Wet’n’Wild Water World on Australia’s Gold Coast in Queensland is to open phase one of its new high-speed water slide area, Extreme H2O Zone, this weekend (21 January).

Located behind the park’s existing Calypso Beach area, Extreme H20 Zone will initially feature five over-sized thrill rides in the Mach V attraction, including the park’s two longest open air slides – at 160m (525ft) – and three high-speed body slides.

Phase two, Blackhole, will open in February and consist of two enclosed slides which plunge the rider into darkness.

Steve Peet, chief operating officer of Wet’n’Wild Water World, said: “The new area is 11,700sq m (126,000sq ft) in total, increasing the park’s land size by 30 per cent.

“Because these rides are capable of operating high volumes of riders, the park’s capacity will approximately increase by an amazing 50 per cent, which will significantly reduce queue times at all attractions throughout the park.”

Later this year, the park is also expected to unveil a further thrill ride, Tornado, a 40m (130ft) long tunnel into the middle of a ‘storm’.

“The park’s popularity has sky-rocketed over the past few years due to its reputation as one of the best waterparks in the world,” said John Menzies, CEO of Warner Village Theme Parks (WVTP), which operates Wet’n’Wild.

“We’re committed to holding this position by continuing to introduce new and exciting attractions.”

H20 Zone is part of an AUS$20m (US$16m, £8.5m, 12.5m euro) investment in Wet’n’Wild Water World by WVTP which has already seen the opening of the Buccaneer Bay kid’s zone last September. Details: www.wetnwild.com.au