Australia 2004

All images © Laurie & Kairen Wilson 2004

 


Dreamworld

The Gold Coast features a number of theme parks, similar to Orlando, Florida, but not on quite the same scale.

For many years Kairen has had an ambition to visit Tiger Island in the Dreamworld theme park.

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Dawn over the Gold Coast

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On the way to Dreamworld we passed through the Gold Coast Hinterland and Tambourine Mountain

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The view from Tambourine Mountain - Eagle Heights

 

 

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We were there for 10.00 as the park opened.

 

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The Tower of Terror is the keynote ride....a 39 storey accelerated drop.  

 

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Kairen gets to Tiger Island!!!

 

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The Island is an interactive show featuring 7 tigers, two of which are  white.  By having handlers on the island with the animals, they can show a combination that would normally fight each other.  Any stalking is stopped by quite passive intervention.  "the best way to stop them fighting is to just walk between them before anything starts". 

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This is a life-size model of Kairen

 

 The interaction is fascinating to watch.  Each handler has to be 'buddied' for 2 years before he can walk alone on the island.

 

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There is a very brief 10 minute show (only twice a day) that demonstrates key natural behaviours.  The tigers are not trained.  This is elevated scent sniffing.

 

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They started this when one of the tigers sprang into the air and caught an unsuspecting peacock that had made the mistake of flying over the island.

 

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Tigers are one of the few cats who like water

 

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They sleep most of the day

 

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There were other rides too!!!

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We had to go back for the afternoon show.....

 

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This tiger is taking most of his own weight on his hind legs.

 

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Big teeth!!!

 

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We couldn't be bothered going out for a meal so had a great picnic in our room.

 



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