Friday 23 December 2005

Some of Australia's Fastest have gone Superman Fast on Warner Bros. Movie World's Superman Escape

To celebrate the December 26 opening of Warner Bros. Movie World’s awesome new Superman Escape, on Thursday December 22 some of the country’s FASTEST stars have gone SUPERMAN fast test-riding Australia’s only catapult rollercoaster which travels 0-100 kms/h in just 2 seconds!

From swimmers, sprinters and surfers to speed skaters, racing car drivers and footballers - a selection of some of Australia’s fastest sporting talent experienced 760 metres of vertical climbs, weightless drops, head spinning twists and giant G-force turns on the awesome new Superman Escape – which completely redefines the coaster experience.

The fast celebrities braving the awesome new ride are as follows:

MATT SHIRVINGTON. After five consecutive years of sole dominance of the 100m Australian Title, Matt placed second to Patrick Johnson at the 2003 Australian Championships. However, he responded by clocking 10.09 seconds, the fastest ever legal time by an Australian on home soil, at the last of the Telstra A-series meets for the 2003 domestic season.

LIBBY LENTON. Queensland Academy of Sport athlete Libby was recently named the Short Course Swimmer of the Year and the Female Sprint and Distance Swimmer of the Year at the Australian Swimming Awards. At the recent World Championships (Montreal) she took home three Gold Medals and two Silver Medals. In the Australian Short Course Championships 100m freestyle semi final she broke short course world record in a time of 51.70, making her the first woman to go under the 52 sec barrier.

LEISEL JONES. Leisel, also a Queensland Academy of Sport athlete, was named the 2005 World Swimmer of the Year along with Grant Hackett. It is only the second time that two Australians have won the award. In the recent World Championships (Montreal) Leisel took home three Gold Medals and set a new world record in the 200m breaststroke (2.21.72).

STEVEN JOHNSON. Steven is the current V8 Supercar driver with two round wins to his credit, the pilot of the number 17 First Rock Home Loan’s car is a consistent top 10 finisher in arguably the world’s most competitive touring car series.

WILL DAVISON. Will is the newly appointed driver of the number 18 V8 Telecom car in the V8 Supercars series. Will has previously tested a Formula 1 car and is the current driver in the Australian entry in the A1 grand prix series.

DREW MITCHELL. Wallaby and The Reds leading try scorer in 2005 with four in 11 Super 12 games - Drew’s exceptional speed means he can play at fullback, wing or outside centre. When he wasn’t playing rugby in his school days, he participated in athletics as a sprinter. The last occasion he timed himself (which was a while ago) he ran sub-five second 40m. Drew won his first Wallabies cap in 2005, scoring on debut against the Springboks and has continued his knack of finding the line, scoring six tries in ten Tests.

ALEX BROSQUE. Queensland Roar’s immensely talented and swift left-sided striker has represented Australia at senior level, playing in all of Australia’s games at the 2004 Olympics. Brosque is one of Australia’s brightest talents and is destined for great things on both the local and international stages. Fellow Queensland Roar player JONTI RICHTER is a crowd favourite. This exciting and dynamic attacker has represented Australia at Under 20 level. Richter’s pace and skill has tormented defenders in the inaugural Hyundai A-League season.

JOSH KERR. World Aerial Surfing Champion Josh became internationally known through flying high and landing perfectly on some of the world’s best waves.

KY HURST. Australia's greatest ironman Ky, is now focusing on becoming an Australian Olympian.

STEVEN BRADBURY. Speed Skater Steven created history in Salt Lake City when he became the first Australian to win a Winter Olympic Gold Medal His remarkable and unlikely victory was achieved after a spectacular final-lap spill took out his four rivals.

JOE DAWES. The second leading wicket-taker for the Bulls in 2004-05, with 46 at 21.93, his best season since 2000-01 (49). Joe passed 200 first class wickets for Queensland last season, the eighth bowler to do so for this State. The burly right-arm fast bowler operates off half the run-up these days but with the same effectiveness and speed as his old “Fred Flintstone”-like charge from near the boundary. Currently recovering from knee surgery, he is aiming to be back in the Bulls colours after Christmas.

BEN IKIN. Former Australian Kangaroo, State of Origin and Broncos rugby league player and JOHN CARTWRIGHT - Former State of Origin and Australian player and now National Rugby League coach of the new Titans Rugby League Team.

DANIEL PEDERSEN. Daniel will be representing Australia in the fast up and coming sport of Inline Hockey (similar to ice hockey just on roller blades) this year on the Gold Coast. This is the first time Australia has hosted the World Inline Cup. Previously he has represented Australian five times being one of Australia’s most talented and fastest players on the team.

