Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan rollercoaster has officially opened to the public today, representing the ultimate birthday gift as the park celebrates 40 years. Having welcomed 40 million guests over its 40-year history, Dreamworld is both celebrating nostalgia and launching the park into the future with the Southern Hemisphere’s first triple launch coaster. With the investment announced in August 2019 and halted by the park’s 2020 COVID closure, the road to Steel Taipan’s opening has been a long one, but one worth travelling. Led by project managers RLB and Condev Construction, Steel Taipan created over 200 South-East Queensland jobs. In addition to its contribution to a boost in summer employment at Dreamworld, Steel Taipan has already made a positive contribution to the local community. The triple launch coaster, manufactured by MACK Rides in Germany is officially traversing 1.2km of track, reaching speeds of up to 105km/h and creating 3.8Gs, offering a world-class thrill experience to Dreamworld guests. The ride features the world’s first rear spinning seats, named the Tailwhip, which are now available for bookings. Dreamworld CEO, Greg Yong is excited to deliver a premium theme park experience to Gold Coast locals and long-awaited visitors. “We’re incredibly excited to offer not only the country’s best rollercoaster, but also an incredible line-up of entertainment this summer at Dreamworld.” “This is a fantastic opportunity to thank our locals for their ongoing support, as well as an unbeatable experience for our long-awaited interstate tourists to enjoy during their Gold Coast travels. As our biggest ever investment, we’re confident that we’ll help all our guests make unforgettable memories on Steel Taipan this summer.”, said Mr. Yong. Dreamworld acknowledges the Queensland State Government and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport’s ongoing support under the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, allowing construction of the Steel Taipan project to come to fruition, and benefitting not only the local economy through job creation but also the Gold Coast tourism industry. Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan experience is an exciting boost for tourism on the Gold Coast. “The Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with Dreamworld during the pandemic to create a state-of-the-art attraction and rebuild better,” Mr Dick said. “Visionary projects like this accelerate our COVID economic recovery and create more jobs for Queenslanders.” “Construction of the Steel Taipan supported 200 Gold Coast trade jobs when they were needed most, and now delivered the ride will generate 30 ongoing operational work opportunities. “That’s why we partnered with Dreamworld to make the Steel Taipan a reality.” Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Steel Taipan launch was perfectly timed for this week’s border opening to fully vaccinated interstate visitors. “Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan adrenaline ride is predicted to bring an extra 250,000 thrill seekers a year to the Gold Coast, generating $30 million for visitor economy which is terrific news for tourist operators,” Mr Hinchliffe said. “The Steel Taipan is a significant vote of confidence in Gold Coast tourism.” Dreamworld looks forward to seeing Steel Taipan positively contribute to the recovery of tourism on the Gold Coast as interstate tourism resumes. For more on everything happening at Dreamworld this summer, visit dreamworld.com.au.