Spread the love
Post Views: 11

Following successful funding through State Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund in 2020, the team from Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary have officially opened the first stage of their $800,000 project – Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf Yeppoon.
Featuring an impressive 18-hole dinosaur-themed mini golf course with 10 life-sized prehistoric beasts sitting proudly amongst the natural environment, the Capricorn Coast’s newest tourism attraction is set to become the ultimate putt-putt experience on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Located adjacent to the existing Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, just a half hours drive from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, the Capricorn Dinosaur Park project has been under construction for the past year, and Manager, Kieron Smedley is delighted to see the first ribbon cut and the mini golf course open for business.
“Our team is so excited to bring a unique and world-class attraction to the Capricorn Coast, which will attract domestic and international visitors, encouraging them to say longer to experience more of our destination,” Kieron said.
“Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf is the first part of a massive tourism venture that will include a one- kilometer wheelchair and stroller friendly dinosaur walk around lush, landscaped gardens, 35 life-sized replicas of dinosaurs, an educational fossil dig, an interactive indoor area and more.”
“Spread over five acres, and complimenting the region’s Dig the Tropic geo-trail drive experience, the dinosaur park will allow visitors to step back in time to the Jurassic era and discover more about the prehistoric period,” Kieron said.
Representing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe at today’s opening, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga MP joined Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland in some friendly putt-putt rivalry.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Government was backing Queensland tourism operators to create new visitor experiences.
“The Smedley family is on a winner with this great addition to the Capricorn Coast because everybody loves dinosaurs and few can resist a round of mini golf,” Ms Lauga said. “I’m pleased the Palaszczuk Government has backed Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund to boost our Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan, now underway.”
“The project has already supported eight jobs for tradies during construction with six ongoing jobs created with today’s opening. Combined with Cooberrie Park, dinosaur mini golf is predicted to grow annual visitor numbers by 20,000 and add $2.8 million to the Capricorn Coast’s tourism economy.”
“The ultimate prehistoric mini golf experience is unique to the Capricorn Coast and opens in time for family summer holidays. This is a terrific example of tourism operators finding opportunity during the pandemic to rebuild better for the future.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll commended Kieron and Grant Smedley on their leadership and execution of this new tourism product, and extended congratulations on its success so far.
“The dedication and commitment that has gone into this project from concept to end goal is second to none, and our region is so incredibly fortunate to have passionate leaders taking their businesses from good to great and enhancing the visitor experience,” Mary said.
“Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary has been a drawcard for our destination for many years now, and we are thrilled to see this new tourism infrastructure take another mighty step forward, particularly in these unprecedented and unpredictable times.”
“I commend the State Government for making these funds available to our tourism industry through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.”
Capricorn Dinosaur Park will be the first private major tourism attraction built in Central Queensland for 30 years. The course is suitable for all ages and abilities and no bookings are required.
We dino what more to tell you! Come and check it out for yourself.
#visitcapricorn #southerngreatbarrierreef