Thursday 22 December 2005

Movie World to Launch Unprecedented Thrill Ride Action!

Go Superman fast at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast!

Sky surfers travel 0 – 100kms in 5 seconds and snow skiers travel 0 – 100kms in 7 seconds… imagine if you could travel 0 – 100km in just 2 seconds… well, from December 26 you can on Australia’s only catapult rollercoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World - the awesome new Superman Escape which travels 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 2 seconds! That’s not fast – that’s Superman fast!

With 760 metres of vertical climbs, weightless drops, head spinning twists and giant G-force turns – Superman Escape completely redefines the coaster experience.

The exciting pre-show adventure will be an attraction in itself, themed around the world’s most popular Super Hero from DC Comics. Guests will commence their adventure in a Metropolis subway loading dock. As they travel through the subway, a terrifying earthquake takes hold and threatens their safe passage.

To escape the catastrophe, Superman rescues guests by propelling their carriage out then vertically upwards at 100km per hour! What follows is an exhilarating and hair raising rollercoaster ride experience like no other on the planet…

This $16 million unprecedented thrill ride will complement the already exceptional stable of movie based attractions enhanced by specialised themes – a unique trait for which Warner Bros. Movie World is world renowned, and a distinguishing feature popular with guests of all ages.

On announcing the new Superman Escape attraction, Chief Executive Officer of Warner Village Theme Parks, Mr John Menzies said that this ride experience boasts the latest and most exciting ride technology in the world.

“I have travelled to many theme parks around the world and believe that Superman Escape will prove an unbelievable ride experience like no other! The hydraulic catapult launch system coupled with the vertical ascent and vertical descent takes this ride to the next level. The speed and smoothness will be something that everyone will be talking about. The attraction is positioned just inside the park’s front entrance and visitors will be amazed to see Superman pushing the train at high speed above them.

“At 40 metres high the track can also be seen clearly from the major highway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast... so visually it really is quite astounding.

“While other theme parks simply purchase rides, Warner Bros. Movie World really adds to the experience by immersing the rider in a themed story which enhances the exciting ride sensations like no other,” Mr Menzies said.

Superman Escape is part of an overall $65 million expansion plan undertaken by Warner Village Theme Parks, which will confirm the Group’s position as the leaders in premier theme park entertainment in Australia.

“The scope of this expansion program is unprecedented in the history of the Warner Village Theme Park Group. We are expanding our horizons considerably in an effort to provide the ultimate entertainment experiences for people of all ages and anything we introduce is unlike anything found anywhere else in the world,” Mr Menzies said.

Superman Escape has been specifically chosen to broaden Warner Bros. Movie World’s appeal to the tween/teen market as a complement to existing thrill rides Lethal Weapon, the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster and Wild West Falls.

Experience the ultimate rush and GO SUPERMAN FAST THIS SUMMER – 0 to 100 in 2 seconds. Superman Escape - opening December 26 only at Warner Bros. Movie World.

Wednesday 23 November 2005

New Sumatran tiger for Dreamworld

There’ll be no more lonely nights for Dreamworld’s Sumatran Tiger Soraya as the park gets ready to welcome a second Sumatran tiger from Germany next month.

Raja, a 23 month-old male golden tiger, has been selected by the international stud book coordinator for Sumatran tigers as a mate for Soraya who arrived at Dreamworld in 2003.

Raja will be relocated from Zoo Krefeld near Dusseldorf to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island as part of the Australasian Species Management Program for Sumatran tigers, internationally recognised and supported by governments throughout the region.

Set to touch down on December 1st, Raja will spend his first 30 days in quarantine at Dreamworld before joining Soraya in their purpose-built off-exhibit tiger facility at Tiger Island.

With less than 400 left in the wild, Sumatran tigers are listed as one of the world’s most critically endangered species by the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), supported by 190 countries world wide.

There are currently 235 Sumatran tigers in zoos world-wide including 20 within the Australasian region.

Chair of the Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) and Director of Adelaide Zoo, Mark Craig hailed the move as a big win for tiger conservation.

“This import is a significant contribution to the Australasian Sumatran Tiger captive management program and confirms Dreamworld’s commitment and major contribution to conservation and education programs for this critically endangered species.”

Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gregg said the park was honoured and excited to receive a second Sumatran Tiger, especially one of such high importance to the region.

“We are very proud of our ongoing efforts to help save tigers in the wild through donations and on
the ground support,” Mr Gregg said.

“Welcoming Raja to Dreamworld is yet another step to help save this magnificent species from extinction.”

Dreamworld’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Bradley said the park hoped to hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws in late 2006.

