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

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.