Surfers Paradise

DREAMWORLD
(A little north of Surfers Paradise)
The home of screaming mad rides; The Claw, Tower of Terror, Giant Drop, Cyclone and Wipe out - get the picture; all spine chilling, heart pumping stuff. 'Death defying' they say, I think they are right!''

I had always managed to avoid such 'pleasures' on previous visits to Dreamworld, until my last visit. Prompted by my 6-year old grand-daughter mastering some of the not-quite-so- scary rides, I succumbed.


The 'worst' one of all, the Tower of Terror, was my first conquest, you are strapped into a carriage sort of thing and then you realise there's no going back. It goes along horizontally, for a few seconds, before launching off like Discovery rocketing to the heavens, hurtling up a pole; you hang there for a life-time, only to plunge backwards to earth, THANKFULLY - then reverse along to the get-on/get- off point. I got out and did a Pope-like' thanksgiving; I kissed the ground while making an absolute resolution to NEVER DO THAT AGAIN! And, I will not!


Not so scary, and dubbed family rides, are the Reptar rollercoaster, the Cyclone wipeout and Sporting Spin but I have to say they are still a bit scary for me. Not so the Wild Thornberry's Rainforest Rampage, my grandchildren and I had a ball in here and they had several demure rides on the Dora the Explorer Sea Planes. My photo album is full of neat activities which our grandchildren have enjoyed, especially the kiddies drive-yourself racing-type cars and of course the merry-go-round.

Our family love Tiger Island. Opened in 1995 it's educational and conservation based, under the supervision of veterinarians and experienced keepers. During the day talks and demonstrations inform visitors about the life of the white and gold Bengal tigers. They are in captivity but the 'tricks' they do are designed to show how they exist in the wild. You can easily see why the need for conservation of these ''at risk'' beasts is so great. Dedicated keepers train them from birth and have a wonderful, guarded and controlled rapport with them.

After the demonstration one of the younger tigers is brought out to walk among the visitors and you can pat them, we did, briefly but the keeper doesn't hang around for you to do more than a quick touch.

Just last month (September) I saw a picture of Taj, Dreamworld's white tiger, who has found fame as the next Picasso He's launched his own painting style and has a new 'arty' following!

Australian Wildlife Experience is a vast and interesting way to find out about the 800 native animals who live there: including kangaroos, koala bears, wombats, birds and even crocodiles. The koala section, I believe, is the second largest in the world. Visit Kakadu Wetlands and Oakey Creek Farm as you stroll around the natural setting to give you a true and broad taste of the way these animals live in the wild. There are the inevitble opportunities to hold a koala and to have your photo taken if you like.


There are heaps of entertainment and educational shows, Avis u-drive vintage cars, a train trip around the park and other hands-on things to do. You can even have a children's birthday party; we did for our grandaughter's birthday for which some of the parks ''characters'' joined her to present her with a cake and to help blow out the candles.

Throughout the day there are talks and shows. The talks are focused around conservation and management of Australian animals, flora and fauna as well as the culture of this Pacific nation. You may learn about the great Australian 'Outback' or be transported underwater for some marine-life experiences.

Shows include varied entertainment and children's fun times where they take part with adult entertainers; great family fun for those watching too. Also, Kenny Koala or Sponge Bob Squarepants join other characters to talk to the kids and to pose for photographs, all over the park.

Tbe Blue Lagoon Water Park is great for all the family but those keen to take in a bit of adventure, while cooling off, should try the Krakatoa's Revenge water slide and the Flying Aqualoop Flume ride, sure to give the adrenalin a bit of a work-out!


In the historic out-back area, in Gold Rush Country, you can pose in the stocks, in a ''wanted'' photograph or have a tattoo administered, all taking you back to the old ways'' of the early-days in Australia. Try the Rocky Hollow ride or The Eureka Mountain Mine Ride which takes you into old-Australia and gives you a bit of a wetting on the way. Not so far away from here is the Captain Sturt Paddle Wheeler, an old steamer which takes you around a small lake, viewed from a Wild West themed township where you can get delicios, tasty meals. We had traditional 'burgers' and delightful they were too.

I didn't go in to the IMAX theatre but we were told it holds 400 people and the movies are always changing so that would be worth finding out about when you go to Dreamworld.

You can shop at the park and of course eat at the formal and informal restaurants and cafes: be sure to catch the ice cream man or call and enjoy a delicious ice treat at the main cafe overlooking the welcoming square.

There's ample parking in the front of the park and the admission gates are well set up for ease of egress, hired strollers are available so you don't have to lug your own around.

There is a train service to nearby the main gate. Dreamworld is an official bus stop between Brisbane and Surfers Paradise. If you are going to drive, it will be a 45 minute journey, on the Pacific Highway, from Brisbane and 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise. It is extremely well signposted. The park is open 10am to 5pm each day with special night openings for planned events.

Talking of signs: there are plenty all around the park which ask you to be aware of the height and health restrictions on the rides; it goes without saying your enjoyment of the day will be ensured if you adhere to them.

When you day is over, and you exit through the bakery/lolly shop I defy you to do so without treating yourself to some of the delectable goodies there!

(Dreamworld contact: www.dreamworld.com/au/content/home_new.asp?nameHom e