AUSNZ Coaster Mates

24/04/2026

We want to pay tribute to those who give the ultimate sacrifice for us and to those who defend our nation so that we can enjoy our freedom.

23/04/2026

Was this peak Sea World?
Leviathan was a step in the right direction however the park still feels empty in sections!

30/03/2026

After our last post about the mixed feelings towards Leviathan, it goes to show how polarising roller coasters can be. Australian roller coasters in general have improved so much, but we've also had some pretty poor roller coasters.

So it begs the question, what is Australia's worst roller coaster you've ridden? (Excluding children's coasters and Scenic Railway)

26/03/2026

Recently we’ve seen mixed feedback from the public about Leviathan, some still rank it as the number one coaster in Australia, while others feel it’s starting to edge toward the “rough” side.

One of our members, who has ridden close to 800 coasters worldwide, put this to the test and found that both perspectives have some truth. Early in the day, on cooler mornings, and especially when seated in the middle of a slower train, you can feel hints of early wear that you wouldn’t normally notice. But calling it “rough”? For a wooden coaster, it’s far from rough or a one‑and‑done experience, no rib‑shattering moments like you get on some other woodies.

The good news is that once Leviathan warms up, any harshness disappears. It absolutely flies around the course, reminding you exactly why it earned its top‑spot reputation in the first place.

Our suggestion: enjoy the park’s other attractions early on, then head to Leviathan later in the day, and if you can, grab a seat toward the back once it’s warmed up. That’s where the magic really happens.

24/03/2026

One of our members recently checked out Sea World - Gold Coast, Australia's annual Carnivale event, and it did not disappoint. The whole park comes alive for Carnivale; bold theming, vibrant performances, extra entertainment, and plenty of unique food options to sample along the way.

But the real headline for any coaster enthusiast? Martin & Vleminckx and The Gravity Group woodie, Leviathan on two‑train ops. That meant a near walk-on line and the perfect chance to stack up rides on what so many of us call Australia’s best night ride. Nothing compares to Leviathan after dark, pure magic!

11/03/2026

In less than a week, the beloved Joker Ride is set to return from its annual maintenance. We’re really looking forward to seeing the fresh repaint completed and watching it shine again! Warner Bros. Movie World - Gold Coast, Australia

27/02/2026

Thanks everyone who commented and liked our Australian and New Zealand top ten.

Honourable mentions
Corkscrew at Rainbows End Auckland NZ
Scenic Railway Luna Park Melbourne
TNT/Flight at the Wicked Witch Gumbuya world and Warner Bros Movie World.

10. Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster Warner Bros Movie World
9. Abyss Adventure World Perth
8. Wild Mouse Luna Park Sydney
7. Jungle Rush DreamWorld
6. Jet Rescue SeaWorld
5. Big Dipper Luna Park
4. Steel Taipan Dreamworld
3. Superman Escape Warner Bros Movie world
2. DC Rivals Warner Bros Movie World
1. Leviathan SeaWorld

Feel free to share your Top Ten Australian and New Zealand roller coasters.

23/02/2026

I have recently been doing some research and was trying to find some pictures or images of the Scenic Railway at Luna Park Auckland (1925-1931). I discovered this amazing footage which included all the attractions: River Caves, The Whip, the Caterpillar, Dodgems, and the Scenic Railway. We know many of the attractions at Luna Park Auckland were taken from the 1925 Dunedin Exhibition, including the Scenic Railway, but what has surprised me is that they have changed the layout. It is totally different from the one that was at the Exhibition. I will post a picture of the Dunedin Scenic Railway in the comments.

Luna Park features silent black and white material shot for promotion of the Luna Park Fair in Auckland. In this footage, visitors to the park are seen enjoying the many attractions, including bumper carts (dodgem cars), a Ferris wheel, and …

23/02/2026

Finally our voted number 1

Leviathan SeaWorld Gold Coast

DC Rivals and Superman Escape could easily be number one but this year Leviathan won the vote.

Leviathan the Gravity Grouo designed woodern coaster was certainly a bold move for SeaWorld. And what we received was a Gravity Group greatest hits all compacted in a small space.
Double ups, double downs, camel backs over 90% bank turns. Incredible pacing. The layout is disorienting full of criss crosses. It truely up there with the world’s best coasters.

The themed station is one of the best around.

Elephant n the room; people have said it’s getting rough but that is subjective, and if it needs work hopefully SeaWorld will keep atop of this.

But we all love it.

22/02/2026

Number 2 DC Rivals Warner Bros Movie World.

DC Rivals Mack steel hypercoaster or known to the locals, Joker Ride or some call it Joey. This has been a game changer for Movie World. It is now home to 2 incredible world class roller coasters

It is loved by many coaster enthusiasts and a lot rated it as their favourite.
What makes DC Rivals world class. It rides smooth, the first drop is one of the best. The large camel back delivers sustain airtime. The non inverted loop is whippy, and the layout send you everywhere and to conclude with a series of airtime filled bunny hops.

Riding DC Rivals in the backward facing seat is on a level of its own.

21/02/2026

Number 3 Superman Escape, Warner Bros Movie World.

Superman Escape the Intamin Accelerator coaster can really be claimed to be Australia’s best roller coaster. It’s the only one to be designed by the acclaimed Werner Stengel.

In our group vote; some had it number 1 and some number 2 but lost on votes.

Anyway this doesn’t diminish how great this launch coaster is. It features a fantastic pre show, followed by one of the best launches on a roller coaster today, then a top hat and the two camel back hills have you out of your seat very quickly.

At our recent meet up, all were in agreement how good Superman Escape was running. I guess the only negative it’s a little short. But to the people who say they want to replace the hydraulic launch, we say if it ain’t broken don’t
fix it.