Dreamworld, Theme park and zoo in Gold Coast, Australia
Dreamworld is a theme park and zoo in Coomera that brings together more than 40 rides and attractions across six themed areas including Ocean Parade and Tiger Island on a site spanning roughly 85 hectares (210 acres). Next door sits WhiteWater World, a separate water park connected through shared entry points with the main complex.
John Longhurst bought land near Pacific Motorway in 1974 and built an entertainment complex that opened in December 1981. Over the following decades the site was expanded and redesigned several times, adding new rides and animal exhibits as the park grew.
The park's mascots are Kenny and Belinda Koala, and one themed land carries their names. Tiger Island opened in 1995 and has bred Bengal tiger cubs, including four born in 1998. The Corroboree land and Australian Wildlife Experience present native animals, and the Dreamworld Express runs on a Baldwin locomotive from opening day.
Visitors can choose between local passes and group rates that cover both the main park and the neighboring WhiteWater World. The site is large, so comfortable shoes help when exploring, and shaded areas offer breaks between rides and exhibits.
The Big Brother house was built inside the Dreamworld Studios compound, which opened in 1986 as the Music Bowl. The Australian series ran there from 2001 to 2014 and returned in 2025. Look for the Dreamworld Express, a Baldwin locomotive from the 1981 opening day that still circles the park.
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