Thursday 2 June 2005

$23M Australiana Show Extravaganza Commenced Construction Early 2005

Australian tradition, culture and music is captured in The Australian Outback Spectacular

Warner Village Theme Parks’ $23 million Australian show extravaganza – The Australian Outback Spectacular commenced construction in early 2005.

To be constructed on land near Warner Bros. Movie World, this $23 million major evening attraction will be set in an enclosed arena and will feature a two hour extravaganza incorporating up to forty horses, stuntmen and other favourite Australian animals, as well as a typical Aussie BBQ dinner.

The Australian Outback Spectacular – the first of its kind in Australia - will highlight Australian tradition, culture and music while combining stunning and extravagant lighting, sound and special effects.

Already officially recognised by the Gold Coast City Council Tourism Branch as Australia’s premier theme park and entertainment precincts, welcoming more than three million visitations a year, Warner Village Theme Parks is committed to sustaining and expanding the Coomera/Oxenford region.

An advantage to this site is the clear visibility of the new attraction from the Pacific Motorway combined with easy access and well-established transport links from Surfers Paradise and Brisbane.

Extensive research by Warner Village Theme Parks highlighted the fact that international visitors are in search of a typical Australian experience to learn about Australia and its rich heritage and culture.

Research also highlighted the need for additional quality evening entertainment that could provide domestic, interstate and international visitors with a unique and exciting night time experience.

Chief Executive Officer of Warner Village Theme Parks, Mr. John Menzies said that The Australian Outback Spectacular provides world class entertainment and high appeal not only to local domestic and interstate visitors but also to international visitors.

“Our research and discussions with international wholesalers has confirmed that an Australian outback experience would not only draw local domestic and interstate visitors due to the patriotic spectacle of such an unusual show but it would be a major drawcard for international visitors,” Mr. Menzies said.

In addition the research identified the need to provide audiences, particularly key international markets, with much more entertaining insight into the Outback than just a story about The Man from Snowy River.

“Audiences wanted to experience a performance that went beyond that story. They craved a much more exciting and exhilarating experience that provided a unique and spectacular insight into the history and culture of Australia, combined with state of the art music, sound and lighting,” Mr. Menzies said.

The show itself will be a combination of exciting horsemanship displayed by experienced stockmen, coupled to exotic and colourful outback scenarios.

Audience involvement is a prerequisite during a competition staged by riders from outback homesteads or stations who will be supported by pre-selected sections of the audience who will scream encouragement from their team as they ride for supremacy.

It is expected that tickets for The Australian Outback Spectacular, which will include a typical Aussie BBQ dinner will sell for approximately $60.00 per person, with concessions for children and pensioners.

Warner Village Theme Parks expects that the Australian Outback Spectacular will be open in early 2006.