Coast Entertainment has finally secured state planning approval for the master development code surrounding Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, unlocking potential for resort hotels, eco-tourism cabins, and expanded entertainment precincts.
In a landmark decision for Australia's theme park capital, the Queensland State Government has now officially approved the development application for Dreamworld's extensive 55-hectare Coomera landholding.
The crucial decision resolves years of planning uncertainty surrounding the undeveloped land surrounding Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. Originally submitted in September 2023, the application was called in by the Queensland Government in October 2025 before reaching its final approval standard this month.
The approved Dreamworld Development Code establishes a comprehensive framework for expanding the site into a multi-faceted tourism and mixed-use destination, while preserving existing theme park development rights in full.
Four Key Development Precincts
The master plan establishes four distinct zones across the 55-hectare site positioned alongside the Pacific Motorway:
- Major Tourism Core: Protects and enhances the existing operational footprints of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for future attraction growth.
- Nature-Based Tourism Precinct: Enables low-impact eco-tourism, featuring viewing platforms, boardwalks, and eco-tourism cabins.
- Gateway Precinct: Functions as an extension of the theme parks, accommodating resort hotels, short-term accommodation, offices, entertainment venues, and hospitality.
- Town Centre Transition Precinct: Integrates with the adjacent Coomera Town Centre, allowing high-density residential housing, health care, retirement facilities, and educational uses.
Environmental and Infrastructure Safeguards
The approval includes stringent environmental and operational conditions agreed upon with state authorities and the City of Gold Coast Council. Key management plans cover:
- Koala habitat protection and vegetation clearing limits
- Bushfire and flood mitigation strategies
- Stormwater control and traffic impact management
- Comprehensive noise attenuation measures
A Vision for the Northern Gold Coast
Coast Entertainment Holdings and Dreamworld Chief Executive Greg Yong highlighted the strategic timing of the approval, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"The scale of what is possible here is significant," said Yong. "We are situated at the heart of the southern hemisphere's largest theme park destination, surrounded by a rapidly growing residential community, a burgeoning industrial and marine sector, and the emerging Coomera health precinct."
"Combined with a shortage of quality hotel accommodation between the northern Gold Coast and Brisbane, and momentum building towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we believe this represents one of the most compelling mixed-use development opportunities in the country."
Coast Entertainment has commissioned an independent valuation of the business and surrounding freehold land to assess potential future development pathways. At present, no binding commitments or construction timelines have been finalised for specific commercial or accommodation projects.
