GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: Ride the Riviera Express

The Riviera headquarters at Coomera will be a hive of activity throughout the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo from October 17-19.

Riviera says that not only will the new Sport Yacht collection flagship – the 6000 – make her official Queensland premiere, but the boat-builder will, for the first time at Expo, host guided factory tours via an informative 30-minute train ride called The Riviera Express.

This fully-narrated tour will take in many sections of Riviera’s 14-hectare, facility – the largest pleasure yacht-building facility in the Southern Hemisphere – where currently there are 28 boats under production, around half of which are bound for international owners.

"The factory tours are a great opportunity for Expo visitors to see behind the scenes of how we craft a Riviera, from the early lamination stage to engineering and final fit-out," said Riviera Director of Brand & Communications, Stephen Milne (pictured).

The Riviera Express passengers will also view construction of the largest production pleasure boat built in Australia – the Riviera 75 Flybridge.

"Usually, only Riviera owners and purchasers are able to experience such an extensive tour so this is a great chance for us to share and showcase all the workmanship that goes into creating the Riviera Experience," Mr Milne said.

Tickets to ride The Riviera Express – which departs every 45 minutes from 9.30am to 3.30pm on all three days of the Expo – cost just $2.00, with children under eight years of age free. All profits from the train will be donated to the 2014 Expo charities: Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability Gold Coast, Sea World Search and Rescue Foundation, and the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service.

Tickets for the Gold Coast International Marine Expo are available online so keen patrons can avoid any queues at the gate. Simply visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au to pre-purchase tickets for any of the three days.

There will be free on-site parking and a nominal ticket charge of $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and children under the age of 15 years will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.