The King Claw ride at Dreamworld one step closer to opening

A new ride at Australia’s biggest theme park on the Gold Coast is set to reach speeds and heights never seen before. WATCH THE VIDEO

The latest ride at a Gold Coast theme park will be one of the largest in the world, swinging 42m into the air and reaching speeds of almost 100km/h.

The King Claw at Dreamworld is expected to open late this year, replacing The Claw which operated for more than 20 years and closed in January.

It will be will be the largest Intamin gyro swing ride in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dreamworld senior projects manager Shane Boys said the new ride would be “spectacular”.

“It is much bigger than the old one,” he said.

Mr Boys said the ride’s main structure had now been installed, which marked a major milestone in its construction.

“That has taken a week to do, which is a record time for every other ride that has been built similar around the world,” he said.

“This included lifting more than 122 tonnes of steel into place.”

Construction of The King Claw at Dreamworld which is expected to open later this year. Picture: Supplied

Construction of The King Claw at Dreamworld which is expected to open later this year. Picture: Supplied

Each of the ride’s four legs weighs 16 tonne while the motor weighs 32 tonne and the pendulum arm is 15 tonne.

“It’s an incredible sight already and we’re just getting started,” Mr Boys said.

Once operational, the King Claw will stand 27m tall, which is higher than the tallest point on Dreamworld’s flagship rollercoaster, Steel Taipan, and swing riders up to 42m into the air.

The pendulum will swing through 120 degrees and reach speeds of 98km/h.

Mr Boys said the new ride promised to be an adrenaline-pumping spectacle for thrill seekers.

During the next six to eight weeks, Dreamworld’s team will undertake the mechanical and electrical installation phase of the project.

This will be followed by testing and ride commissioning before it will open to the public.

Originally published as The King Claw ride at Dreamworld one step closer to opening