List of former Sea World attractions

The following is a list of attractions that previously existed at the Sea World theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Sea World's entrance

Rides and attractions

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Bermuda Triangle
 
Sea World Eye
Sea World Train
 
 
 
 
Water
Park
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central
Station
 
 
 
Name Opened Closed Description
Adventure Island ???? 1996 A children's play area which featured suspension bridges, climbing logs, a small fort and a dock. It was located where Dolphin Cove now exists and was accessible via the Adventure Island Ferry which left the Dockside Tavern and travelled along the network of lakes.[1][2]
Adventure Island Ferry ???? 1996 A slow boat ride which took riders from the Dockside Tavern to Adventure Island. The seating and canopies were removed from the ferries to convert them to barges once Adventure Island was closed. These barges have since been used as fireworks platforms and special event stages.[1][2]
Bermuda Triangle 1994 2010 An enclosed water ride which took riders into the unknown of two mysterious volcanoes culminating in a final splashdown.[3]
Bumper Boats 1980 1987 A set of bumper boats Located within the Viking's Revenge Flume Ride circuit. It was replaced by the station for Lassister's Lost Mine.[4]
Cap'n Kids Castle ???? 1993 A children's play area which existed within the castle walls where the Sea World Theatre now stands.[2]
Cartoon Network Cartoon Beach 1999 2007 Sesame Street Beach was originally themed to Cartoon Network. It opened with 5 attractions.[5]
Dinosaur Island 2012 2014 An interactive dinosaur exhibit.[6] It featured animatronic dinosaurs outdoors as well as an indoor exhibit.
Lassiter's Lost Mine 1987 1994 An indoor boat ride themed to a mine flooding. Disney executives commented at the ride's cheap price tag claiming that the ride would have cost more than six times the amount it actually cost.[7]
Pirate Ship 1981 2009 A swinging pirate ship ride. It was moved to Funfields in Victoria where it now operates as Blackbeard's Fury.[8][9]
Sea Viper 1982 2014 Originally named the Corkscrew, it was the only looping roller coaster at the park and featured three inversions.[10] The ride was an Arrow Dynamics sit-down looper which opened in 1982. In 2009, the ride had the train replaced and became the Sea Viper. The Sea Viper was closed in 2014 due to old age.[11]
Sea World Eye 2006 2008 A temporary 60-metre (200 ft) high ferris wheel was constructed in the former location of the Thrillseeker. Ronald Bussink Co. manufactured the mobile installation which has since been moved to another location.[12][13]
Sea World Monorail System 1986 2022 Three, nine-car trains on a 2-kilometre (6,600 ft) monorail circuit, each of the trains could hold 96 passengers.[14] It closed in 2022 when two of the trains were scrapped,[15] and it was confirmed by Sea World that the monorail had permanently closed in August 2024.[16]
Sea World Train 1972 2008 A two-thirds scale locomotive which took a slow tour around the outside of the back of the park. Up until 2005, the train briefly stopped at the Water Park. After the addition of The Plunge in the water park, this was no longer possible.[17][18]
Sesame Street Beach 2007 2011 This was a themed zone featuring several rides specifically designed for children. The area also featured a live show – Bert and Ernie's Island Holiday. The area was originally themed to Cartoon Network with all but one of the current rides. Bert and Ernie's Big Dive, Oscar's Sweep the Beach, Elmo's Sea Subs, Zoe's Sub Splash and The Cookie Monster Cup Carousel all previously existed under different names. Big Bird Bounce was a new attraction for Sesame Street Beach.[19] It was replaced in late 2011 with the generic Beach Break Bay theme.
Sky High Skyway 1989 2015 A cable car ride that would take guests up for a bird's-eye view of the park.
Thrillseeker 1981 2002 A steel roller coaster which was originally named Wild Wave. It now operates as a mobile unit around Australia as the Taipan.[20][21]
Viking's Revenge Flume Ride 1978 2016 A log flume style ride featuring a 43-foot (13 m) drop at 36 mph (58 km/h).
Water Park The water park was originally included in Sea World admission until 2008 when it became part of the Sea World Resort and was converted into an upcharge attraction.[22]
Body slides ???? 2010 A set of two body slides which replaced Rapid Mountain. They were based on the one tower closest to Sea World Resort.[23] In 2010, the slides were removed and the tower was incorporated into Castaway Bay.
Freefall slides 1987 2005 A set of two freefall style body slides which launched from the top of the main, southern tower.[2][24]
Lagoon pool 1987 2010 A large family lagoon swimming pool. It was replaced by Battle Boats of Castaway Bay in 2010.[2]
Rapid Mountain 1987 ???? A set of two tube slides which were later replaced by the body slides on the northern end of the water park. The slides were set in a replica mountain.[2]
Speed slides 1987 2005 A set of two triple dip water slides which launched from the top of the main, southern tower.[2][25]
Toboggan slide 1987 2005 A single toboggan slide which launched from the middle of the main, southern tower, perpendicular to the speed and freefall slides.[2][26]

