Why we all love Aussie World

8:00a.m. 12th August 2005

By GORDON CLARK THE secret is out. Sunshine Coast quiet achiever Aussie World is world class when it comes to a family day out.

UK-based Attraction Management, a world leader in theme park reviews and the industry bible, has rated Aussie World an average of eight-out-of-10 in a review of the Glenview operation.

Covering marketing, access and signs, disability facilities, design, food and beverage, retail and value for money, the review was conducted as a secret shopper exercise by Sydney-based Webb Consulting.

The company director said Aussie World had not only carved out a living through pay-per-ride, but had managed to avoided the perils of a small park, trying to be all things to all people.

Aussie World general manager David Thompson described the result as outstanding. The venue was rated under the same framework as Gold Coast theme parks and international destinations.

The attraction welcomes almost 500,000 visitors each year, with Sunshine Coast locals making up 70%.

Marketing manager Lloyd Mills said a decision three years ago to target the local market above any other had delivered increased growth across all sectors of the business.

More importantly, the feedback from locals has allowed us to deliver world class service which has now been validated by the international theme park community.

Mr Mills said Aussie World was in the process of transforming The Old Town Hall into Funnybone Flicks, which would run old Australian newsreels from as far back as the 1940s.