Tower of Terror

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G-force Time!

Dreamworld’s ultimate thrill ride, the Tower of Terror is one of the fastest, tallest ride in the world. Opened February 7, 1997, the then $16 million state-of-the-art electro-magnetically powered 'Escape Pod' ride blasts passengers 115 metres (38 storeys) skyward at unprecedented speeds of up to 161 km per hour in just seven seconds before free falling backwards.

Your knuckles turn white, you hold your breath; suddenly, your face moves upward. The giant “L shaped” ride structure forms an impressive landmark, dramatically changing the skyline of the
Gold Coast theme park. The supporting Tower was designed to accommodate a further ride - The Giant Drop, which opened in December 1998. Since the Tower of Terror’s official launch on 21 January 1997 almost 8 million passengers (April 2010) have experienced the thrills of one of the most technologically advanced rides in the world. It was the first ride in the world to break the 100 mile/hour barrier.

Dreamworld’s Chief Executive Officer Noel Dempsey said “to reach speeds of up to 161 km/hour in just seven seconds and then feel weightless for 6.5 seconds as you free fall backwards from around 100 metres, is an experience like no other and one you just can’t describe. You have to try for yourself. It’s pure exhilaration,” he said.

The Tower of Terror’s horizontal track lies three to five metres above the ground, stretching 330 metres across the Park, while the vertical tower looms an imposing 38 storeys into the sky. The Escape Pod, a six tonne steel passenger vehicle carrying up to 15 passengers is propelled by a linear motor system which accelerates the ride to maximum speed.

To generate these intense speeds, an incredible 2,200,000 watts (2.2 megawatts) of power are applied for six or seven seconds, momentarily doubling Dreamworld’s power usage.

An 11 metre, crimson-eyed, metallic skull looms over the entrance to the Tower of Terror. Before getting set for take off, guests encounter a terrifying maze of concrete and steel, filled with hidden perils as they wind their way through to the launch pod. A startling depth illusion gives the impression of being high above city skyscrapers below.

In February 1997 the Tower of Terror claimed a then world first speed record for rollercoasters, blasting from zero to 161 km per hour (100 mph) in just seconds. The speed was registered on a Police calibrated hand-held Falcon radar gun and verified by a Justice of the Peace.

Swiss company Intamin designed the Tower of Terror for Dreamworld, with the Park itself project managing construction of the leading edge thrill ride. 

 The new attraction complements the park’s existing suite of scream machines including the Giant Drop, Cyclone Rollercoaster, Wipeout and The Claw.