Jurassic Falls: Dinosaur-themed minigolf, arcade proposed for Airlie Beach

A Melbourne-based developer has revealed plans to create a Jurassic Park themed tourist attraction in the heart of the Whitsundays but some locals say it would ruin the relaxed vibe. SEE THE PLANS.

A new family friendly attraction will be coming to Airlie Beach in the form of Jurassic Falls Whitsunday.

A family-friendly, dinosaur-themed attraction could soon arrive in the heart of the Whitsundays, as a Melbourne-based developer submits plans for an arcade and minigolf course.

Jurassic Falls, featuring a virtual reality game space, arcade, and minigolf course with a takeaway drink and ice cream outlet, is proposed for 281 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach.

Plans submitted to the council on February 26, 2025, by Victorian company Ellenahs Designer Elegance, show an 18-hole course wrapped around dinosaur features and landscaping, to be completed in three stages.

A petition launched just after the plans went public opposed the development as it would detract from Airlie Beach’s “relaxed coastal charm”.

The current site, occupied by the Whitsunday Food Garden Truck and a house, would be cleared for development.

Stage one would transform the 607 sqm lot into a Jurassic Park-inspired minigolf course.

Stage two would add a roof over the facility, and stage three would include a dinosaur activity centre featuring an arcade and virtual reality games.

Located on the main strip of Airlie Beach, Jurassic Falls would provide no onsite parking, as developers anticipate tourists would access the site by foot.

The development is expected to support two employees at the minigolf course, with another staff member for the ice cream and drinks outlet.

The site will not provide any parking and one house will be demolished in the construction. Photo: Documents submitted to WRC.

Artist impressions submitted to the council reveal a facade of faux rocks, dominated by a tyrannosaurus rex, velociraptor, and pterodactyl, surrounded by lush foliage and palm fronds.

The public notification period began on April 28, 2025, with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry sharing information on Facebook.

A petition opposing the development was launched shortly after, urging the public to “help protect the heart of Airlie Beach.”

The petition’s organisers argue the theme park-style minigolf course, featuring “giant dinosaurs,” would overshadow the natural beauty and “relaxed coastal charm” of Airlie Beach.

Jurassic Falls, if approved, would be built opposite McDonald’s and just up the road from Magnums Hotel, with a height not exceeding 8.5 meters.

At the time of writing, the petition had garnered 329 signatures.

The closing date for submissions related to the development proposal is May 14, 2025.

Originally published as Jurassic Falls: Dinosaur-themed minigolf, arcade proposed for Airlie Beach