen its share of memorable moments and significant changes over the years.
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A tragic accident occurred on the Thunder River Rapids Ride on October 25, 2016, resulting in the deaths of four people. The ride was subsequently closed.
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The Rocky Hollow Log Ride made its last rides in 2020. This log flume was unique for its boats fitted with plastic roofs to prevent passengers from standing up.
Areas for Younger Visitors
Dreamworld caters to visitors of all ages, including younger guests.
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Kennyland, which opened in 1999, features the Adventure Trail and other attractions designed for younger visitors.
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Koala Country, which opened in 1987, features a variety of koala exhibits and interactive play areas, educating visitors about Australian wildlife.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Dreamworld continues to evolve with new attractions and upgrades.
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The Dreamworld Flyer, announced for 2023, is a family-friendly ride that sends guests tilting and spinning into the sky.
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Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland is a new kids' area refreshed with over $15 million of investment, featuring reimagined attractions and brand-new rides.
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Ocean Parade has seen upgrades, including the reimagination of the bumper cars attraction and the addition of a themed splash zone.
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Rivertown Development is transforming the land previously occupied by ABC KIDS and The Wiggles World into a new themed environment with two new attractions.
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Jungle Rush Rollercoaster is the most significant single investment in Dreamworld’s history, with a budget of $35 million. This world-class family rollercoaster will feature 12 airtime elements and is set to open late 2024.
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Dreamworld has announced significant investments for 2023 and 2024, totaling over $50 million. These investments will deliver new attractions and area upgrades.
Special Programs and Offers
Dreamworld offers special programs and passes for frequent visitors.
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Dreamworld offers an annual pass program that allows visitors to be among the first to experience new attractions and exciting future announcements.
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The park's Night Market features the Dreamworld Flyer as an additional pay-per-play option, adding more fun to evening visits.
Iconic Structures and Rides
Some structures and rides at Dreamworld have become iconic over the years.
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The Dreamworld Tower required the rerouting of the Avis Vintage Cars track around the tower during its construction. The tower was manufactured by Swiss amusement ride manufacturer Intamin at a cost of over $1 million.
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The Creature Cruise, manufactured and opened in 1997, is a free-flow boat ride that takes riders past 140 handcrafted animals, birds, and marine life in their respective habitats.
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The Village Oval themed area includes the Creature Cruise and other attractions, designed to resemble a village and offering a variety of rides and exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
Dreamworld: A Must-Visit Destination
Dreamworld is a dynamic theme park that offers a mix of thrilling rides, interactive animal exhibits, and family-friendly attractions. From the towering Dreamworld Tower to the immersive DreamWorks Experience, there's something for everyone. The park's commitment to innovation is evident in its recent and upcoming investments, like the Jungle Rush rollercoaster and the Dreamworld Flyer. With areas like Tiger Island, Ocean Parade, and the soon-to-be Rivertown, Dreamworld continues to evolve, providing new experiences for visitors. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, an animal lover, or just looking for a fun family day out, Dreamworld has it all. Annual passholders get exclusive benefits, making frequent visits even more rewarding. Dreamworld remains a top destination on the Gold Coast, promising excitement and adventure for all ages.
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