Ripley's Believe It Or Not! - The Big Octopus

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! is one of the Gold Coast's most popular attractions, however, it lacked visual appeal on a busy street in the main centre of town. Pico Play was commissioned by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! to create an iconic centre piece for the attraction situated on the Gold Coast’s famous Cavill Avenue. The piece was to sit high and above the shop front and be eye-catching to all passing by, at both day and night. Planning to install a 2 tonne blue ring octopus above the awning of the Ripley’s attraction required a long list of approvals by stakeholders. It could not block views from restaurants, toilets or adjacent advertising signage. Local council approvals and engineers added to the long list of challenges.

Pico Play planned and designed the new centre piece for Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Our concept design and design detailing made sure that when it came time to install the piece, the path of least resistance was taken. The Blue-Ringed Octopus was selected due to its infamous status as being one of the deadliest creatures in Australia. The final design had to be able to withstand the harsh sun and adverse weather conditions on the Gold Coast. Customised fabricated steel had been chosen as the hot dipped galvanizing process ensures longevity of the steelworks. The design enabled the two back tentacles to be removed so that it would fit onto the back of a standard flat tray truck, removing the need for police escorts and road closures. All steel supports were placed in situ on the building wall and were all stress tested before final installation.

Post installation, The Big Octopus has taken pride of place at the auditorium entrance of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise, welcoming curious visitors with its outstretched tentacles clutching a surfboard. The Big Octopus will be able to be seen by everyone who visits Ripley’sBelieve It or Not! and will become an iconic attraction on the Gold Coast foryears to come. The attraction took the involvement of 40 Pico Play staff over 4 months to build, primarily due to the complex nature of the design. Pico Play are honoured to assist Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! to create their signature entrance statement and draw visitors into their attraction, especially at a time when it is most needed.