Aussie World’s SX360 ride, supplied by Italian ride manufacturer Technical Park.
Local Support Stacey Grims explains how local support is helping Aussie World through the challenges of the past year
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ince first opening its gates to excited Sunshine Coast locals and visitors, the Aussie World entertainment precinct has evolved and continued to add more attractions and events that keep people coming back to experience something new. Despite interruptions to the tourism industry in recent times, the park has continued to provide new experiences for those looking to explore their own backyard and gained plenty of support from the local community. When the gates reopened at Aussie World following the initial COVID-19 lockdown in the first half of 2020, the park noticed a demand from local families who could not wait to get out of the house and enjoy what the Sunshine Coast had to offer. Aussie World’s relaunched Ride the Night events were a sell-out during the spring school holidays, creating a new and exciting experience for those families, as well as adults looking for some adrenaline-packed adventure. Since 2011, Aussie World has added a variety of attractions, and updated its existing rides including the introduction of childrens’ favourites Bug Ride and Bombora Bounce drop and twist tower; The Wasp thrill ride; new dodgem cars and Speed Stars racing cars, as well as ongoing upgrades to keep the park looking fresh. The most recent ride opening was the SX360 in June 2021, which was a $2.5 million investment and a further boost to visitor numbers, delivering on its promise to introduce new products into the Sunshine Coast tourism market. 28 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 145
While Aussie World has long been known as a destination for young families, the SX360 is opening the park up to a new market, with an increase in thrill rides being introduced. The SX360 is Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum swing, reaching speeds of 80km/h while launching 32 metres into the air and completing four inversions up to 5Gs. While there has been limited interstate travel in the last 12 months due to border restrictions, the support has continued from the local community, including the Queensland and Sunshine Coast tourism organisations who helped officially open the new thrill ride. Aussie World Manager, Shannon Fay explains “the COVID lockdown and border restrictions did affect visitation at Aussie