“If all goes to plan, we aim to breed Soraya and Raja in about a years time,” Mr Bradley said.

“Their offspring will then be raised by Tiger Island staff and remain at Tiger Island until they are required by other zoos for breeding.

“Sadly, these tigers can not be released back into the wild due to the high rate of habitat destruction and poaching. Our aim is simply to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species in the hope that one day we may be able to re-populate areas where Sumatran tigers have been wiped out.”

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue met Raja when he visited Germany earlier this year.

“Raja seemed like a really friendly, well adjusted cat but like Soraya he has had limited human contact and can’t be handled,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.

“He will not mix with our Bengal tigers but hopefully he will get on really well with Soraya and we’ll see some cubs soon.”

Mr Martin-Vegue will travel to Germany to collect Raja this Friday.

The import of Raja will boost Sumatran tiger numbers in the Australasian region to 20 (ten male, ten female) across 12 zoos, including Dreamworld, Taronga Zoo (Sydney), The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra, Melbourne Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Perth Zoo, Australia Zoo, (Qld), Mogo Zoo (NSW) and Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo), plus Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo and Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand.

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island is currently home to seven Bengal tigers, one Sumatran tiger and two cougars. The attraction can house up to 14 tigers at one time.

The park’s resident Sumatran tiger Soraya was imported from Tier Park Zoo in Germany in 2003 as part of the Australian Species Management Program.

Sumatran Tigers are smaller and darker than Bengal tigers. Raja currently weighs 85 kilograms. When fully grown at three years of age, he’ll tip the scales at about 130 kilograms.

In comparison, male Bengal tigers can grow up to 230 kilograms. Dreamworld’s largest Bengal tiger is Sultan who weighs around 200 kilos.

Tiger Island is an interactive sanctuary where Bengal tigers play wrestle and swim with their handlers every day.

In addition to supporting the Sumatran Tiger Program, Dreamworld makes a significant contribution to tiger conservation on a global scale through the park’s Tiger Fund.


To date, Dreamworld has donated over $300,000 to saving tigers in the wild through the Dreamworld Tiger Fund by donating directly to the following programs.

• Flora and Fauna International
• LifeForce Satpura National Park Project India
• 21st Century Tiger (another UK based charity)
• Sumatran Tiger project
• Taman Safari Park
• The Phoenix Fund

Working closely with these organisations, Dreamworld actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia, Ranger salaries, the purchase of medical equipment and patrol vehicles, intelligence and legal activity.

The money also goes towards regeneration and protection of tiger habitat including village relocation.

A registered zoo, Dreamworld is located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, 25 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane. The park is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning (25/4).

Entry to Tiger Island is included in the general Dreamworld admission price.

Saturday 17 September 2005

Orge-Whelming Shrek 4D Adventure Comes to Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World once again breaks new ground in live entertainment with the launch of an ogre-whelming new attraction starring the world’s most famous and loveable ogre.

Now open, ‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ is a cutting edge multi-sensory attraction – a totally new movie with spectacular visuals and multiple special effects yet to be seen, heard and felt in a ‘4D’ attraction in Australia.

‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ will bridge the narrative between DreamWorks’ Oscar® - winning movie ‘Shrek®’ - “the greatest fairy-tale never told,” and the sequel from DreamWorks Pictures, ‘Shrek 2®’ and once again feature the comic talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow who give voice to the swamp-dwelling ogre, Shrek®, his faithful chatterbox companion, Donkey; his bride, Princess Fiona™; and the vengeful ghost of Lord Farquaad™.

Donning specially-created “OgreVision” glasses, guests will be transported into a state of the art 3D film that, along with surprising sensory elements, will propel them into the ultimate ‘Shrek 4D’ experience.

The experience becomes even more immersive with the creation of uniquely designed ‘Shrek’ seats, each equipped with seven different special effects that repeat numerous times in tandem with the 3D animation, including vertical drops and horizontal motions!

Guests visiting Warner Bros. Movie World will also have the chance to meet the big, green and loveable ogre Shrek and his new bride, Princess Fiona who will join the star-studded cast of characters appearing in the Park daily.

In announcing the new attraction, John Menzies, Chief Executive Officer, Warner Village Theme Parks said, “Warner Village Theme Parks are always striving to introduce innovative new attractions such as Shrek 4D Adventure in an effort to drive holidaymakers to the Gold Coast and further enhance the region’s reputation as Australia’s leading holiday destination.

“Warner Bros. Movie World is a world-class movie studio theme park, offering unique and groundbreaking entertainment experiences not found anywhere else in Australia.

