The aMAZEing transformation of the Sunshine Coast’s Amaze World over the past two years has been recognised with two major awards in November winning Bronze in the Tourist Attraction category of the Queensland Tourism Awards and then the Gold Award in the Experiences – Large Business category at the 2022 Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
The two awards recognise the outstanding visitor experience being delivered at Amaze World with judges scoring them on criteria including business strategy, business development, customer service, marketing, and responsible tourism.
Amaze World – which had been a fixture of the Sunshine Coast family attraction scene for decades as Bellingham Maze – was relaunched in March 2022, following completion of the first stage of an ambitious five-year master plan to double the venue’s attractions.
The first-stage included the addition of an interactive augmented reality digital treasure hunt experience and a new nature playground including a water play area and children’s maze, complementing the existing hedge, rope, and timber mazes that Bellingham Maze was famous for.
A new observation and dining deck, party and group pavilions were added to lift the entertainment precinct to another level, proving to be a big hit with birthday parties, extended families and school visits.
Recognition in the awards for the first stage of the transformation has prompted the announcement of a second stage in the redevelopment program by Amaze World owners, Adam and Robyn Cheshire.
True to their vision, they are adding a further five new puzzles/mazes, new augmented reality experiences, an additional commercial kitchen as well as lighting for night-time events.
With support from the Queensland Government under the Tourism Experience Development Fund, these “funtastic” new additions are anticipated to be open in April 2023.
Amaze World director Adam Cheshire said, “It’s a very exciting time at Amaze World with so much going on and so many additions underway. We are very proud to be recipients of these two hotly contested awards, and the recognition serves to motivate us even more,” he said.
“There are so many incredible things to do on the Sunshine Coast, from other attractions and experiences to our natural wonders. We are proud to be amongst these, providing a great day out for locals and tourists alike, while helping to inspire visitors to the Sunshine Coast.”
Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive officer Matt Stoeckel congratulated the team at Amaze World for their vision and commitment to innovation and guest service.
“The recent wins at Sunshine Coast Business Awards and Queensland Tourism Awards are well deserved,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“I am fully supportive of the team at Amaze World and am thoroughly impressed at the transformation that has taken place at this iconic Sunshine Coast attraction.”