Tower of Terror II was a steel launched shuttle roller coaster located at the Dreamworld theme park in Coomera, Queensland, Australia.[1] Manufactured by Intamin, it utilized a reverse freefall design that propelled a single train of 16 riders up a 377-foot (115 m) tower using a linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch, accelerating from 0 to 100 mph (160 km/h) in 7 seconds.[1][2] Once at the apex, riders—facing downward toward the ground—experienced a 328-foot (100 m) drop, providing 6.5 seconds of weightlessness and a maximum g-force of 4.5 over a 28-second ride cycle.[1] The attraction shared its 377-foot tower structure with the adjacent Giant Drop freefall ride and accommodated up to 800 riders per hour.[1][3]The ride originated as the Tower of Terror, which opened on January 23, 1997, and initially held records as the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster upon its debut, tying with Superman: The Escape at Six Flags Magic Mountain for the 100 mph speed milestone.[4] Costing approximately A$16 million to construct, the original version launched riders forward-facing up the tower before a backward drop.[5] In August 2010, Dreamworld closed the ride for refurbishment, installing a new inverted train configuration, an enclosed launch tunnel with enhanced lighting and sound effects, and thematic updates to intensify the thrill.[6][5] It relaunched as Tower of Terror II in September 2010, emphasizing the reverse freefall experience and ranking as the fourth fastest roller coaster in the world at the time.[2][5]Tower of Terror II operated until its decommissioning on November 3, 2019, as part of Dreamworld's ongoing review and redevelopment of attractions to prioritize safety and future expansions.[7] Over its 22-year lifespan, the ride drew thrill-seekers for its extreme height, velocity, and disorienting backward launch, contributing significantly to Dreamworld's reputation as a premier destination for adrenaline-fueled experiences in Australia. It was the second tallest roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere.[4][5] The tower structure remains in place, continuing to support the operational Giant Drop.[1]
History
Construction and opening
The construction of Tower of Terror at Dreamworld was carried out by Swiss manufacturer Intamin as a key element in the park's mid-1990s expansion of high-thrill attractions.[8] The project utilized over 600 tons of steel for the structure, including approximately 450 tons dedicated to the 38-story tower, along with 3,500 tons of concrete delivered by 175 trucks and secured by more than 16,000 bolts.[9] The shared Dreamworld Tower infrastructure also supported the adjacent The Giant Drop freefall ride. Overall, the endeavor cost A$16 million, reflecting the ambitious scale of the electro-magnetic propulsion system and vertical layout.[8][9]The ride debuted on 23 January 1997 following intensive pre-opening testing to calibrate the linear induction motors and ensure safety protocols.[9] The opening ceremony featured Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge alongside Dreamworld executives, marking a significant milestone for the Gold Coast's tourism industry.[10] Initially themed as a high-tech escape pod in a futuristic setting, the attraction immersed riders in a sci-fi narrative of rapid ascent and descent, powered by a forward-facing linear synchronous motor launch up the tower, followed by a backward drop.[11][9]Early operations encountered standard commissioning hurdles, including adjustments to the 6-ton passenger vehicles and verification of peak speeds exceeding 160 km/h during February 1997 evaluations.[8] Public reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the ride quickly establishing itself as a must-experience attraction due to its record-breaking height of 115 meters and status as the world's first roller coaster to surpass 100 mph.[8] This acclaim contributed to strong initial attendance, solidifying Tower of Terror's role in elevating Dreamworld's profile among global thrill-seekers.[5]
Original configuration
The original Tower of Terror ride at Dreamworld was themed around a sci-fi escape pod scenario, in which passengers were propelled from a futuristic skyscraper amid simulated earthquakes threatening the structure.[11] The queue path led guests across a metal bridge spanning a detailed model city, culminating in entry through an 11-meter-tall skull facade that enhanced the ominous atmosphere.[12][13]The launch system employed forward-facing linear synchronous motors (LSM) to accelerate the vehicle from standstill to 160.9 km/h in 7 seconds, propelling riders up the tower's incline.[1][8] The track featured a steel layout with an 80-meter launch tunnel, a 115-meter tower height, and a 100-meter drop at a 90-degree angle, providing intense vertical propulsion and freefall.[1][8]Vehicles consisted of a single 6-metric-ton escape pod seating 16 passengers in a 4-across, 4-row configuration with forward orientation and rigid lap bars secured by hydraulic locks.[1][8] Riders experienced peak forces of 4.5 g during launch and ascent, followed by 6.5 seconds of weightlessness on the drop.[1][8]Operational parameters included a total ride duration of 28 seconds, with height restrictions limiting participants to those between 120 cm and 200 cm tall to ensure safety.[8] The ride shared the 119-meter Dreamworld Tower infrastructure with The Giant Drop for structural efficiency.[1]
Relaunch modifications
In 2010, Dreamworld announced plans to relaunch the Tower of Terror with significant modifications aimed at enhancing ride intensity and boosting attendance by refreshing one of its flagship attractions.[11] The upgrades transformed the experience while maintaining core elements of the original 1997 sci-fi theming, with minor tweaks to integrate the new "Terror II" branding through updated signage and enhanced visual effects like an 11-meter crimson-eyed metallic skull entrance.[11]Key technical changes included reversing the launch direction so riders faced backward during acceleration, which altered the g-force profile despite retaining the maximum speed of 160.9 km/h.[1] The launch tunnel was extended from 80 meters to 206 meters (total track length reaching 376.4 meters), and the linear synchronous motor (LSM) system was reconfigured to support the backward orientation while achieving the same top velocity in 7 seconds.[1] Vehicle modifications included a new inverted train configuration with over-the-shoulder restraints to ensure safety during the backward-facing launch and subsequent maneuvers, maintaining capacity at 16 riders.[1][8]The relaunched attraction reopened on 17 September 2010, marketed as Australia's fastest shuttle roller coaster to emphasize its record-breaking 100 mph speed and 6.5 seconds of weightlessness.
