Rivertown (Dreamworld)

Rivertown

Status	Operating
Theme	Jungle themed river town
Attractions
Total	2
Roller coasters	1
Dreamworld
Coordinates	27°51′48″S153°19′02″E / 27.863294°S 153.317267°E / -27.863294; 153.317267
Opened	15 December 1981 (1981-12-15) (original) 23 December 2024 (2024-12-23) (reopening)
Closed	2010s (original)
Replaced	ABC Kids World
Replaced by	Merged with ABC Kids World and Main Street

Rivertown is a themed area at the Dreamworld amusement park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. ^[1] It replaced the former ABC Kids World and provides a link between Main Street, the Dreamworld Corroboree and Tiger Island. ^{[1] [2]} The area previously existed from the park's opening in 1981 until being merged into Main Street in the 2010s. ^[1]

History

Rivertown opened with the park in 1981. ^[3] The area originally was home to the Avis Vintage Cars which have since been relocated to the Australian Wildlife Experience. The Avis Vintage Cars were located where Mick Doohan's Motocoaster currently exists. ^{[2] [4]} At opening the area was home to the Captain Sturt Paddle Wheeler (John Longhurst's signature attraction) and the Avis Vintage Cars. ^[3] In 2012, the Captain Sturt Paddle Wheeler ceased operations.

On 24 November 2022, Dreamworld announced that Rivertown would be returning, replacing the existing ABC Kids World which took over much of the original Rivertown's footprints. The return of Rivertown is also to come with the introduction of a new attraction and is expected to open in late-2024. ^[1] ABC Kids World closed on 8 October 2023, with the construction of Rivertown commencing. ^{[5] [6]} The area officially opened on 23 December 2024, with Jungle Rush, Murrissippi Motors and Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant. ^[7]

Attractions

Current attractions

Mick Doohan's Motocoaster

• Jungle Rush is a temple-themed Vekoma family roller coaster. The ride has 12 airtime elements, dedicated show movements, the ability to operate in both a forwards and backwards direction, and immersive theming with storytelling. The ride officially opened on 23 December 2024 with the return of Rivertown. ^[1]
• Motocoaster is an Intamin Motorbike Launch Roller Coaster named after the Moto GP champion Michael Doohan. ^[8] Although being classified as one of Dreamworld's Big 8 Thrill Rides, ^[9] the ride failed to gain support within its first year of operation. ^[10] Motocoaster still operates as part of Main Street. ^[11]
• Murrissippi Motors is a vintage cars attraction where guests can ride in replicas of 1911 Model T Fords. In 2007, the attraction was relocated to the Australian Wildlife Experience area (now Dreamworld Corroboree). ^[4] The attraction returned to Rivertown in 2024 and received a refurbishment and retheme, now featuring a former RAAF Caribou A4-179 aircraft. ^{[1] [7]}

Former attractions

The Rivertown Wharf (entrance to Captain Sturt Paddle Wheeler) in 2011.

• The Captain Sturt Paddle Wheeler was a operational paddle wheeler. When it was operating, it was a gentle boat ride along the man-made Murrissipi River. The ride is of a similar style to the Mark Twain Riverboat at several Disney theme parks around the world. The ride opened with the park in 1981. ^[12] The channel which the boat tours is called the Murrissipi River and took Dreamworld founder, John Longhurst, two years to construct working seven 12-hour days a week. ^[3] The ride originally featured a bush show themed to the era of Ned Kelly. This was discontinued when Farmyard Friends was constructed during 2005. ^[12] The attraction closed in 2012. ^[12]

Shopping & Dining

Food and beverages are available at:

• Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant - a jungle-themed restaurant, featuring several animatronic animals, a themed boat bar, and several past Dreamworld relics such as old posters featuring the former Tower of Terror II and Wipeout attractions. ^[7]

Rivertown and Motocoaster-themed merchandise can be purchased at:

• The Rivertown General Store - a merchandise store which Rivertown-themed merchandise as well as Motocoaster-themed merchandise can be purchased. Motocoaster on-ride photos are also available here. ^[7]

Food and beverage items were formerly available at the Fast Foods restaurant. ^[13]

References

1. "The Future of Dreamworld". Dreamworld. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
2. "Park Map" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
3. "Dreamworld History" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
4. "Vintage Cars (Dreamworld)". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
5. "Rivertown". Dreamworld. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
6. Parkz Members. "Jungle Rush Coaster". Parkz. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
7. "Dreamworld opens new Rivertown precinct". Australian Leisure Management. Retrieved 30 December 2024.
8. "Mick Doohan's Motocoaster". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
9. "Man Up Landing". Dreamworld. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
10. Wilson, Richard (13 March 2008). "Motocoaster comes in second last in worldwide coaster poll". News Article. Parkz. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
11. "Printable Park Map" (PDF). Dreamworld. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
12. "Captain Sturt Paddle Wheeler (Dreamworld)". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
13. Dreamworld and WhiteWater World Park Map (2009).