Harley Bennell was among the first Gold Coasters to visit Dreamworld’s newest attraction, Dreamworld Corroboree, an interactive walk-through experience celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Attending the opening of the theme park’s newest world, Indigenous Interpretation Officers took Bennell through a variety of cultural activities including dot painting, fire-making, and demonstrations on spear throwing.

The launch of Dreamworld Corroboree marked a historic occasion for the Gold Coast community, with Dreamworld becoming the first theme park in Australia to present the stories of the country’s indigenous people in a stand-alone attraction.

The local Yugambeh people conducted a special naming ceremony for the park’s newest tourist pull, with resident koalas and their joeys making a guest appearance.

Trying his hand at the weaponry demonstration, Bennell impressed spectators with his spear throwing effort, despite at one stage gave a local photographer a slight shock after a wayward spear took a deflection and  travelled in her direction.

Bennell, who represented the Gold Coast SUNS as part of the Club’s No Boundaries program, praised Dreamworld for celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by introducing Dreamworld Corroboree.

“It is a very impressive attraction and it was great to see so many kids having lots of fun,” he said.

“Personally, it’s great coming out to celebrate the indigenous culture and I know all the indigenous players at the club enjoy coming out into the community and meeting new people.”

Speaking footy, Bennell told goldcoastfc.com.au he was looking forward to freshening up over the Christmas break, and returning in the New Year ready to for the NAB Challenge.

“Stephen Schwerdy has definitely got the boys training hard leading into Christmas, so spirits are pretty high heading into 2014,” Bennell said.

“Hopefully I can stay injury-free and enjoy consistent football next year.”