Australia's biggest theme park, Dreamworld, has launched the first phase of a planned AUS$70m (US$47.2m, €42.6m, £38.7m) investment, with the opening of Sky Voyager – a flying theatre built by Brogent Technologies.

The AUS$20m (US$13.5m, €12.2m, £11m) ride is the 33rd such i-Ride flying theatre, with locations such as Europa Park, Legoland Florida, Mall of America in Minnesota, and Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi, all using the technology.

At Dreamworld it will give guests in motion-programmed seating spectacular views of Australian scenery, complete with sensory effects such as wind, sound, light, mist and scents. It is the first flying theatre in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dreamworld said its next major investment will be an AUS$30m (US$20.2m, €18.3m, £16.6m) rollercoaster from Mack Rides. Based on Mack's Blue Fire Launch coaster, the 1.2km-long (0.75mi) ride reaches speeds of 105km/h (65mph) and will be the first in the world to have a separate spinning gondola attached to the rear of the train, as well as the Southern Hemisphere's first triple launch system.

The theme park is to spend another AUS$7m (US$4.7m, €4.3m, £3.9m) on a new waterslide complex for WhiteWater World. Created by Simplex-Polin Australia, this will feature six new slides and five experiences.

A major refurbishment of the ABC Kids World area is planned, as are upgraded food and beverage facilities, a new ticketing system across Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint, improved entry, and additional events and entertainment areas.

Dreamworld CEO John Osborne said the planned investment was all designed to improve the customer experience. "This AUS$70m total investment heralds an important time of transition for Dreamworld, and provides us with an opportunity to provide our guests with new experiences never seen before in Australia."