Australia is brimming with public parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Yet, it's not every day that a proposal for a themed activity centre lands in the heart of one of Australia's picturesque towns.

That's why a recent development plan got many locals roaring with both curiosity and concern.


A dinosaur-themed mini-golf and activity centre has been proposed in Airlie Beach, Queensland.

The plan, currently under review by the Whitsunday Regional Council, was a Jurassic Park-inspired attraction called 'Jurassic Falls'.

If approved, the centre would feature an 18-hole mini-golf course, an arcade, takeaway food outlets, and a dramatic waterfall all set among 'hyper-realistic, animatronic' dinosaurs.

The developers promised that these dinos would be the 'first of their kind in Australia'.


According to the project's spokesperson, they want to blend the attraction with the existing landscape by preserving native trees and using the natural forest as a backdrop for the prehistoric creatures.

'We want to create a natural habitat for our dinosaurs, transporting visitors to a day gone by when these magnificent creatures roamed the earth. And yes, even in Airlie Beach!' the spokesperson stated.

Some residents roared about a new family-friendly activity centre.

However, others were not as excited about the plan, especially due to the location of the development.


A petition urged the council to reject the development of Jurassic Falls.

'This isn't just about mini-golf, it's about protecting what makes Airlie Beach special,' organiser Lara Kell stated.

'While we welcome more family-friendly activities in the region, our primary concern is the location and design of this project.'

'The development fronts directly onto our main street, and the inclusion of oversized dinosaurs and a theme park-style waterfall is visually intrusive and completely out of step with the natural beauty and laid-back character of Airlie Beach,' Ms Kell added.

Some have suggested a Great Barrier Reef theme would be more fitting, reflecting the area's unique natural heritage.

Traffic congestion, interference with local taxi ranks and bus shelters, and the potential for increased noise were also on their list of worries.

'We do not oppose mini-golf as an idea, but we do oppose this poorly considered and out-of-place design,' the petition read.


Despite the locals' pushback, the developers said that their hearts are in the right place.

'For us, this is about the kids. We are a family-run business with the well-being of other families and the Whitsunday community at heart,' the developer's spokesperson said.

'We have 18 summers at best with our kids, so let's make at least one of those an experience to remember in Airlie Beach.'

Queensland is no stranger to dinosaur-themed attractions.

Australia's Dinosaur Trail in the Outback has been a popular draw for tourists and locals alike.

These dinosaur parks remain a hit with families, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment.

For many, these parks could spark children's imaginations and create lasting memories.

The debate in Airlie Beach highlights a common challenge faced by many Australian towns—how to balance the desire for new attractions with the need to preserve the place's unique character and beauty.

Public submissions for the Jurassic Falls development are open until Wednesday, 14 May.

These submissions could give locals a chance to voice their opinions about the development.
What do you think of this development? Would you welcome a dinosaur-themed activity centre in your neighbourhood, or would it be out of place? Have you visited any similar attractions, and what was your experience? Share your thoughts and experiences with these themed activity centres in the comments section below!