Ardent Leisure unveils plans for $60 million in upgrades at Dreamworld

November 25, 2022

Ardent Leisure has revealed the latest phase of its future growth plan, including area upgrades and ride investments of over $60 million.

Following the launch of its Steel Taipan rollercoaster and the celebration of the Gold Coast theme park’s 40th anniversary in 2021, Dreamworld will see the addition of a “world first” rollercoaster and a flyer ride along with a new jungle adventure theme land called Rivertown.

The Jungle Rush rollercoaster, to be built by Dutch ride specialist Vekoma, will feature a 'world-first inclined turntable', which can be used to rotate the individual cars in the ride.

At $35 million, Jungle Rush, which has been compared to Disney's much-praised Indiana Jones adventure, will be the Dreamworld’s most expensive ride ever.

Set to open by the end of 2024, Jungle Rush will have 12 'airtime elements' and can run backwards and forwards.

The new rollercoaster will be part of the jungle-themed Rivertown precinct, built in the area of the park’s vintage car ride, which will be reimagined.

As reported by the Gold Coast Bulletin, Dreamworld's upgrade will also include several other rides for both adults and children and a major change to 'Tiger Island'.

While guests can still view the park's tigers, within 18 months direct contact between tigers and handlers will be phased out because of, as Ardent Leisure advise “changing public sentiment around performing animals”.

As part of the redevelopment, a new wave swinger ride, named the Dreamworld Flyer will open next year, situated alongside the Dreamworld Globe.

Other new attractions and updates include an extension of Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland and Ocean Parade extension and the introduction of solar power.

Commenting on the investment, Dreamworld Chief Executive, Greg Yong stated “since the announcement of the first phase of Dreamworld’s future growth, while we have faced various challenges, we have also reached some incredible milestones and made some significant improvements both fiscally - and, importantly, in relation to our guest experience.

“Despite the challenges faced, we have reached the incredible milestone of helping guests at Dreamworld make memories for over 40 years, and this series of announcements will help us to ensure we make them for many more.”

For the upcoming peak holiday season, Dreamworld will be operating a pop circus entertainment offering features free daily shows with globe riders, aerial acts, comedy acts, clowns and hydro stunts in the Dreamworld Pond.

Images: Concepts for Dreamworld's upgrades and new rides: the Jungle Rush (top), the Riverland precinct (middle) and new wave swinger (below).

18th October 2022 - Global attractions attendance report reveals 2021 as a year of recovery

20th September 2022 - Ardent Leisure secures Major Amusement Park Licences from regulator

25th August 2022 - Ardent Leisure reports rising revenue and Greg Yong’s promotion to group Chief Executive

27th July 2022 - Ardent Leisure allowed to use $2.7 million in koala research funding for new Dreamworld rollercoaster

19th July 2022 - Ardent Leisure in a ‘position to capitalise’ on recovering tourism market

29th June 2022 - Shareholders back sale of Ardent Leisure’s US-based Main Event business

7th April 2022 - Ardent Leisure to sell USA-based Main Event division and focus on Australian attractions

28th February 2022 - Ardent Leisure shows doubling of revenue in the first six months of 2021/22 financial year

26th December 2021 - Ardent Leisure drops plans for Dreamworld hotel

15th December 2021 - Dreamworld celebrates 40th anniversary with opening of its new Steel Taipan rollercoaster

2nd September 2021 - Ardent Leisure Chairman says group is well positioned for future growth

17th August 2021 - With new Steel Taipan rollercoaster approaching completion Dreamworld retires its BuzzSaw ride

29th January 2021 - Dreamworld welcomes ‘positive’ guest feedback as summer sees rollercoaster relaunch

10th December 2020 - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigating Dreamworld safety incidents

2nd December 2020 - Dreamworld announces summer entertainment and new rollercoaster name

29th September 2020 - Ardent Leisure fined $3.6 million over 2016 Dreamworld deaths

23rd September 2020 - Dreamworld and WhiteWater World reveal successful operational restart

14th August 2020 - Ardent Leisure to reopen Dreamworld on 16th September

7th August 2020 - $70 million Queensland Government lifeline drives Ardent Leisure’s Dreamworld reopening announcement

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