A major tourism expansion has been approved for Dreamworld at Coomera, for a proposed significant mixed-use resort precinct that will support the Gold Coast’s growing visitor economy ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A major development milestone has been reached for Dreamworld at Coomera, with the Queensland Government approving the Dreamworld Masterplan, paving the way for a significant mixed-use tourism, entertainment and residential precinct on the northern Gold Coast. The 55.3-hectare masterplan area includes land containing and adjoining Dreamworld and WhiteWater World and is expected to be delivered progressively over the coming decade.
The approved masterplan will guide the future expansion of one of Queensland’s most iconic tourism destinations, including the continued operation and expansion of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, new tourism experiences, short-term accommodation, hospitality and entertainment uses, as well as future residential and mixed-use development opportunities.
The approval enables the staged transformation of the precinct through four key development areas, supporting additional tourism investment, increased visitor accommodation and new community uses while retaining Dreamworld as the centrepiece of the destination. Future development opportunities include resort accommodation, nature-based tourism experiences, hospitality venues, recreation spaces, supporting infrastructure, residential development and mixed-use facilities.
Master plan provides for:
- Continued operation and expansion of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World theme parks.
- Low-impact eco-tourism experiences, including viewing platforms, boardwalks and guided tours.
- New tourist attractions, theme park rides, short-term accommodation, resort complexes, hospitality and entertainment venues.
- High-density residential and mixed-use development, including multiple dwellings, residential care facilities, retirement facilities, rooming accommodation, short-term accommodation, retail, business and hospitality uses.
The approval is expected to support long-term tourism investment on the northern Gold Coast, increase accommodation capacity for domestic and international visitors, and contribute to the region’s ongoing growth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Development Details
- Project: Dreamworld Masterplan
- Location: Coomera, Gold Coast
- Site Area: Approximately 55.3 hectares
- Development Type: Mixed-use tourism, residential and entertainment precinct
- Delivery: Staged development over the coming decade
- Continued operation and expansion of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World theme parks.
- New tourism attractions and experiences.
- Eco-tourism opportunities including viewing platforms, boardwalks and guided tours.
- Short-term accommodation and resort complexes.
- Hospitality, entertainment and retail uses.
- Business and commercial opportunities.
- High-density residential and mixed-use development.
- Multiple dwellings.
- Residential care facilities.
- Retirement facilities.
- Rooming accommodation.
- Supporting infrastructure upgrades.
Masterplan Precincts
The Dreamworld Masterplan will be delivered across four key precincts, creating a broader tourism and mixed-use destination surrounding the existing theme park operations.
- Precinct 1 – Major Tourism Core (44.863 ha)
- Precinct 2 – Oakey Creek Nature-based Tourism
- Precinct 3 – Gateway Precinct (13.54 ha)
- Precinct 4 – Town Centre Transition Precinct (6.308 ha)
Tourism and Theme Park Expansion
The existing Dreamworld and WhiteWater World operations will remain the centrepiece of the development, with opportunities for additional attractions, rides, entertainment and visitor experiences.
Eco-Tourism Precinct
The masterplan provides opportunities for low-impact nature-based tourism experiences, including viewing platforms, boardwalks and guided tours.
Resort and Hospitality Precinct
Future development may include short-term accommodation, resort facilities, hospitality venues, entertainment uses and supporting tourism infrastructure.
Residential and Mixed-Use Precinct
The approval allows for future residential and mixed-use development, including multiple dwellings, retirement living, residential care, rooming accommodation, retail, business and hospitality uses.
Infrastructure and Conditions
The approval includes conditions requiring staged delivery of the project and additional approvals where required. Conditions also relate to maintaining compliance with the Dreamworld Development Code and ensuring infrastructure upgrades occur as development progresses. Traffic and transport conditions require the local road network to be incrementally upgraded as future stages are delivered.
Economic Impact
Dreamworld has invested more than $180 million into its operations over the past four years, supporting more than 1,000 direct new jobs on the Gold Coast. The approved masterplan is expected to support further tourism investment, employment opportunities and economic growth while increasing visitor accommodation capacity ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Originally Published in Your Neighbourhood. View online article HERE.