Dreamworld celebrates 40th anniversary with opening of its new Steel Taipan rollercoaster

Coinciding with Dreamworld’s 40th anniversary, their newest attraction - the Steel Taipan rollercoaster - opens today, with the ride anticipated to deliver the Gold Coast visitor economy a $30 million boost. 

First announced by the park in August 2019, the highly anticipated thrill ride features the first rear spinning gondola in the world, the Tailwhip 360⁰.

With a top speed of 105 kilometres an hour and a G-force of 3.8, the Steel Taipan is destined to be a hit with thrill-seekers and as it is the only rollercoaster of its kind in Australia, the adrenalin of the Steel Taipan is predicted to bring an extra 250,000 visitors a year to the Gold Coast.

The Steel Taipan is based on the Blue Fire rollercoaster at Europa Park in Germany. Both were designed by German manufacturer MACK Rides, one of the international amusement industry’s most experienced operators. Gold Coast company Condev Construction led the construction of Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe notes “coinciding with Dreamworld’s 40th birthday, the $32 million rollercoaster is equipped with Australian’s first triple launch system to test the fortitude of ride enthusiasts. The Steel Taipan’s 1.2 kilometres of twists and turns are a huge vote of confidence in Gold Coast tourism.”

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick highlighted the Queensland Government worked closely with Dreamworld early in the pandemic to help make the rollercoaster a reality, supporting it through a $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Minister Dick added “construction of the Steel Taipan created 200 Gold Coast trade jobs when they were needed most, generating around $15 million for Queensland businesses in the south-east. Now it’s rolling, the ride will support 30 ongoing operational work opportunities for locals. That’s why we partnered with Dreamworld on the Steel Taipan, to accelerate our COVID Economic Recovery Plan for Gold Coast tourism.”

Dreamworld Chief Executive Greg Yong said the timing of the Steel Taipan’s launch was perfect adding “we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 40th birthday than the opening of the biggest new attraction in Dreamworld’s history.       

“Following a challenging couple of years, we felt committed to building a world-class tourism infrastructure asset that will benefit not only Dreamworld but also the entire SEQ tourism sector. We’re incredibly grateful for the funding that supported this important project.    

“There is no doubt aviation, accommodation, and other tourism businesses throughout SEQ will derive substantial benefit from this significant investment into critical tourism infrastructure.”

For more information go to dreamworld.com.au.