Gold Coast theme parks ‘temporarily close’ in reaction to Coronavirus crisis

March 23, 2020

Gold Coast theme parks Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, along with Paradise Country and Topgolf, are to temporarily cease operations due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks confirmed the closure on Sunday afternoon, revealing that they will close following “recent Government announcements and the increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases both nationally and on the Gold Coast.”

A statement from the company advised "at Village Roadshow Theme Parks our number one priority has been and will always be the health and safety of our guests and team members.

“This is an extremely challenging time, and this is not a decision which was made lightly.”

The company confirmed staff will be provided access to their accrued leave entitlements while they are stood down, also advising that executives salaries have also been reduced.

The statement went on to say "as a result of this closure, unfortunately many team members have been temporarily stood down during this period.

“The decision has been made to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the business, and most importantly to secure future jobs for our team members.”

“We are engaging with our team members to support them during this period.”

At this stage, Sea World Resort and Village Roadshow Studios are continuing to operate, with the company advising “VRTP will continuously review the situation and be guided by the Queensland Hotels Association and appropriate levels of Government.

“Since COVID-19 emerged, VRTP has worked closely with Government and leading experts to ensure that at all times it has adopted the highest level of health & safety practices.”

The theme parks will be closed from close of business on Sunday 22 March and are expected to remain shut until at least 31 March.

Ardent Leisure has also announced that it will "temporarily cease operating Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, effective from Monday 23rd March 2020".

A statement from Ardent advised the closure was "a direct result of the global COVID-19 situation, and the Government’s most recently announced measures regarding social distancing, including restrictions on non-essential indoor and mass gatherings."

The statement added "we can assure the public that we have not been notified of any confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) at our properties. We will continue to monitor and follow advice from Government Health Authorities.

Village Roadshow has also closed all of its cinemas.

21st March 2020 - One million jobs a day being lost due to Coronavirus pandemic

20th March 2020 - New four square metre rule for indoor spaces announced

20th March 2020 - Reports indicate reopening of theme parks and museums in China

20th March 2020 - Risk management leader sees the Coronavirus crisis as a unique test of resilience

23rd March 2020 - Laserforce shares recent developments and installations

20th March 2020 - Australian tourism sector losing $3 billion a month as travel restrictions bite

20th March 2020 - Coronavirus crisis closes Auckland’s Rainbow’s End

19th March 2020 - Luna Park Sydney announces temporary closure

19th March 2020 - Australasian Leisure Management and the Coronavirus crisis

16th March 2020 - Gold Coast theme parks to remain open as Coronavirus fears lead to international closures

3rd February 2020 - Gold Coast tourism suffers $40 million dip due to Coronavirus and bushfires impact

25th February 2020 - Ardent Leisure faces possible prosecution over 2016 ride deaths

25th February 2020 - Ardent Leisure shares fall after critical Coroner’s report into Dreamworld tragedy

25th February 2020 - Queensland Government announces acceptance of Coroner’s findings into 2016 Dreamworld ride deaths

24th February 2020 - Coroner’s report on Dreamworld fatalities exposes Ardent Leisure to prosecution for multiple safety breaches

7th February 2020 - Dreamworld enjoys successful peak season

24th January 2020 - Private equity group BGH submits rival bid for Village Roadshow

20th December 2019 - Private equity firm makes $750 million offer for Village Roadshow

15th October 2019 - Village Roadshow reveals profit turnaround in last financial year

17th December 2019 - Sea World Helicopters opens new multi-million-dollar terminal

11th September 2019 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks reveal schedule for opening of new Sea World attractions

18th January 2020 - South east Queensland deluge closes Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet’n'Wild Gold Coast

30th September 2019 - Warner Bros. Movie World brings back Fright Nights events

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.