AUSNZ Coaster Mates

25/08/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Dolly Parton, from outside looking in her personality shined so bright and so generous, and gracious. a true American icon. RIP Dolly 🦋🦋

With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.

Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.

“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”

Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic—an inspiration to people everywhere. In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle -- “the show must go on.” Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.

Those wishing to give in honor of Dolly may consider making a gift to the organization she was so deeply passionate about, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

11/07/2026

🪵 💦 Under a week to go until Wild West Falls is scheduled to reopen at Warner Bros. Movie World - Gold Coast, Australia

The park recently shared a teaser showing refreshed theming upgrades, and it’s believed a range of mechanical components have also been refurbished to help secure the long‑term future of one of the world’s best log flumes.

It is such an iconic Hopkins log flume that Carowinds is currently building a slightly taller Hopkins‑designed version with a near‑identical layout. This really shows how influential Wild West Falls is. 💦🪵😎

04/07/2026

Congratulations, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania, United States, on its 100th Anniversary. I'm a little biased here; Knoebels is my favorite amusement park to visit and Phoenix is still my favorite roller coaster.

I know Knoebels is very popular with American and European coaster enthusiasts but it still is relatively unknown among Aussie enthusiasts and I admit it’s hard to explain why I like it.

In a nutshell Knoebels atmosphere is very relax and easy going. It kind of reminds me of home.

03/07/2026

Some awesome photos of Wonderland Sydney! 📸🎢

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