New Aussie Experience For Gold Coast Visitors

Visitors to Australia's Gold Coast can now have a hands-on 'true blue' Aussie experience all in one action packed location at one of the country's top theme parks, Dreamworld.

Showcasing the best of the outback, Dreamworld has recently launched its Australian Wildlife Experience (AWE) - an interactive sanctuary where Dreamworld guests get up close and personal with the wilder side of Aussie life.

Spanning almost four hectares, the attraction is home to many Australian icons including purebred dingoes, emus, cassowaries, saltwater crocodiles, Tasmanian Devils, kangaroos…and one of the largest koala colonies in the world.

The final stage of the exhibit is a 'fairdinkum' Aussie bush show – the 'Oaky Creek Station Australian Farm Story' – which lets Dreamworld guests experience Australian rural life first hand, complete with sheep shearing, sheep dogs and stock whips.

Dreamworld CEO Tony Braxton-Smith said the park's Australian Wildlife Experience was the most diverse, themed native animal attraction in the country.

"Whilst the range of animals you encounter here is extensive, our real focus has been on creating a depth of experience," Mr Braxton-Smith said.

"In AWE you can truly immerse yourself in the animal's environment and where appropriate, guests can interact with the animals, up close and one-on-one.

"We have also taken great care to balance our wildlife display with a conservation, research and education program, developed in close cooperation with government, industry and educational institutions.

"While most of the animals in AWE are native, we've also included a special 'true-blue' bush show to pay tribute to the other animals that have helped shape our nation, such as sheep and farm dogs.

"It all adds up to a fun experience showcasing several Australian habitats all in the one fantastic location. And along the way, there is a chance to learn a thing or two about our wildlife and about life on the land."

Dreamworld's General Manager of Life Sciences, Kevin Bradley, said the new facilities had paved the way for new breeding and conservation programs at Dreamworld.

"AWE is a unique sanctuary for many rare and endangered native animals including some well-loved Aussie icons such as the koala and the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby," Mr Bradley said.
"The new attraction has enabled us to kick-off a number of conservation initiatives such as breeding programs for the endangered Cassowary, the Golden-shouldered Parrot and other threatened species.

"We're now working closely with Queensland Parks and Wildlife and the University of Queensland to expand these programs over the next couple of years."

Dreamworld is also renowned for a wildlife experience of a different kind… and is home to some of the fastest, tallest thrill rides in the world including 'The Tower of Terror' and 'The Giant Drop'. With all rides, shows and attractions included in the one entry price.

With so much to see and do, Dreamworld guests can now enjoy the park over a two-day experience by purchasing a heavily discounted Return Visitor's Pass.

Dreamworld is located on Australia's Gold Coast in South East Queensland and is open from 10am every day except Christmas Day.