Dig It, Australia’s first mini excavator park for kids opens

Australia's first mini excavator park for kids has opened — and, rather surprisingly, it's not in Western Australia, the powerhouse of Australian dirt-digging.

DIG IT is on Tamborine Mountain in Queensland, an hour from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast in the Scenic Rim.

Kids can operate their own mini excavator in an outdoor construction zone in Thunderbird Park.

A spokesperson says: "DIG IT has been custom-designed for both children and their parents who love to play (who doesn't?), featuring a range of activities that are fun, educational and engaging.

"Kids can learn about the construction industry, earthworks, engineering, building, the importance of safety and teamwork.

"It's the stuff real memories are made of. And there's not an iPad or screen anywhere."

Kids get to sit in the seat of one of nine CAT mini-excavators for a two-hour session.

There's a fair bit to do . . .

Kids operate the mini excavator, dig and move dirt and rocks. But first, experienced instructors teach the basics of excavation and safety. The spokesperson explains: "At the completion of each challenge, kids receive their induction card, meaning at the end of their session they have been fully inducted into the DIG IT worksite."

Kids are trained on a 1.7 tonne excavator. Then they set about digging earth.

Kids get to use a wrecking ball to knock over the DIG IT towers.

The challenge is to hook a crocodile, using a 1.7 tonne excavator.

The spokesperson explains: "Using state-of-the art remote control machines like dozers, dump trucks, excavators and rear loaders the kids will get to use machines, just like on the worksite."

Kids can compete against friends, navigating obstacle courses and completing tasks, while learning about teamwork and safety.

WYNTK

what you need to know

+ DIG IT is in Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain, Queensland.

+ Two hour sessions cost $45 per participant.

+ Book at thunderbirdpark.com or call 1800 00 DIGIT. (Tell them I sent you, and ask them about accommodation in the area.)

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