“Our commitment is to bring the most unique and exciting entertainment experiences to life based on popular contemporary movie product. The new Shrek 4D Adventure attraction is an example of the tremendous rewards to be realised from working with a creative powerhouse such as DreamWorks.

“We are so delighted to welcome Shrek to Warner Bros. Movie World and believe it will strengthen the Park’s already exceptional stable of movie themed attractions,” Mr Menzies said.

‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ marks the first animation to be created for a theme park by the animation wizards at PDI/DreamWorks, the creators of ‘Shrek’. The addition of three-dimensional depth to the animation and the creation of in-theatre effects by attraction designers at Universal Creative will be parts of the new OgreVision multi-sensory experience.

Members of the team responsible for ‘Shrek’ and ‘Shrek 2’ also created the new animation. David Lipman, the co-executive producer for ‘Shrek’ and producer for ‘Shrek 2’ also produced the theme park attraction and Simon Smith, Head of Layout on ‘Shrek’ directed it. Also, Harry Gregson-Williams, one of the composers on ‘Shrek’, composed the new orchestral score.

The ogre-whelming ‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ begins when guests are ushered into a pre-show chamber and greeted by the late, vertically challenged Lord Farquaad himself, who, in his first posthumous appearance, will inform guests of his ghostly scheme to haunt Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey. The video and animatronic preamble will prepare guests for their entry into the main theatre and the wild adventure to follow.

Once settled in their specially-designed seats, guests will be transported to the fairy tale realm of Duloc, as the screen and the theatre itself come alive with the tale of the Shrek-Princess Fiona honeymoon adventure.

The tale begins as Shrek, Princess Fiona and their companion, Donkey set off for a honeymoon. But the ghost of Lord Farquaad, intent on taking his fearsome revenge, interrupts the honeymooners’ bliss. Soon, our fairy-tale heroes are face to face with ghostly foes and the audience is transported into the centre of a thrilling adventure packed with such fast-paced sequences as an aerial dogfight between fire-breathing dragons and a steep plunge down a 1,000-foot deadly waterfall.

It’s an ogre-load of fun not to be missed!

Warner Bros. Movie World is the only place where you can become lost in a world of fantasy and fun; meet Shrek and all your favourite stars and super heroes, and experience the exhilaration of world-class adventure rides, movie attractions and an array of stunning shows including the Shrektacular new ‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ attraction.

Warner Bros. Movie World – where movie magic happens every day!

Warner Village Theme Parks $65 Million Expansion

Group commits to massive expansion to drive Gold Coast tourism

Warner Village Theme Parks on Australia’s Gold Coast have announced an unprecedented $65 million expansion plan in recognition of the need to continue to grow visitor numbers to the holiday region through innovative and contemporary new attractions and entertainment experiences.

As a major driving force behind building tourism business for the Gold Coast region, Australia’s largest and most celebrated theme park group, employing some 2,500 staff plans to diversify and enhance their current product offerings by introducing even more unique and groundbreaking attractions to lure holidaymakers.

In addition to two dynamic new attractions at Warner Bros. Movie World and a multi-million dollar expansion program for Wet’n’Wild Water World, will be the 2006 launch of ‘Australian Outback Spectacular’, a unique and exciting dinner show attraction which will be the first of its kind in Australia.

This huge capital injection will extend Warner Village Theme Parks’ already well established reach into major consumer markets both domestically and internationally, and further support the Group’s commitment to building the Gold Coast’s tourism profile and nurturing the growth of the tourism industry throughout the region by extending business and employment opportunities within the local community.

The exciting expansion underway includes:

Warner Bros. Movie World
Traditionally home to the biggest and best movie themed attractions, Warner Bros. Movie World will bring out the big guns of the world’s most popular brands with the September 2005 launch of DreamWorks ‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ and the December 2005 launch of ‘Superman Escape’.

Opening September 17, ‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ is a cutting edge multi-sensory attraction – a totally new movie with spectacular visuals and multiple special effects yet to be seen, heard and felt in a ‘4D’ attraction in Australia.

‘Shrek 4D Adventure’ will bridge the narrative between DreamWorks’ Oscar - winning movie ‘Shrek’ - “the greatest fairy-tale never told” and the sequel from DreamWorks Pictures, ‘Shrek 2’ and once again feature the comic talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow who give voice to the swamp-dwelling ogre, Shrek, his faithful chatterbox companion, Donkey; his bride, Princess Fiona; and the vengeful ghost of Lord Farquaad.

Guests visiting Warner Bros. Movie World will also have the chance to meet the big, green and loveable ogre Shrek and his new bride Princess Fiona, who will join the star-studded cast of characters appearing in the Park daily.