Shows

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Dolphin Cove Show
 
Waterski Wipeout
Name Opened Closed Description
Bert and Ernie's Island Holiday ???? ???? A live stage show which feature a full cast of Sesame Street characters adjacent to Sesame Street Beach.[19] The show concluded in late 2011 and was replaced by Dora's Best Friends Adventure in December 2011.
Best of Mates ???? ???? A show which featured both bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. It was located where the Sea Lion Theatre now stands (Fish Detectives).[27]
Dolphin and Sea Lion Celebration ???? ???? A live show featuring dolphins and sea lions.[2]
Dolphin Cove Show 1996 2007 A dolphin show located in a newly created, four-lagoon dolphin exhibit called Dolphin Cove.[28]
Dolphins Go Physical ???? ???? A live show which featured dolphins jumping through hoops and performing other stunts. It was located where the Sea Lion Theatre now stands (Fish Detectives).[29]
Dora's Best Friends Adventure 2011 2017 A live stage show featuring Dora the Explorer characters. The show concluded in 2017 to be replaced with Paw Patrol on Holiday in December 2017.
Fish Detectives 2007 2017 A live stage show featuring Sea World's seals. The show concluded after the Spring school holiday season to be replaced with Seal Guardians in early 2018.
Happy Feet 3-D Experience 2010 2011 This replaced the former documentary Ocean Rescue in the Sea World TV, and was shown from September 2010 to late 2011.[30] It was replaced with SpongeBob SquarePants 3-D.
International Ski Spectacular ???? ???? A waterski show.
Ocean Rescue 2009 2010 A standard film which was housed in the Sea World Theatre replaced Planet SOS in 4D. It was replaced by the Happy Feet 3D Experience.[31]
Planet SOS in 4D 2003 2009 A 4-D film which was housed in the Sea World Theatre replacing Pirates in 3D. It was replaced by Ocean Rescue.[32]
Pirates in 3D 1998 2003 An Iwerks 3-D film which was housed in the Sea World Theatre replacing the original film, Sea Dream.[33]
Pirates of Paradise 1988 1992 A waterski show.[2]
Pirates Unleashed 2009 2011 This replaced the long-running ski show in 2009. After initially opening on 19 September, the show only performed for two days before going back to the drawing board.[34] An article in the Gold Coast Bulletin heavily criticised the lack of action and in the new show saying "these pirates won't blow anyone out of the water". The revamped show opened on Boxing Day 2009.[35] On 20 July 2011, the show made its last performance.[36] In September 2011, Jet Stunt Extreme opened in its place.[37]
Quest for the Golden Seal Show 1996 2007 A seal show.[38]
Sea Dream 1994 1998 Sea World's first film in the Sea World Theatre replacing the Cap'n Kids Castle. It was replaced by Pirates in 3D.[2][17]
Seals Aboard 2007 2007 A temporary show starring Sea World's seals which was shown next to the Endeavour replica to allow the Quest for the Golden Seal set to be transformed into the Fish Detectives set.
Ski Challenge ???? 2005 A waterski show where guests were split into two teams and would barrack for their waterskiers to win.
SpongeBob ParadePants December 17, 2011 (2011-12-17) October 2014 (2014-10) A Parade Show that took place in the Sea World Lagoon which featured all the favourite characters from the SpongeBob SquarePants Series. The show concluded in October 2014.
Waterski Wipeout 2005 2009 A waterski show which took guests back to the Gold Coast in the 1960s.[39] It was replaced by Pirates Unleashed.[40]
World of the Sea Theatre ???? ???? A short, educational film was shown to a seated audience before the screen was raised to reveal an aquarium.[2]
nite fire ???? ???? A seasonal nighttime waterski show featuring music, and a display of laser lights and fireworks.

Marine attractions

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Penguins on Parade
Name Opened Closed Description
Dugong Discovery 2004 2008 An educational dugong exhibit which replaced Reef Discovery. The exhibit was closed when the two dugongs were moved to Sydney Aquarium. It was replaced by Shark Attack.[41][42]
Penguins on Parade ???? 2007 A little penguin exhibit which was located near the front of the park. It was closed and removed after an unidentified toxin killed 26 of the penguins. A new exhibit was built one year later at a new location in the northern end of the park. It was named Penguin Point.[43]
Reef Discovery 2001 2004 A short, educational film was shown to a seated audience before the screen was raised to reveal an aquarium.[44]
Sea World Aquarium ???? 2010 A circular building filled with several small individual aquariums which represented a variety of habitats. The aquarium closed to make way for Penguin Encounter.[45]
Shark Attack 2009 2010 An educational exhibit which aimed to teach guests the truth about sharks. It replaced Dugong Discovery and was replaced by Penguin Encounter.
Shark Encounter ???? 2001 A short, educational film was shown to a seated audience before the screen was raised to reveal an aquarium with sharks.[46]

