Opening day
John Longhurst bought the land at Coomera in 1974 and spent about two years excavating the site. Dreamworld opened on 15 December 1981, with the Dreamworld Express already running around the park.
Koalas and tigers
Koala Country opened in 1987, and Tiger Island followed in 1995. The tigers and Australian animals remain a large part of a visit today, with daily talks and presentations.
New worlds
The Giant Drop arrived in 1998. More recently, Steel Taipan opened in December 2021 and Rivertown, a jungle-themed world with the Jungle Rush coaster and Murrissippi Motors, in December 2024.



