This resource is for you to learn everything you need about Disneyland in Australia. It is often referred to as the happiest place on Earth, and considering our country is already a pretty fantastic place to live, it makes sense that Disneyland may also one day call Australia home. But is there any truth to the rumours that Disneyland has plans to head down under?
- First, we are going to show you what we think Disneyland in Australia could look like
- Then we will put to rest the current rumours about Disneyland in Australia.
- Then we will briefly highlight the existing theme parks in Australia
The Disneyland Australia Dream: What Could Be?
With our rich and diverse natural landscape, vibrant Indigenous history, and unique flora and fauna, there are a multitude of potential themes that could be explored if Disneyland came to Australia. We have put on our thinking – I mean Mickey Mouse – caps, and below are just some of the wonderful Australia-based themes that we think could work well.
Great Barrier Reef Water Park
One potential theme for Disneyland in Australia could centre around one of our most stunning and popular tourist attractions – the Great Barrier Reef. This colourful and vibrant underwater world could be brought to life with giant walk-through aquariums, water park rides, snorkelling experiences and even an educational centre highlighting the importance of marine conservation and protecting the reef. We realise this would need a LOT of environmental impact considerations, so it is probably more a dream than a reality.
Dreamtime Fantasy
Celebrating our rich Indigenous history and touching on the many dreamtime stories that we grew up with, this theme could have an immersive area celebrating Indigenous Australian culture, art, and spirituality. A giant Rainbow Serpent ride could be a central feature, with other walkthrough experiences recreating the many stories and natural world as seen through indigenous eyes. Boomerang throwing, painting workshops and daily storytelling performances are other ideas that could be used within this theme.
Aussie Wildlife World
What is Australia really without our incredibly diverse and unique wildlife? From cuddly koalas and colourful birds to deadly snakes and fearsome sharks – the range of animals found here is a real drawcard and highlighting this through an Aussie wildlife theme makes sense. Possible ideas could be a giant twisting snake rollercoaster, platypus and crocodile river rapids rides, a giant wombat tunnel maze and even a kangaroo bounce castle. The options with this theme are endless!
Aussie Disney Characters: Who Would Star in Disneyland Australia?
When it comes to the main stars who could be featured at an Australian Disneyland, the list of possibilities is pretty long. Australia-themed Disney movies are more common than you think. Finding Nemo is one of the most well-known (an entire section of the movie is based in Sydney, and we think an amazing idea for a water slide could be going from the dentist’s office back into the ocean)! But there are many other movies, too. These include;
- Mickey Down Under
- Mickey’s Kangaroo
- The Rescuers Down Under
- Finding Nemo
- Finding Dory
- In Search of the Castaways
- Koala Man
- Ride a Wild Pony
- Rip Girls
- Jumping Ship
- The DuckTales episode “Back Out in the Outback”
- The Timon & Pumbaa episode “Back Out in the Outback”
- The Gargoyles episode “Walkabout”
- Outback at Ya!
- Inspector Gadget 2
- Thor: Ragnarok
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
- Thor: Love and Thunder
Disneyland Down Under: Fantasy or Future Reality?
So now, let’s address those rumours. It is probably what led you to this page in the first place – the gentle ripple of conversation and stories that suggest this may all be possible. The truth is, for many years now, there have been hints and discussions about a Disneyland in Australia.
Past Fantasies
Disneyland Australia Gold Coast
It all started back in the 1990s, when the Gold Coast looked to be the location picked for our Australian Disneyland. Makes sense for this theme park capital to add another major attraction. Unfortunately, due to cost-related issues, it never actually came to fruition – and a new Disneyland was instead built in China.
Disneyland Australia Sydney
10 years later and Disneyland was once again considering heading south. This time, Sydney was the hotspot and the idea of Disney Wharf emerged. Sadly, once again this project never eventuated, with construction costs considered a major reason.
Disneyland Adelaide
Finally, as late as 2022 the idea of a Disneyland in Australia once again floated, with Adelaide being the proposed location. Home to numerous national events and with plenty of space to house such a huge attraction this one gained some traction. As nothing has been built to date, though, and whispers of another new location are now doing the rounds, we think it’s safe to say this one is no longer on the table.
A future reality?
So what is the latest? Recently, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, got people wondering if Disneyland Melbourne was a real possibility. She enthusiastically came out showing support for a Disneyland theme park in the heart of the CBD.
Adding fuel to that fire, a significant piece of land near Avalon Airport is reportedly designated for an entertainment precinct (which would be perfect for what a Disneyland park would require).
So….maybe Melbourne? Personally, we think the Sunshine State would be a brilliant option….
If you love all things Disney you might also be interested in:
Australia’s Disneyland Alternatives
Bringing a theme park as big as Disneyland to Australia seems an obvious choice, especially when you look at the other major theme parks we already have and love.
Theme Parks like Dreamworld and Movieworld offer many similar experiences for visitors but without the Disney twist. Both parks feature well-loved characters that walk amongst the crowds, street entertainment and live-action shows. Like Disney, the parks are separated into different themed areas, with rides that are age-appropriate and relevant to each section.
Although not quite as big as Disneyland may be, these parks are still huge, and visitors usually opt for a three-day multi-pass or yearly pass in order to make the most of their time there and to enable them time to experience everything the park has to offer. We have an article here on how to get discounted Dreamworld Tickets.
Other Australian Theme Parks
Here is a list of some of the most popular theme parks currently in Australia.
Queensland
Dreamworld (Gold Coast) – Home to thrilling rides, a wildlife conservation park, and the DreamWorks Experience.
Warner Bros. Movie World (Gold Coast) – Offers movie-themed rides, attractions, and shows.
Sea World (Gold Coast) – A marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park.
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast – A water park offering slides and pools for all ages.
WhiteWater World (Gold Coast) – A water park located adjacent to Dreamworld.
New South Wales
Luna Park Sydney (Sydney) – A historic amusement park located at Milsons Point on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour.
Wet’n’Wild Sydney (Now known as Raging Waters Sydney) – A water park featuring a variety of water slides and pools.
Victoria
Luna Park Melbourne (Melbourne) – An historic amusement park located on the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay in St Kilda.
Adventure Park (Geelong) – Victoria’s biggest water theme park.
South Australia
The Beachouse (Glenelg) – A family entertainment complex featuring waterslides, rides, and games.
Western Australia
Adventure World (Perth) – A theme park with water slides, rides, and a wildlife experience.
Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory
These regions do not have large-scale theme parks comparable to those in other states, but they offer a variety of other tourist attractions, including wildlife parks and adventure experiences.
Why Australia Deserves Its Own Disneyland
When you look at what our wonderful country offers visitors, and the benefits of bringing a brand like Disneyland to our shores, a blend of the two seems an obvious win for all.
For Australians, having our own Disneyland means no longer having to travel overseas to experience a theme park of its scale. With many people around the world determined to visit every Disneyland location, having one on our island is another reason for tourists to make the trip down under. Also, a newly built giant theme park will be a massive boost for our economy, creating millions of jobs not just at the theme park but with the additional transport, accommodation, food and entertainment facilities that will no doubt be built around it.
It was once reported that Disneyland would never hit our shores as we just didn’t have the population or infrastructure to support it. Still, I think the success of the 2000 Olympics in Australia has shown just how well we meet the demands of producing something for the world stage. We certainly have the space and with our incredible people, wildlife, landscape, landmarks and atmosphere – our population and tourist numbers continue to grow rapidly.
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