Dreamworld announces ‘topping off’ of Steel Taipan rollercoaster

Dreamworld’s largest ever investment in a single attraction is coming closer to completion with the final piece of the Gold Coast theme park’s Steel Taipan rollercoaster’s unique ‘tail spike’ now in place.

When open, guests riding the rollercoaster will be sent up the tail spike backwards, preceding the rides third launch; the triple launch system being unique in the Southern Hemisphere.

Led by Condev Constructions, the Steel Taipan project has created over 200 south-east Queensland jobs and awarded over 98% of all contractor packages to local companies.

Announcing the milestone, Condev Construction Managing Director, Steve Marais stated “we are thrilled to see the final piece of the tail spike being installed today (as) this is definitely the most unique ‘topping out of a project’ we have ever had.

“It has taken a huge effort from all involved to get us to this magnificent milestone. We look forward to working closely with MACK Rides and Dreamworld towards completion of this exciting new attraction.”

Dreamworld anticipates a late 2021 opening for Steel Taipan, once electrical works, load station building, landscaping, and commissioning have been completed.

The Dreamworld team will work closely with team members and industry experts from German manufacturer, MACK Rides throughout the commissioning process for the attraction.

The rollercoaster train is set to see Australian shores in early July, with installation on the ride’s track planned for early August.

Dreamworld Chief Executive, Greg Yong added “it’s incredibly exciting to be one step closer to delivering a world-class rollercoaster experience for our guests.

“With Southern Hemisphere and world firsts, we truly believe we’ll be opening the best rollercoaster in Australia.”

Dreamworld acknowledges the Queensland Government and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport’s ongoing support under the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, allowing construction of the Steel Taipan project to progress and offering significant benefits to both the local economy and the tourism industry.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the investment in the Steel Taipan rollercoaster was part of the Gold Coast’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, stating “building the Steel Taipan is helping to deliver our Economic Recovery Plan by supporting 200 construction jobs for south east Queensland tradies, and that’s why the Palaszczuk Government has invested in the project.

“We know fresh theme park attractions are important to the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.”