Dreamworld’s unveils new Gold Coast ride King Claw to the world in Amsterdam

One of Australia’s most-loved theme park thrill rides is being replaced with a bigger, faster version - and it’s been unveiled to the world in Amsterdam. See where and when it’s opening.

The Claw at Dreamworld. Picture: Supplied

A Gold Coast theme park is supercharging a fan favourite thrill ride with a bigger, faster version unveiled to a global audience at the world’s biggest park convention.

Dreamworld is replacing its much-loved ride The Claw with one 50 per cent higher and 50 per cent faster to be known as King Claw.

It will be the largest gyro swing ride in the southern hemisphere, standing at 27 metres tall.

King Claw’s swing height will be taller than the highest peak of the park’s largest rollercoaster, Steel Taipan.

The Claw is expected to close in January, with constructions on successor King Claw, to begin immediately after before launching late in 2025.

Dreamworld unveiled the new thrill ride to the international market overnight in Amsterdam at the world’s largest theme park convention, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. It was the expo’s hero announcement.

Dreamworld has also been teasing Gold Coasters about the unveiling with an ‘It’s coming’ ad campaign in the Bulletin, and simultaneously revealed the announcement in marketing material on Wednesday September 25.

The Claw at Dreamworld which will close in January next year. Picture: Supplied

Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong said the park was excited to amplify its thrill ride offering.

“Our vision for King Claw is to elevate the guest experience to heights we’ve never reached before literally and figuratively.

“This new attraction will set a new standard for thrill rides at Dreamworld, offering a heart-pounding adventure that our guests will talk about for years to come.

“The Claw has been an iconic and much-loved attraction at Dreamworld for many years, and King Claw is the perfect successor to that legacy,” he said.

Since it’s grand opening in September 2004, The Claw has featured heavily in the park’s marketing campaigns over the years, even appearing in TV competitions.

During its grand opening, television program Rove Live hosted a competition for viewers to be one of the first to ride The Claw, on the provision they did it naked.

Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong on 20-year-old fan-favourite ride, The Claw which is being replaced by a bigger, faster version called King Claw. Picture: Supplied

Intamin, a worldwide leader in amusement ride design based in Liechtenstein, have announced they will be manufacturing King Claw.

Intamin executive vice president Sascha Czibulka said this was a huge announcement for the company.

“We are incredibly proud to be working with Australia’s biggest theme park to elevate their thrill ride offering to a whole new level.

“The King Claw experience is going to be like no other, it truly is a world class attraction,” he said.

The replacement of The Claw is in addition to Dreamworld’s existing $55m investment plan, announced in 2022 as part of it’s vision for future growth.

Other additions to Dreamworld under the plan included Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland which was completed in December 2023 and is the largest dedicated family and children’s world in any Gold Coast theme park.

Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland is part of Dreamworld’s $55m investment. Picture: Supplied

Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland included the opening of the park’s newest kiddie ride, Big Red Boat Coaster, inspired by the Wiggles.

The new precinct also includes the Big Red Plane ride, a Bananas in Pyjamas Carousel and Play School Wheel from broadcaster ABC Kids.

Most recently the final piece in the park’s new Rivertown precinct, Jane’s Rivertown restaurant was announced to open in late 2024.

The restaurant will feature seating for up to 280 guests as well as brand-new events and

conference spaces to cater for both small and large events.

Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant is currently under construction. Picture: Supplied