Disneyland-style resort planned for Australia

One of Australia’s biggest theme parks has unveiled major expansion plans which could rival Disneyland.

Dreamworld could become a new mini-town on the Gold Coast if development plans for the ‘all-inclusive landmark tourist destination’ submitted to the local council this week get the green light.

Parent company Ardent Leisure Group proposes to expand the attraction’s footprint from 55.3ha to a massive 85ha also to feature hotels, high-density residential development, function centres, theatres and restaurants.

The grand plans cater to all ages, with childcare centres and a retirement facility in the pipeline.

The news comes just weeks after it was revealed Australia could soon get its own Disneyland theme park near Avalon Airport southwest of Melbourne.

Taking inspiration from Disneyland resorts around the globe, Ardent has called on the council to override current development codes imposed on the site.

alled on the council to override current development codes imposed on the site.

‘This application seeks to protect the site’s existing major tourism intent, while also allowing for an expanded set of supporting and complementary land uses to occur in certain locations, where they reinforce the major tourism character of the site and do not undermine the adjoining Coomera Town Centre,’ the report reads.

‘The proposed development seeks to create four land use precincts across the site, each with a different purpose and which will each cater for particular land uses.

‘Future development over the subject site will result in an all-inclusive, landmark tourist destination supported by a range of complementary and ancillary land uses.

Dreamworld, the adjacent Whitewater World and surrounding land owned by Ardent will be split into four precincts.

Existing theme park attractions and facilities come under the ‘major tourism core’ zone. 

A ‘gateway’ precinct fronting Whitewater Way will be developed as a mixed use zone with food and drink outlets, function facilities, a hotel, childcare centres, shops, indoor sport and recreation, threatres, a major sport and recreation facility, markets, offices and short- term accommodation.

The ‘Oaky Creek’ precinct will be dedicated to nature-based tourism such as guided tours, boardwalks, nature viewing platforms and camping.

The Town Centre precinct will be a transition area linking the major tourism core to the adjoining Coomera Town Centre will also be mixed use with bar, educational establishment, health care services, high rise units of up to 16 storeys, offices and retirement facility.

‘The proposal will create significant, long-term investment opportunities for the City, strengthen the tourism industry within the northern Gold Coast, and support the vision of a world-class city,’ the report adds.

‘Each one of Ardent Leisure’s future, and current initiatives will further increase their employment levels and support a positive impact to local small businesses and regional economy.’

‘The increase in volume of visitors to the area will require additional labour needs to fulfil each project with expectation of a growth of over 20 per cent in employment levels over the coming two-year period alone.’

The grand plans can be viewed publicly on the the Gold Council Council website. 

Separate to the development plans, Ardent will inject $50m into the theme park upgrades and new rides over the next 18 months in the hope of boosting visitor  patronage by 30 per cent as it continues to recover from the Thunder River Rapids tragedy.

Next month marks seven years since four visitors were tragically killed at Dreamworld after the Thunder River Rapids ride malfunctioned.

Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozi Araghi from Canberra and Sydney mother-of-two Cindy Low died after being flung into a mechanised conveyor when their raft collided with another and partially flipped. Two children on the raft survived.

Other cities such as Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast have attempted to lure Mickey Mouse and friends previously but were unsuccessful.

Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp last month backed the idea for a Disneyland Down Under near Melbourne, describing the city as ‘Australia’s capital city of fun.

She believed a deal with Disney could revitalise Melbourne and help it regain its status as a world class tourism destination.

‘I know a Disney theme park in our municipality would be a huge hit with residents – myself included – visitors, students and traders,’ Ms Capp said.