In December, Warner Bros. Movie World will launch its most awesome new ride experience to date – ‘Superman Escape’. This exhilarating ride experience will be the first of its kind in the world, with an exciting pre-show adventure themed around the world’s most popular super hero. ‘Superman Escape’ has been specifically chosen as a catalyst to build the family and teen market visitation to the Park.

Wet’n’Wild Water World
Wet’n’Wild Water World’s $20M expansion includes a massive new children’s attraction - the all-new Buccaneer Bay, opening September 17, as well as the Boxing Day launch of an incredible new thrill slide precinct offering adrenaline junkies the ultimate extreme aquatic experiences.

‘Extreme H2O Zone’ will be located behind Calypso Beach and showcase seven oversized thrill slides like nothing ever seen before in Australia including the Mach V attraction which will house the Park’s two longest rides that will have guests sliding through 160 metres of twists and turns in open air flumes as well as three adrenaline pumping high speed body slides. Extreme H2O Zone will also feature Blackhole - two enclosed slides that will catapult riders into pitch black spirals of darkness.

By the busy Christmas holidays, the Park will literally have increased in size by one-third and offer the biggest and best selection of water based rides and slides anywhere in the world, whilst simultaneously increasing the capacity by 50%, reducing queue times of the Park in line with its ever growing popularity.

But the excitement won’t stop there. Next year will see the launch of yet another thrill slide - Tornado, adding a further dramatic dimension to Wet’n’Wild’s total entertainment offering and cementing the Park’s position as the country’s leading water park, and one of the best of its kind in the world.

Sea World
Sea World will take its popular Ski Show through a total revamp this September, transporting the dynamic presentation back in time to the ‘Golden Era’ of Surfers Paradise in the 1960s. ‘Waterski WipeOut’ is full of catchy tunes, colourful costumes and sets, slapstick humour and a very cool cast of characters, all themed in true 1960s style.

Australian Outback Spectacular
Australian Outback Spectacular is an enthralling new show extravaganza which will provide domestic and international visitors with a unique and exciting night time experience, simultaneously fulfilling the current desire for additional night time attractions on the Gold Coast for all age groups, and enriching the destination’s overall appeal as one of the world’s leading holiday destinations.

Australian Outback Spectacular will be the first of its kind in Australia. A unique and exciting show capturing the grandeur of the Australian Outback with spectacular visual effects and raw energy all its own, the attraction will open April 2006 and be situated between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World, and be officially presented by R.M. Williams.

Australian Outback Spectacular will have a capacity of 1,000 seats and include a full Aussie BBQ dinner served during the heat of the show.

The new ‘Waterski WipeOut’ and ‘Australian Outback Spectacular’ were written and choreographed by Ignatious Jones, the creative genius behind the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening ceremony.

Chief Executive Officer of Warner Village Theme Parks, Mr John Menzies comments that the expansion plan will confirm the Group’s position as the leaders in premiere theme park entertainment in Australia.

“The scope of this expansion program is unprecedented in the history of the Warner Village Theme Park Group, and the history of theme park entertainment in this country. We are expanding our horizons considerably in an effort to provide the ultimate entertainment experiences for people of all ages, which are comparable to anything found anywhere else in the world.

“We also believe our efforts will contribute greatly to the overall appeal of the Gold Coast as the country’s leading holiday destination – now visitors from all over Australia and the world will have even more reason to come here and experience all this wonderful destination has to offer. Warner Village Theme Parks are committed to the tourism industry, and this can be qualified by our plans to introduce contemporary new entertainment experiences which will provide huge enjoyment for people of all ages visiting the region.”

Each expansion phase will be supported by mammoth marketing programs Australia wide, and in major international markets including New Zealand, South East Asia, Japan, India and the UAE.

Tuesday 2 August 2005

Macquarie Leisure Trust Group Lodges Development Application for 'Citywalk at Coomera'

A fully integrated, unique shopping, entertainment and leisure destination.

The Chairman of Macquarie Leisure Trust Group, Mr Neil Balnaves, today announced that the Group has lodged a development application with the Gold Coast City Council to creat a major regional shopping centre on lands to the north of the Dreamworld Theme Park in the Coomera Town Centre - to be called 'Citywalk at Coomera'.

Planned for development by 2008, 'Citywalk at Coomera' will be a major regional shopping centre destination that is designed to service the expanding primary catchment area of Coomera, as well as the rapidly developing residential corridor from Helensvale to Beenleigh. The trade area of Coomera has been recognised as the Gold Coast's fastest growing residential suburb with population growth of 13.8 per cent per annum over the last five years with substantial growth forcast for the medium to long term. This buoyant local market will be supported by the broader Gold Coast residential and tourism market.

