On the way to the Sunshine Coast, a stand-out attraction is the multi-award winning theme park, Aussie World. With its rides and games, water play area, shows and entertainment, and huge range of attractions, Aussie World has long been a much-loved venue for kids and families.
Now with the announcement of an exciting five-year development plan, this family-owned area is set to become one of Australia’s largest tourist destinations!
Downunder Drive Unveiled
Aussie World has unveiled its plans to transform its current area into a whole tourist precinct, Downunder Drive. Downunder Drive chief operating officer, Aaron Flanagan, said the new Downunder Drive destination brand would encompass the expansion and modernising of the Aussie World theme park as well as The Shed function and events venue, the sites existing retail village and a total redevelopment of the sites iconic Pub.
The Vision
Aaron Flanagan explained that they have been working hard behind the scenes over the past twenty months to plan this exciting new vision for the precinct.
According to Mr Flanagan:
Our vision is to create a modern, authentically Australian tourist, events and entertainment destination that appeals to our local community as well as intra- and interstate visitors and international tourists. We are affectionately referred to as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and we aspire to develop and promote Downunder Drive as the must-stop destination on the highway.
Mr Flanagan also explained how the development can expect to boost the local economy and create local jobs:
We currently employ over 200 people across the precinct and around $75 million is injected into the local economy each year. The successful execution of our master plan would see a boost to the local economy with around 250 new jobs created; $150M plus is anticipated in economic impact from the construction phase and an ongoing economic impact of $160m plus annually for the local economy.
Attractions at Downunder Drive
Downunder Drive is way more than just a great family theme park. It is set to be a whole family and tourist entertainment precinct, with a range of attractions to keep everyone entertained. As Mr Flanagan explains:
Our precinct has something for everyone, including a growing family theme park, a soon-to-be-redeveloped iconic pub which has been inspired by locals, a burgeoning functions and events venue in The Shed and a quality mix of convenience shopping and specialty retail in the retail village.
Aussie World Expansion and Modernisation
The Downunder Drive vision will include expanding and modernising the Aussie World theme park. The park will expand from its current footprint of 15 acres to making use of its full 55 acre site. The park will also undergo a process of modernisation and is set to feature new rides, attractions, amenities, and a green space suitable for a variety of events.
Major Redevelopment of The Pub
The future of the iconic Pub has also been announced. The bold new plans are for a more modern, family orientated venue that will feature a coastal tropical feel with a strong emphasis on local produce, art, culture, sports and iconic symbols of Australia.
The Pub, where kids eat FREE Sunday to Wednesday, is already a popular, family focussed tourist pub. Now, with this planned development, it is set to be a family attraction in its own right!
For more information and ticket prices to Aussie World, please visit aussieworld.com.au.
You can also read our full review of Aussie World here.
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