Australia’s Theme Parks Are Thriving with New Attractions and Investments

Published on December 6, 2025

Theme parks and centres providing entertainment in Australia experienced steady performance over the past couple of years, showing mixed trends because of global events and shifting economies. According to a recent study by IBISWorld, the amusement parks and centres sector is forecast to generate $2.5 billion in revenue during the 2024/25 financial year. While this stabilises a volatile period, the industry has faced significant changes since 2019. The findings highlight the resilience shown by major theme parks in Australia amidst disruptions caused by the pandemic and rising economic pressures.

Growth and Stabilisation: The Performance of Australia’s Amusement Parks

The Australian amusement park industry has experienced a rollercoaster ride over the past five years. According to IBISWorld’s updated “Amusement Parks and Centres Operation in Australia” report, the industry employed over 10,290 people across 1,144 businesses in 2024/25. Revenue has increased at an annualised rate of 1.7% over the past five years, indicating modest but steady growth. However, the last few years have been marked by muted performance, largely due to reduced discretionary spending amid rising living costs.

IBISWorld analyst Callum Francis highlights the sector’s recovery from the sharp declines caused by the pandemic. While the impact of the pandemic caused significant downturns in 2019/20 and 2021/22—mainly due to lockdowns, restricted visitor capacities, and declining tourist numbers—the industry has managed to rebound strongly. This was driven by pent-up demand, elevated household savings, and a desire to return to leisure activities, particularly among families.

Despite this resurgence, IBISWorld notes that recent economic conditions have tempered growth. The financial years of 2023/24 and 2024/25 saw softer revenue outcomes, despite improvements in domestic and international tourism. The increased cost of living and tighter household budgets have led to reduced spending on leisure experiences, which has affected smaller and mid-sized attractions more than large theme parks.

The Core Customer Base: Families and Younger Audiences

The study indicates that the core demographic for Australia’s theme parks is primarily visitors under 40, with families—especially those with young children—making up the largest customer base. Domestic visitors remain crucial for maintaining attendance levels, but international tourists have increasingly become a significant share of visitors, particularly in major theme parks. This growing international interest has been key in the recovery of Australia’s larger attractions, supporting both their revenue and long-term sustainability.

Queensland, particularly the Gold Coast, continues to dominate Australia’s theme park industry, with some of the country’s most famous attractions located in the region. The concentration of well-resourced operators in Queensland has played a vital role in the national market, attracting large numbers of domestic and overseas visitors. As international tourism rebounds, the Gold Coast remains a major draw for visitors seeking world-class entertainment experiences.

The Resilience of Theme Parks: A Unique Entertainment Experience

Despite the economic headwinds facing the industry, theme parks in Australia remain resilient. IBISWorld’s report notes that the immersive, larger-than-life experiences offered by amusement parks cannot be easily replicated by other low-cost entertainment options. While there is a wide range of entertainment alternatives available to consumers, such as streaming services or outdoor leisure activities, the experience of a theme park—offering thrilling rides, live performances, and interactive environments—remains highly attractive. This unique form of entertainment continues to attract visitors and keeps the appeal of theme parks strong, even in tough economic times.

New Attractions and Investments: A Push for Growth

To ensure that they remain competitive and continue to attract visitors, theme parks across Australia are investing heavily in new attractions and upgrades. These investments aim to entice both repeat visitors and new customers, especially as the industry approaches the peak holiday season.

For example, the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour is set to launch its $5.8 million Plantation Coaster, which will be only the second Wiegand Alpine Coaster in Australia. Funfields in Victoria is introducing two new rides, the Lava Lagoon Lazy River and Cyber Drift Bumper Cars, following a major $10 million park upgrade. Perth’s Adventure World theme park is reviving its popular Bounty’s Revenge swinging pirate ship ride, bringing back a beloved attraction for returning guests.

On the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is set to launch the King Claw, its next-generation thrill ride, while Wet’n’Wild is preparing to open the Zoom Zone thrill waterslide precinct in December. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Movie World is set to reopen the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster after a three-year renovation, promising new thrills for visitors.

These new rides and attractions are not just about adding fun experiences; they are vital investments in keeping theme parks relevant and engaging to both local and international tourists. They also help generate increased revenue for the parks, which is essential for maintaining operational stability and growth in an industry that has faced significant volatility.

The Economic Impact of Theme Parks: Job Creation and Tourism Growth

The amusement park sector is an essential part of Australia’s tourism industry, providing significant economic benefits. IBISWorld’s report indicates that the industry supports over 10,000 jobs, which range from ride operators to hospitality staff and maintenance workers. The strong performance of major theme parks also contributes to other sectors, such as retail, transportation, and hospitality, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the economy.

As domestic and international tourism continues to recover, the broader tourism industry is benefiting from increased visitation to theme parks. This influx of tourists helps drive demand for accommodations, restaurants, and other local services, ultimately contributing to economic growth.

A Bright Future for Australia’s Theme Parks

Theme parks in Australia are well-positioned to continue as a significant factor in tourism to that country. With the economy continuing to stabilize and consumer spending increasing, this industry is well-positioned for further growth, enabling it to continuously create jobs and boost tourism, hence adding value to the overall economy.