Macquarie Leisure Trust Grup CEO Mr Greg Shaw also said Macquarie Bank's Property Group is expected to participate in the development of Australia's first integrated retail and entertainment precinct at Coomera.

Dreamworld Theme Park is MLE's major asset and one of AUstralia's most successful tourism enterprises. Dreamworld is a Gold Coast icon with a track record of 24 years of successful trading and a major local employer with in excess of 1,200 staff during peak times. Today, Dreamworld achieves over 1.3 million patrons annually and expends over $A7 million per annum in marketing to local residents, domestic and international tourists.

"The patronage and profile of Dreamworld provides a unique anchor tenant platform for a shopping centre precinct. This development will represent the first entertainment destincation in Australia that delivers a unique blend of theme park fun and world class shopping adventure fully integrated into a themed retail environment," said Mr Shaw.

Following the establishment of the initial stage of 'Citywalk at Coomera', it is expected the Coomera Town Centre will be further developed and eventually incorporate a full range of community, commercial, residential and public open space precincts. The location of the Coomera Town Centre provides strong transport connections with direct access to Brisbane and the Gold Coast by either the M1 motorway or the existing rail system from the adjacent Coomera Railway station.

The proposed initial stage of the 'Citywalk at Coomera' development will incorporate two full line National brand Supermarkets, a major brand discount department store together with a large range of specialty retail outlets. In time it will incorporate a themed street entertainment and leisure precinct, including a cinema, with complimentary restaurants and fast food outlets. 'Citywalk at Coomera' will provide a vibrant linkage between Dreamworld and the Coomera railway station.

The development of 'Citywalk at Coomera' is expected to be overseen by the experienced team from Macquarie Property providing specialised retail development and project management expertise while also using local consultants to advise on retail, traffic and landscape design to ensure the best possible outcome for the local community, residents and visitors to the Coomera destination.

Thursday 2 June 2005

$23M Australiana Show Extravaganza Commenced Construction Early 2005

Australian tradition, culture and music is captured in The Australian Outback Spectacular

Warner Village Theme Parks’ $23 million Australian show extravaganza – The Australian Outback Spectacular commenced construction in early 2005.

To be constructed on land near Warner Bros. Movie World, this $23 million major evening attraction will be set in an enclosed arena and will feature a two hour extravaganza incorporating up to forty horses, stuntmen and other favourite Australian animals, as well as a typical Aussie BBQ dinner.

The Australian Outback Spectacular – the first of its kind in Australia - will highlight Australian tradition, culture and music while combining stunning and extravagant lighting, sound and special effects.

Already officially recognised by the Gold Coast City Council Tourism Branch as Australia’s premier theme park and entertainment precincts, welcoming more than three million visitations a year, Warner Village Theme Parks is committed to sustaining and expanding the Coomera/Oxenford region.

An advantage to this site is the clear visibility of the new attraction from the Pacific Motorway combined with easy access and well-established transport links from Surfers Paradise and Brisbane.

Extensive research by Warner Village Theme Parks highlighted the fact that international visitors are in search of a typical Australian experience to learn about Australia and its rich heritage and culture.

Research also highlighted the need for additional quality evening entertainment that could provide domestic, interstate and international visitors with a unique and exciting night time experience.

Chief Executive Officer of Warner Village Theme Parks, Mr. John Menzies said that The Australian Outback Spectacular provides world class entertainment and high appeal not only to local domestic and interstate visitors but also to international visitors.

“Our research and discussions with international wholesalers has confirmed that an Australian outback experience would not only draw local domestic and interstate visitors due to the patriotic spectacle of such an unusual show but it would be a major drawcard for international visitors,” Mr. Menzies said.

In addition the research identified the need to provide audiences, particularly key international markets, with much more entertaining insight into the Outback than just a story about The Man from Snowy River.

“Audiences wanted to experience a performance that went beyond that story. They craved a much more exciting and exhilarating experience that provided a unique and spectacular insight into the history and culture of Australia, combined with state of the art music, sound and lighting,” Mr. Menzies said.

The show itself will be a combination of exciting horsemanship displayed by experienced stockmen, coupled to exotic and colourful outback scenarios.

Audience involvement is a prerequisite during a competition staged by riders from outback homesteads or stations who will be supported by pre-selected sections of the audience who will scream encouragement from their team as they ride for supremacy.

It is expected that tickets for The Australian Outback Spectacular, which will include a typical Aussie BBQ dinner will sell for approximately $60.00 per person, with concessions for children and pensioners.

Warner Village Theme Parks expects that the Australian Outback Spectacular will be open in early 2006.