Retirement and removal
On October 23, 2019, Dreamworld announced the permanent closure of Tower of Terror II, stating that the ride had reached the end of its service life as part of the park's ongoing review of attractions and shift in investments toward new developments.[5] The attraction operated its final day on November 3, 2019, allowing guests one last opportunity to experience the ride, which drew media attention and expressions of disappointment from thrill-seekers who viewed it as an iconic staple after 22 years of operation.[4] At the time of closure, Tower of Terror II remained the fifth-fastest roller coaster in the world.[8]The decision aligned with Dreamworld's broader strategy to prioritize family-oriented attractions following safety incidents, including the 2016 Thunder River Rapids Ride tragedy that prompted a comprehensive review of the park's portfolio.[14] This overhaul aimed to enhance guest experiences through modern, safer investments rather than maintaining aging thrill rides.[7]Demolition of the ride began in March 2020, initially involving the removal of select track sections from the shared tower structure, though progress was slowed by COVID-19-related restrictions and park operations.[8] The process continued incrementally through 2021, with major elements like the launch track and tunnel dismantled by August, and the overall removal substantially completed by July 2021.[15] Throughout, The Giant Drop free-fall ride was retained and continued operating normally on the same tower, unaffected by the coaster's decommissioning.[16]
Design and technology
Structure and propulsion system
Tower of Terror II was constructed as a steel shuttle roller coaster mounted on the 115-meter (377-foot) Dreamworld Tower.[1] The structure utilized a shared foundation with the adjacent Giant Drop ride, forming the park's central thrill tower.[8] Its effective drop height measured 100 meters (328.1 feet), enabling a near-vertical descent.[1]The ride's propulsion system consisted of an Intamin linear synchronous motor (LSM) setup, employing electromagnetic coils along the launch track to accelerate the vehicle without physical contact.[1] This system ramped up speed over 7 seconds, reaching a maximum of 160.9 km/h (100 mph) at the end of the horizontal launch tunnel.[1]The track spanned 376.4 meters (1,235 feet) in total length, culminating in a 90-degree vertical drop that imposed peak forces of 4.5 g on the vehicle.[1] Safety engineering incorporated Intamin's anti-rollback mechanisms to prevent unintended reversals during launch and ascent, alongside redundant braking systems for controlled deceleration.[17]
Vehicles and safety features
The vehicles for Tower of Terror II consisted of Intamin-manufactured shuttle cars designed as single units capable of accommodating up to 16 riders arranged 4 across in 4 rows. Following the 2010 relaunch, the cars were modified to face backward, enhancing the thrill of the ascent and drop while maintaining the core Intamin reverse freefall coaster design. These vehicles incorporated over-the-shoulder harnesses for primary restraint, providing secure positioning during the high-speed maneuvers.[1][18]The ride achieved a theoretical throughput of 600 passengers per hour,[2] supported by dedicated loading stations that enabled rapid boarding and unloading. This efficiency was aided by the linear synchronous motor (LSM) propulsion system, which allowed for quick securement and dispatch cycles. Safety protocols emphasized rider eligibility through height restrictions of 120 cm to 200 cm to ensure proper fit within the restraints and vehicle structure.[19]The 100-meter drop included 6.5 seconds of weightlessness with a maximum of 4.5 g.[1]
Ride experience
Queue and theming
The queue for Tower of Terror II at Dreamworld begins with a footpath extending from the underpass connecting Tiger Island and Wiggles World, guiding guests toward an imposing 11-metre-tall skull-mouthed entrance that immediately immerses visitors in the ride's dramatic atmosphere. From inside the skull, the path winds through an enclosed tunnel featuring a 270-degree anti-clockwise turn, creating a sense of confinement and building suspense as riders progress. The queue then emerges onto a metal bridge spanning a detailed model of a futuristic city below, offering a visual preview of the sci-fi environment while heightening anticipation before ascending stairs to additional waiting areas. This layout shares the overarching tower structure theming with the adjacent Giant Drop ride.The theming revolves around a sci-fi narrative of urgently boarding an escape pod to flee a collapsing tower, reinforced by the futuristic city model and the ride vehicle's design as a high-tech pod. Atmospheric elements, such as the dim, enclosed tunnel and the elevated bridge view, contribute to an immersive sense of instability and urgency, drawing guests deeper into the storyline without relying on overt effects like sounds or projections.Upon reaching the station, guests enter an indoor loading area organized into multiple queues—two forward-facing and three others arranged behind—where groups of up to 14 riders are dispatched to the platform. The station features holding bays with metal doors for efficient rider organization, and safety briefings are delivered via a preshow video in the preceding indoor section. The escape pod vehicle accommodates 14 passengers arranged in one row of 2 and three rows of 4, supporting a throughput of approximately 750 riders per hour during operation, with single-file progression through the queue to manage flow during peak periods.[20]
