List of former Sea World attractions

Sea World's entrance

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

Rides and attractions

Bermuda Triangle

Sea World Eye

• 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 was 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) 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. In 2014 due to old age the Sea Viper was closed.^[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 Train layout
Legend Water Park Central Station

• Sea World Train (1972—2008) – a two-third 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.^[14][15]
• Sesame Street Beach 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.^[16] It was replaced in late 2011 with the generic Beach Break Bay theme.
• 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.^[17][18]
• 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.^[19]
  • 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.^[20] 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][21]
  • 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][22]
  • 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][23]
  • Lagoon pool (1987—2010) – a large family lagoon swimming pool. It was replaced by Battle Boats of Castaway Bay in 2010.^[2]

Shows

Dolphin Cove Show

Waterski Wipeout

• Bert and Ernie's Island Holiday – a live stage show which feature a full cast of Sesame Street characters adjacent to Sesame Street Beach.^[16] 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).^[24]
• 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.^[25]
• 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).^[26]
• Happy Feet 3-D Experience (2010—2011) replaced the former documentary Ocean Rescue in the Sea World Theatre. It was shown from September 2010 to late 2011.^[27] 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.^[28]
• 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.^[29]
• Pirates in 3D (1998—2003) – an Iwerks 3-D film which was housed in the Sea World Theatre replacing the original film, Sea Dream.^[30]
• Pirates of Paradise (1988—1992) – a waterski show.^[2]
• Pirates Unleashed (2009—2011) 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.^[31] 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.^[32] On 20 July 2011, the show made its last performance.^[33] In September 2011, Jet Stunt Extreme opened in its place.^[34]
• Quest for the Golden Seal Show (1996—2007) – a seal show.^[35]
• 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][14]
• 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-October 2014) - a Parade Show that took place in the Sea World Lagoon which featured all your favorite 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.^[36] It was replaced by Pirates Unleashed.^[37]
• 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

Penguins on Parade

• 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.^[38][39]
• 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.^[40]
• Reef Discovery (2001—2004) – a short, educational film was shown to a seated audience before the screen was raised to reveal an aquarium.^[41]
• Sea World Aquarium (????—2010) – a circular building filled with several small individual aquariums which represented a variety of habitats. The aquarium closed to make was for Penguin Encounter.^[42]
• Seals at play (????—2007) – a small seal exhibit which featured two separate enclosures under a circular shade. It was replaced by the Sesame Street Beach show stage.
• 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.^[43]

Cancelled plans

Surfrider at Wet'n'Wild Water World

• 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.^[44][45]
• 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.^[46] In 2012, Sea World announced they would be adding Seal Harbour.^[47]
• 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 Water World instead.^[48]
• Water roller coaster – in January 2008, plans for a Mack water roller coaster were released 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.^[49] Later that year, Sea World opened Jet Rescue.^[50] 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.^[51][52] The Roller Coaster DataBase later confirmed this speculation.^[53]

References

1. "Adventure Island & Adventure Island Ferry (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
2. JozParks (Uploaded on 18 October 2009). "Sea World Souvenir video (Circa 1990) With Full Pirates of Paradise Song!". YouTube. Retrieved 7 December 2010. Check date values in: |date= (help)
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.
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. "History and Development – Sea World". MyFun. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
15. "Sea World Train (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
16. Sesame Street Beach | Sea World. Retrieved on 24-09-2009 from the official website.
17. "Thrillseeker (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
18. Marden, Duane. "Thrillseeker  (Sea World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
19. Hart, Lance (17 December 2008). "Sea World Australia". Screamscape. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
20. "Body slides (Sea World)". Parkz.
21. "Freefall slide (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
22. "Speed slide (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
23. "Toboggan Slide (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
24. Seipelt, Gavin (Uploaded on 10 May 2004). "Best of Mates". Photo. Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010. Check date values in: |date= (help)
25. "Dolphin Cove (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
26. Seipelt, Gavin (Uploaded on 10 May 2004). "Dolphins Go Physical". Photo. Parkz. Retrieved 7 December 2010. Check date values in: |date= (help)
27. School Holiday Fun Guide (12 September 2010). The Sunday Mail.
28. "Ocean Rescue (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
29. "Planet S.O.S. (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
30. "Sea World Park Map". Park Map. Sea World. 1999.
31. Sea World's new show sours. Retrieved on 28.09.09 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
32. These pirates won't blow anyone out of the water. Retrieved on 28-09-2009 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
33. Sea World (2011). "Pirates Unleashed". MyFun. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
34. Sea World (2011). "Jet Stunt Extreme". MyFun. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
35. "Quest for the Golden Seal Show (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
36. "Waterski WipeOut". MyFun. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
37. Sultanie, Hayley (6 June 2009). "Pirates sink Sea World stars". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
38. Donaghey, Kathleen (20 December 2008). "Sea World dugongs off to Sydney". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
39. Gibson, Jason (5 December 2008). "New Pig in town – dugongs could call aquarium home". South West Advertiser. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
40. AAP (8 March 2008). "Seaworld opens new haven for penguins". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
41. "Reef Discovery (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
42. "Sea World Aquarium". MyFun. Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
43. "Shark Encounter (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
44. "Unknown Hippopotamus Attraction (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
45. Chambers, Geoff. "Sea World's on a hippo safari". Gold Coast Bulletin.
46. "Seal Rocks (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
47. Pierce, Jeremy (22 August 2012). "Sea World to open new seal exhibit". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
48. "Surfrider (Sea World)". Parkz. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
49. Department of Infrastructure and Planning. "Gold Coast Marine Development Proposal – Northern Development Area". Queensland Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 January 2008. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
50. Marden, Duane. "Jet Rescue  (Sea World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
51. Wilson, Richard (16 July 2012). "Water coaster bound for Australia in 2013". Parkz. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
52. "Das Looping-Märchen" (PDF). Interview. insideB. 12 July 2012. p. 54. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
53. Marden, Duane. "unknown  (Sea World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 11 November 2012.