Dreamworld’s Massive Expansion Has Been Approved With A Hotel And More In The Plan

The Gold Coast's biggest theme park is about to get a whole lot bigger.

Dreamworld has officially secured planning approval for a major expansion of its 55-hectare Coomera site, paving the way for a mixed-use tourism precinct that could include a new hotel, apartments, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and eco-tourism experiences alongside the existing theme park.

While no final developments have been confirmed, the approval unlocks one of the most significant tourism projects currently planned for Queensland—positioning Dreamworld as far more than a theme park and strengthening the Gold Coast's status as one of Australia's premier holiday destinations ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Here's everything we know so far.

Jump to:

• What's Included In Dreamworld's Approved Expansion?
• How Dreamworld's Expansion Will Cement The Gold Coast As A Holiday Destination
• When Will Dreamworld's Expansion Be Built?

What's Included In Dreamworld's Approved Expansion?

The approved masterplan divides the site into four distinct precincts, unlocking a much broader mix of tourism, hospitality and residential uses than currently exist.

The Major Tourism Core will remain home to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, while a new Gateway Precinct creates opportunities for a hotel, short-term accommodation, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, sporting facilities, offices and childcare.

A separate Nature-Based Tourism Precinct could introduce eco-tourism cabins, boardwalks and viewing platforms, while the Town Centre Transition Precinct allows for high-density residences, healthcare services, educational facilities, retirement living and commercial offices.

Together, the vision transforms the site from a standalone theme park into a multi-day destination where visitors can stay, dine, unwind and explore beyond the rides.

One of the biggest opportunities unlocked by the approval is the potential for a major new hotel, helping address the shortage of quality accommodation between northern Gold Coast and Brisbane.

While Dreamworld is yet to reveal detailed plans, the approved development code also allows for restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment venues that can operate independently from the theme park, creating a precinct that attracts visitors long after the rides have closed.

According to Dreamworld, the proposed hotel alone is expected to represent an investment of more than $200 million, making it one of the largest tourism developments planned for the region.

How Dreamworld's Expansion Will Cement The Gold Coast As A Holiday Destination

The approval comes as the Gold Coast continues to evolve into one of Australia's leading tourism destinations, with major infrastructure projects and new accommodation preparing the region for increased domestic and international visitation.

Located beside the Pacific Motorway, adjacent to Coomera Town Centre and just minutes from the future transport links supporting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Dreamworld's expansion is expected to strengthen the northern Gold Coast as a destination in its own right.

Alongside new hotels opening across the city and continued investment in attractions, the project reflects a broader shift towards longer, resort-style stays where visitors can combine theme parks, dining, accommodation and entertainment in one precinct.

When Will Dreamworld's Expansion Be Built?

While planning approval has now been granted, Dreamworld says no final decisions have been been made about which elements of the masterplan will be delivered first.

The approval provides the framework for future development across the 55-hectare site, with Coast Entertainment now assessing development pathways before announcing construction timelines.

In the meantime, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World will continue operating as usual while plans for the precinct's next chapter take shape.

Image credit: Dreamworld | Website