Cancelled plans

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Surfrider at Wet'n'Wild Water World
Name Date Description
Hippopotamus attraction 2009 A proposed hippopotamus exhibit which would have featured two hippos from the Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve in north Queensland. The exhibit was cancelled when Ray Reef was constructed at the suggested location and within the timeframe for the hippo exhibit.[47][48]
Seal Rocks 2005 A proposed seal exhibit to be located where Ray Reef now stands. At the time of proposal the site was empty after the Thrillseeker was removed.[49] In 2012, Sea World announced they would be adding Seal Harbour.[50]
Surfrider 2007 A steel roller coaster which was due to open at Sea World in 2007. Village Roadshow Theme Parks, the owners of Sea World, decided to install it at Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast instead.[51]
Water roller coaster 2008 Plans for a Mack water roller coaster were released in January 2008 by the Gold Coast City Council. The proposal detailed the ride would have a station where Penguin Encounter exists and the main track out and over the car park.[52] Later that year, Sea World opened Jet Rescue.[53] On 12 July 2012, Christian von Elverfeldt revealed Australia would be receiving a Mack water roller coaster leading to speculation that Sea World may have revived its plans.[54][55] The Roller Coaster DataBase later confirmed this speculation.[56]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Adventure Island & Adventure Island Ferry (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l JozParks (18 October 2009). "Sea World Souvenir video (Circa 1990) With Full Pirates of Paradise Song!". YouTube. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  3. ^ "Bermuda Triangle (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  4. ^ "Bumper Boats (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  5. ^ "Cartoon Network Cartoon Beach (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  6. ^ Sea World (4 May 2012). "Wall Photos". Facebook. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  7. ^ "Lassiter's Lost Mine (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  8. ^ "Pirate Ship (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  9. ^ "Blackbeard's Fury (Funfields)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  10. ^ Sea Viper | Sea World. Retrieved 27 December 2009 from the official website Archived 1 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  11. ^ Parkz Database: Corkscrew Rollercoaster. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
  12. ^ "Sea World Eye (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  13. ^ AAP (12 December 2007). "Sea World Eye to close on Gold Coast". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  14. ^ "Sea World Monorail System (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  15. ^ Forbes, Tom (6 May 2022). "Sea World monorail future unclear after carriages removed from Gold Coast theme park to be destroyed". ABC News.
  16. ^ "Sea World Monorail: Fond farewell to Gold Coast icon". 9 News. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  17. ^ a b "History and Development – Sea World". MyFun. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  18. ^ "Sea World Train (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  19. ^ a b Sesame Street Beach | Sea World. Retrieved 24 September 2009 from the official website Archived 18 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
  20. ^ "Thrillseeker (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  21. ^ Marden, Duane. "Thrillseeker  (Sea World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  22. ^ Hart, Lance (17 December 2008). "Sea World Australia". Screamscape. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  23. ^ "Body slides (Sea World)". Parkz.
  24. ^ "Freefall slide (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  25. ^ "Speed slide (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  26. ^ "Toboggan Slide (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  27. ^ Seipelt, Gavin (10 May 2004). "Best of Mates". Photo. Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  28. ^ "Dolphin Cove (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  29. ^ Seipelt, Gavin (10 May 2004). "Dolphins Go Physical". Photo. Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  30. ^ School Holiday Fun Guide (12 September 2010). The Sunday Mail.
  31. ^ "Ocean Rescue (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  32. ^ "Planet S.O.S. (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  33. ^ "Sea World Park Map", Park Map, Sea World, 1999
  34. ^ Sea World's new show sours. Retrieved on 28.09.09 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
  35. ^ These pirates won't blow anyone out of the water. Retrieved 28 September 2009 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
  36. ^ Sea World (2011). "Pirates Unleashed". MyFun. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  37. ^ Sea World (2011). "Jet Stunt Extreme". MyFun. Archived from the original on 15 August 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  38. ^ "Quest for the Golden Seal Show (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  39. ^ "Waterski WipeOut". MyFun. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  40. ^ Sultanie, Hayley (6 June 2009). "Pirates sink Sea World stars". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  41. ^ Donaghey, Kathleen (20 December 2008). "Sea World dugongs off to Sydney". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  42. ^ Gibson, Jason (5 December 2008). "New Pig in town – dugongs could call aquarium home". South West Advertiser. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  43. ^ AAP (8 March 2008). "Seaworld opens new haven for penguins". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  44. ^ "Reef Discovery (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  45. ^ "Sea World Aquarium". MyFun. Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  46. ^ "Shark Encounter (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  47. ^ "Unknown Hippopotamus Attraction (Sea World)". Parkz.
  48. ^ Chambers, Geoff. "Sea World's on a hippo safari". Gold Coast Bulletin.
  49. ^ "Seal Rocks (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  50. ^ Pierce, Jeremy (22 August 2012). "Sea World to open new seal exhibit". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  51. ^ "Surfrider (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  52. ^ Department of Infrastructure and Planning. "Gold Coast Marine Development Proposal – Northern Development Area" (PDF). Queensland Government. Retrieved 8 December 2010.[dead link] Alt URL
  53. ^ Marden, Duane. "Jet Rescue  (Sea World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  54. ^ Wilson, Richard (16 July 2012). "Water coaster bound for Australia in 2013". Parkz. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  55. ^ "Das Looping-Märchen" (PDF). Interview. insideB. 12 July 2012. p. 54. Retrieved 16 July 2012.[dead link]
  56. ^ Marden, Duane. "unknown  (Sea World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 11 November 2012.