Launch and ascent
Once riders have boarded the single vehicle, arranged with one row of 2 and three rows of 4 for a total capacity of 14, they secure the over-the-shoulder harness restraints that lock into place across their chests and laps.[1] Attendants perform final safety checks to ensure all restraints are properly engaged and the vehicle is cleared for dispatch, after which the station doors close, enclosing passengers in a dimly lit chamber at the base of the tower.[21]The launch sequence begins with a moment of tense silence, building anticipation in the darkness. The linear synchronous motor (LSM) system then activates, catapulting the vehicle backward through a 206-meter tunnel and accelerating from 0 to 160.9 km/h in just 7 seconds.[11][1] This rapid propulsion generates intense g-forces reaching 4.5, pressing riders firmly into their seats amid the roar of wind rushing past and the streak of blurred lights lining the tunnel walls.[1][11]Exiting the tunnel at full speed, the vehicle transitions seamlessly into the ascent phase, surging upward along the 115-meter tower at a near-vertical 90-degree angle.[1] As momentum carries it toward the summit over the next several seconds, the pace gradually slows, allowing riders to catch glimpses of the Gold Coast skyline unfolding below while the structure emits subtle creaking sounds from the strain of the climb.[11] This buildup heightens the thrill, culminating in a precarious hover at the peak before the descent begins.[22]
Drop and effects
The drop sequence begins with the release of magnetic brakes at the 115-meter summit of the tower, initiating a 100-meter near-vertical plunge at a 90-degree angle.[1] Riders accelerate to a top speed of 160.9 kilometers per hour during this freefall phase.[1]Riders experience 6.5 seconds of sustained weightlessness, creating a profound stomach-dropping sensation of inversion and disorientation as the vehicle hurtles downward.[1] Upon re-entry, forces peak at 4.5 g, delivering intense physical pressure.[1]Sensory effects heighten the climax, with a powerful wind rush accompanying the descent and rider screams amplified by the enclosed 206-meter return tunnel.[11] Since the 2010 relaunch, the backward-facing configuration has intensified disorientation by directing riders into a dark void during the initial blast and plummet, contrasting the original forward-facing orientation.[11][1] The drop ties into the ride's theming as an escape pod's uncontrolled fall through space.[11] The freefall and braking together span roughly 10 seconds, culminating the core thrill before station return.[1]
Station return and exit
Following the drop sequence, the vehicle enters the braking phase upon re-entering the launch tunnel, where a linear synchronous motor system progressively slows it along the horizontal track, complemented by magnetic brakes for controlled deceleration.[23][12] Friction elements and electromagnetic brakes, including permanent magnet setups in the area behind the station, assist in achieving a safe speed for reversal.[24] The process culminates with a gentle deceleration and minor track rattles as the vehicle reverses smoothly into the station, where a kicker tire system applies final stopping force.[23] Photo opportunities are captured during this slowdown phase for later purchase.[23]Once halted, the hydraulic locking restraints automatically release, enabling riders to disembark safely.[23] Health and safety warnings regarding ride restrictions and post-ride effects, such as dizziness, are prominently posted in the station area. Riders then exit through a door on the opposite side from the entry, proceeding along a dedicated passageway equipped with a metal lift that descends to ground level.[23]This exit path opens directly into the Tower of Terror Warehouse, a merchandise shop offering ride-specific souvenirs and on-ride photographs for sale.[23] From the shop, guests merge onto main park pathways, completing the 28-second ride cycle.[1]
Legacy
Records and achievements
