Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan rollercoaster reaches new construction milestone

Construction of Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan triple launch rollercoaster has reached a new milestone with the top of the ride’s fully inverted loop installed, tunnel announced and train in transit.

With construction having commenced in October 2020 and the ride anticipated to open in late 2021, Condev Constructions have already completed over 40% of the track installation, utilising over 125 track pieces, 140 column pieces, 6,000 high strength bolts and having installed 520 pile foundations.

In addition, Dreamworld has also revealed a key piece of theming planned for the attraction. Guests will race through a rock tunnel situated in the Taipan’s arid desert home at up to 105 km/h, experiencing an exhilarating burst of darkness during the 1.2 kilometre ride.  

The final update from the Dreamworld team is that the rollercoaster train has now left German manufacturer, MACK Rides and is expected to arrive at Dreamworld in late June. The snake-themed train has been custom-designed to fit the reptilian theme of the rollercoaster and includes the world’s first spinning rear gondola.

Dreamworld Chief Executive, Greg Yong notes “It’s incredibly exciting for our team to celebrate these major milestones and we can’t wait for our guests to enjoy the most unique rollercoaster experience in Australia, right here at Dreamworld.”

The Steel Taipan project is generating over $15 million of contractor works and is providing employment to over 200 people across the local economy, with over 100% of trades currently awarded to South East Queensland businesses.  

Steve Marais, Condev Construction Managing Director added “this rollercoaster is a first for Condev and we are thrilled to be part of such an exciting project with Dreamworld who have been a world class attraction here on the Gold Coast for decades, yet they are continuing the raise the bar with this exciting new attraction. As a local Gold Coast family business, we love working with local Gold Coast clients and utilising the local work force and suppliers. We are excited that once completed this new attraction will inject a much-needed boost into the local tourism and economy.”

Dreamworld acknowledges the Queensland State Government and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport ongoing support under the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, allowing construction of the Steel Taipan project to continue, and benefitting not only the local economy through job creation but also the Gold Coast tourism industry.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Steel Taipan would be an added attraction for Australia’s theme park capital adding “every year many thousands of visitors from around the country head to the Gold Coast for a theme park experience.”

For construction updates go to dreamworld.com.au/

Image top: Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan triple launch coaster -  top of the ride’s fully inverted loop installed; image above - model of the planned Taipan rock tunnel