Wipeout returns as good as new

See the Wipeout back in action with new HD footage of the Dreamworld attraction.

Image: Parkz. Wipeout is back in action at Dreamworld.

After a lengthy maintenance period which saw Wipeout almost completely disassembled and rebuilt, Dreamworld have reopened the attraction and breathed much-needed life into an ageing flatride.

Wipeout opened in 1993 to offer a much-needed boost at a time when the Gold Coast park was struggling. It was the first new major ride since 1986 when Thunder River Rapids and Eureka Mountain Mine Ride debuted and was the ride that kickstarted Dreamworld's love affair with thrill rides.

Built by Dutch ride manufacturer Vekoma, who at that point had made a mark in Australia with the construction of the three roller coasters at World Expo Park in Brisbane, the ride took the Huss Top Spin concept and made the arms able to spin independently to make a ride capable of all sorts of acrobatics not possible on any other flat ride.

After 20 years the ride was showing more than a few signs of ageing. Visually it was tired, as was its surrounding surf theme. The ride was noisier and prone to vibrations that didn't plague it in earlier years. All the while the ride experience was still among the best flat rides out there, and so thankfully when it came to be decision time Dreamworld opted to spend the time and funds to keep this classic attraction ticking.

In early 2014 the ride was shut down and bit-by-bit it was taken apart. Over the last month its surrounds have been given a complete refresh. Wipeout finally reopened in late July with newly installed water cannons and a close viewing platform replacing the beachfront setting.

Wipeout is now back up and running at Dreamworld.