Upon its opening on January 23, 1997, Tower of Terror II became the world's tallest roller coaster at 115 meters (377 feet) and the first to reach a top speed of 160.9 km/h (100 mph), tying for the fastest with Superman: Escape from Krypton shortly after its debut in March 1997.[25][22] These milestones marked it as a pioneering Intamin LSM-launched shuttle coaster, breaking the 100 mph barrier for the first time globally.[26]The ride held the global tallest roller coaster record for approximately two months until surpassed by Superman: Escape from Krypton's 126.5-meter (415-foot) height in March 1997, retaining the height and drop title until Top Thrill Dragster's 128-meter (420-foot) launch in May 2003.[22] Its speed record, shared with Superman: Escape from Krypton, stood until Dodonpa achieved 172 km/h (107 mph) in December 2001.[25][27]At the time of its closure on November 3, 2019, Tower of Terror II ranked as the fourth-tallest steel roller coaster worldwide at 115 meters, the fifth-fastest at 160.9 km/h, and featured the third-longest drop of 100 meters (328 feet).[27]In Australia, it was the first LSM-launched shuttle roller coaster and introduced extreme drop tower experiences to the region, setting benchmarks for thrill rides in the Asia-Pacific.[26] The attraction is recognized in specialized databases like the Roller Coaster DataBase (RCDB) for its innovative launch technology and contributions to coaster design.[1]
Cultural references
The Tower of Terror II garnered significant media coverage through point-of-view videos on YouTube, which collectively amassed millions of views and showcased its intense launch and drops to global audiences. A front-seat POV video uploaded by Theme Park Review in 2011, for instance, has exceeded 870,000 views, highlighting the ride's appeal as a benchmark for extreme coasters.[28] Similarly, a 4K on-ride video from OurWorlds in 2016 has over 445,000 views, contributing to its enduring online popularity even after closure.[29]Documentary-style content on Australian roller coasters has frequently featured the ride, emphasizing its pioneering role in high-speed attractions. The 2021 YouTube video "Australia's Most Iconic Coaster & The Actual FIRST to 100Mph" by Expedition Theme Park explores its history and engineering impact, positioning it as a landmark in the nation's theme park evolution.[30]As a symbol of Dreamworld's thrill era, the Tower of Terror II achieved public icon status, with its 2019 closure eliciting widespread disappointment among enthusiasts who viewed it as an irreplaceable highlight of the Gold Coast's amusement offerings. News outlets described it as a "unique and iconic roller coaster," underscoring its cultural footprint in Australian entertainment.[5] Its record-holding fame as one of the world's fastest coasters further amplified its visibility in public perception and media narratives.[7]The ride inspired trends in local extreme attractions by setting a standard for velocity and height on the Gold Coast, influencing subsequent thrill developments at nearby parks. It was routinely highlighted in travel guides as a must-do experience, with Tourism Australia promoting it as one of the tallest and fastest rides in the world.[31]Lonely Planet similarly recommended it as an essential adrenaline rush within Dreamworld's lineup.[32]
Site redevelopment
Following the permanent closure of Tower of Terror II on November 3, 2019, the ride's retirement was explicitly linked to Dreamworld's strategic plans for new attractions, enabling the repurposing of its space to enhance the park's thrill and water-based offerings.[16]In the immediate post-closure period from late 2019 to 2020, the site's area was allocated for the development of the Fully 6 water slide complex, a six-slide attraction featuring twists, turns, and drops designed for varying thrill levels, which opened in June 2020 as part of an expansion at the adjacent WhiteWater World section of the park.[16][33] Demolition of the roller coaster's track began in March 2020, with most elements removed to facilitate this integration, though the process was delayed slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]Subsequent developments saw the surrounding area incorporated into a broader multi-launch roller coaster zone, where the 1.2 km Steel Taipan coaster—featuring three launches, four inversions, and speeds up to 105 km/h—opened on December 14, 2021, utilizing adjacent space previously tied to the original ride's footprint.[34][35]As of 2025, the former Tower of Terror II site now hosts a mix of family-oriented water attractions like Fully 6 alongside high-thrill coasters such as Steel Taipan, reflecting a shift from a single-ride emphasis to integrated, zoned experiences that diversify visitor options across thrill levels.[36][37]This redevelopment aligns with Dreamworld's rationale of prioritizing diverse investments following the 2016 safety incident that prompted extensive reviews and a record $3.6 million workplace health and safety fine in 2020, compounded by COVID-19 recovery efforts that included $70 million in government funding and over $150 million in overall park upgrades by mid-2025 to bolster resilience and attendance.[38][39][40]No public artifacts from Tower of Terror II, such as track sections or vehicles, have been retained for display, though the ride's tower base continues to structurally support the ongoing operation of The Giant Drop free-fall ride.[41][8]