Monday 11 April 2005

Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, The Wiggles Come To Dreamworld

What’s blue, red, yellow and purple and has changed the face of children’s entertainment around the world!

For pint-sized pop fans it just gets more exciting!! Australia’s number one entertainment phenomenon, The Wiggles are driving their Big Red Car and heading to Australia’s number one theme park to create a brand new world of wiggly fun.

It’s the hottest potato for Wiggly fans which will create an unbeatable recipe for family fun all year round!!

The Wiggles and Dreamworld have entered into a licensing agreement making Dreamworld the official Australian home of The Wiggles theme park attraction - Wiggles World.

Winning 3 ARIA Awards and 3 APRA song writer awards, the fab four have sold in excess of 17 million DVD/ videos, 5 million CDs/cassettes worldwide and last year had over one million fans wiggling in the aisles at live concerts in Australia, America, England and New Zealand.

When three early childhood university students convinced a Cockroach to join their group, the most successful children’s group in Australia was born and now when Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt put on the skivvies, children around the world get ready to wiggle.

Wiggles World will also feature all the Wiggles’ special friends - Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword.

Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gregg said Wiggles World will complement Dreamworld’s signature attractions and further enhance the park’s popularity with children and their families from Australia and across the world.

“This agreement forms a partnership between two great Australian entertainment icons that are both leaders in their fields. We’re extremely excited about relationship and the opportunities it will bring,” Mr Gregg said.

“The Wiggles communicate to children on their level and that’s why they’re so successful. Wiggles World will have a total focus on this whole new market segment creating a safe, fun, learning
environment filled with dancing and singing and all things Wiggly,” Mr Gregg said.

It’s a major coup for the Gold Coast as a tourist destination, a way to wiggle into the overseas market.

“The international popularity of The Wiggles will provide a wonderful opportunity for the Tourism Industry. The Gold Coast and specifically Dreamworld will hold a whole new appeal in markets where the Wiggles are incredibly strong, particularly the UK and USA, as well as build on their growing popularity in Japan and Taiwan.”

Mike Conway, General Manager of The Wiggles said, “We are delighted that Dreamworld will become our home for this theme park attraction. This relationship will create a unique new attraction destination for our fans around the world. The guys are all very excited and look forward to the opening “

Wiggles World involves the complete redevelopment of an existing area within Dreamworld with construction to begin immediately.

Official plans for Wiggles World will be kept under wraps and revealed later in the year.

Monday 28 March 2005

Become a star on the new Panasonic Big Screen

Ever dreamed of making it onto the silver screen? Well soon you can at Warner Bros. Movie World with the spectacular unveiling of the fantastic new Panasonic Big Screen at Easter!

The Big Screen, located at the end of Main Street, on the Daily Planet building, will wow guests and ensure EVERYONE’S A STAR at Warner Bros. Movie World!

Not only will guests ‘star’ on the Big Screen, but a fantastic line up of entertainment will feature daily including Looney Tunes Character Reviews, the Streets Star Parade, Street Theatre Performers, a revamped Matrix Action Show as well as the popular Bat Attack. The addition of the screen will ensure that guests don’t miss any of the action of the world class entertainment and shows that take place at Warner Bros. Movie World!

Warner Bros. Movie World – where EVERYONE’S A STAR!

The World's Greatest Superheros Unite at Warner Bros. Movie World

Evildoers beware! Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman – the DC Comics super heroes collectively known as the Justice League – are now appearing together for the first time ever in a stirring march down Main Street at Warner Bros. Movie World!

Dedicated to shielding our fragile universe from vicious villains, the Justice League is Earth’s first and last line of defence, a pantheon of super-powered protectors watching over the Earth from their high-tech fortress on the Moon.

Unyielding in his pursuit of justice, Batman is the League’s master strategist and Dark Knight Detective! Master of the magical Power Ring that can create anything his mind can imagine, Green Lantern patrols the skies, space and beyond! Zipping down the street faster than lightening, The Flash quickly earned his nickname of the Scarlet Speedster! The high-flying Hawkgirl is the Winged Warrior who rules the air! Having survived both triumph and tragedy, Martian Manhunter truly understands what it means to be human…even though he’s a shape-shifting alien! Wielding her magic lasso and bullet-proof bracelets, the Amazing Amazon known as Wonder Woman is a fantastic fighter who is also dedicated to teaching the path to peace!

Join the fight against evil – meet your favourite Justice League DC super hero at Warner Bros. Movie World!

The Justice League will expand Warner Bros. Movie World’s exclusive stable of super hero characters who entertain guests daily.

Warner Bros. Movie World – where EVERYONE’S A STAR!

