All Aboard! Dreamworld Express Set to Resume Full Circle Operation

Dreamworld’s iconic opening day train, the Dreamworld Express, is expected to resume its full circuit in the near future, following an extended period of partial operation due to the construction of the park’s new Rivertown land.

The train, which has been a staple attraction at the Gold Coast theme park since opening in 1981, is currently operating in reverse between Central Park Station and the wildlife area. This interim route was introduced while construction activity in the Rivertown zone limited access to parts of the track.

Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong provided an update on the project during an appearance on the Dane’s Theme Park Life podcast on May 5, 2025. Yong confirmed that while track relaying has not yet begun, significant preparatory work has taken place behind the scenes.

“We’ve done a lot of work around all the underground utilities — electrical, data, and so on — which run along the main train line,” Yong said. “The most important thing now is making sure the train doesn’t disrupt any of that by driving piers through newly laid infrastructure.”

Track installation is expected to begin soon, with Yong indicating a mid-2025 timeframe as the current goal.

“You’ll start seeing track go down,” he added. “We’re shooting for the middle of the year. It’s a bit of a push, but the sooner we get that done, the better it is for everyone.”

The Dreamworld Express was originally closed as part of the redevelopment of the old ABC Land into Rivertown, which is was one of the park’s major projects for 2024. The closure allowed for complete demolition of the land, installation of new infrastructure, and the aforementioned new Rivertown land.

Although no firm reopening date for the full loop has been announced, Dreamworld has not indicated any intention to retire the circuit altogether. Discussions among park fans and updates from leadership suggest that the full loop’s return remains part of the long-term plan.

Some minor reconstruction will be necessary at the former Corroboree/Rivertown station near Jane’s Restaurant, which was paved over to improve site access during construction.

“It just shocked me that the whole thing was paved over,” one guest wrote on the Parkz Forums. “I really hope they don’t just keep the shuttle between Main Street and Wildlife. I’d love to see Jungle Rush from the vantage point of the train."

For now, the Dreamworld Express continues to operate on its modified route. Updates on the retracting and the further completion/finishing touches of Rivertown are expected in the coming months.