Thursday 10 March 2005

Prepare to party as the Nick Central Celebration takes a hold at Dreamworld

The Easter bunny is hopping mad as the Nickelodeon NickToons declare a toon-tastic takeover at Dreamworld this Easter.

Yep, there’s something in the air at Nick Central and we’re not talking about cream pies.

Bursting with 16 rides and attractions, Nick Central is already the coolest kid’s zone in the world oozing with family fun for everyone.

But this Easter we’ve doubled the fun and tripled the treats with Stories from Bikini Bottom, Nick Flicks and massive meet and greets.

The bubbles are getting bigger and the slime is getting greener as the NickToons prepare to celebrate like never before.

Roll out the seaweed and salute the sponge as Dreamworld opens the curtain on a brand-new, live-show extravaganza, Stories from Bikini Bottom, The Spongebob Squarepants Show.

Patchy the Pirate is steering the ship to the Nick Central where Spongebob and Patrick will be waiting to rock the boat.

Don’t miss Plankton’s big Australian debut, the microscopic character with a macroscopic attitude will join the fun and do his best to burst the bubble in Bikini Bottom.

With three live shows daily, Stories from Bikini Bottom will get your toes tapping and your hands clapping as sponge-mania well and truly takes a hold.

The show opens to the public on March 25 with a special Red Carpet Media Launch March 23.

The NickToons may already be larger than life but the world’s hugest kid’s brand is about to get bigger.

We’re magnifying the mayhem, maximizing the fun and spreading the madness to the movies.

It’s positively Nick-a-riffic so come and see how Spongebob Squarepants, the Wild Thornberries and those crazy Rugrats measure up on the big screen.

Nick Flicks will screen four times daily so sit back and relax in the air conditioned comfort of Dreamworld’s Coca Cola Imax Theatre while the NickToons turn on the humour and turn up the heat.

As if that’s not enough….you guessed it, there’s more. Meet all your favourite Nicktoons face to face at Dreamworld.

Catch up with Eliza from the Wild Thornberries, get your dose of Dora the Explorer, run riot with the Rugrats and party with Spongebob and Patrick Star.

From March 25 to April 24, the crazy characters will takeover Dreamworld and blast your brains with all things Nick.

Dreamworld is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily but get in early this Easter and get
an extra hour of Nickelodeon madness.

From March 25 to April 8, Dreamworld will extend trading hours from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Don’t miss the biggest, Nick Central Celebration of the year at Dreamworld., the only place to be this Easter!

Thursday 24 February 2005

Unlimited theme park entry for up to 14 days all year round!

Imagine getting UNLIMITED entry to the Gold Coast’s Greatest Theme Parks for up to 14 days...you can with the 3 Park Super Pass now offering unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World all year round!

The 3 Park Super Pass is your ticket to the best and most exciting entertainment, rides, shows and attractions at the Gold Coast’s Greatest Theme Parks and is now unbeatable value!

The 3 Park Super Pass is available from ticket sellers or at www.theme-parks.com.au at a discounted rate or can be purchased directly at any of the Theme Parks’ front gates when you visit! It is cheaper to pre-purchase your 3 Park Super Pass from ticket sellers or on the website, with an adult 3 Park Super Pass costing $155* (or $158* if not pre-purchased) and a 3 Park Super Pass for children aged 4-13 years inclusive and pensioners just $97* (or $100* if not pre-purchased).

Warner Village Theme Parks offers guests the ultimate theme park entertainment!

Sea World really is the most amazing world of all with a host of exciting rides, shows and attractions. See Australia’s only Polar bears at the naturalistic and enriching Polar Bear Shores, come face to face with the ocean’s most feared predators at the awesome Shark Bay and take a fun and educational journey into the world of the endangered dugong at Dugong Discovery.

Experience the magic and excitement of a world where EVERYONE’S A STAR - Warner Bros. Movie World! Become lost in a world of fantasy and fun, meet all your favourite stars and super heroes and experience heart thumping thrill rides like Lethal Weapon and Wild West Falls, the spine-tingling Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, all the fun of Looney Tunes Village and the spectacular Main Street Star Parade! Warner Bros. Movie World is an exciting adventure just waiting for you!

Twist and twirl in the giant Whirlpool, or in the cooler months relax in the heavenly Whirlpool Hot Springs at Australia’s premier theme park Wet’n’Wild Water World! Experience the thrills and spills of Mammoth Falls, Terror Canyon II and Super 8 Aqua Racer. Take it easy at Calypso Beach, or catch a Dive-in Movie at the Giant Wave Pool and from September 2005 kids will have their very own interactive aquatic playground. (Some attractions operate seasonally).