If you’re a local to Brisbane or the Gold Coast then you’ll probably have been to some, if not all of these theme parks at some point in your life and as locals will know, if you’re visiting the sunny Gold Coast then you are in for a whole lot of fun. As Australia’s theme park capital, the Gold Coast isn’t just for beaches and schoolies, it’s got a plethora of fun family-friendly theme parks, amusement parks, attractions and entertainment suitable for all ages and tastes. You can go from petting tigers and Koala bears to flying to being whisked around on the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Australia. So why not check out the best theme parks on the Gold Coast for your next fun-filled outing.
1. Warner Bros. Movie World
Movies come to life for adults and children alike at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast. Movie themed rides like the Arkham Asylum looping coaster, Wild West Falls and the DC Rivals HyperCoaster which is a very popular ride and Australia’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. It holds two annual events, Fright Nights during the month of Halloween and White Christmas during December. Since it’s part of the Village Roadshow Group, you can get some good deals on passes that allows access to Seaworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Australian Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country.
Known for: DC rivals hyper coaster, Arkham Asylum rollercoaster
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210
Phone: +61 13 33 86
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm
2. Dreamworld
Dreamworld is one of the biggest and best theme parks on the Gold Coast and is usually a favourite with families for its plethora of rides and attractions that cater to all ages. It offers hectares of thrill rides, shows, water park fun and animal interactions all in one theme park. Tiger Island is especially popular where you can take a tour with a keeper and even have a 15-minute feeding experience. Take the ultimate plunge on the Giant Drop, the tallest free-fall ride in Australia or take a ride on the tallest inversion ride in the Southern Hemisphere, the Buzzsaw. Take full advantage of your Dreamworld ticket and head on over to Whitewater World for some more aquatic fun with slides, rides and swimming pools galore.
Known for: tiger island, the giant drop, the claw
Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209
Phone: +61 7 5588 111
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
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3. Seaworld
Seaworld is definitely the theme park for you if animal interaction is your jam. You can get up close and personal with all types of marine life from dolphins, penguins, seals, polar bears and even the odd shark. It’s not just about the marine mammals though, there are awesome rides like the Storm Coaster, Jet Rescue roller coaster and Battle Boats. Visit Polar Bear Shores to see Australia’s only Polar Bear exhibit, see the Dolphin Nursery Pool, or visit shark bay for the world’s largest man-made lagoon system for sharks.
Known for: Dolphin show, polar bears
Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Phone: +61 13 33 86
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 9.30am-5pm
4. Wet’n’Wild
Adjacent to Warner Bros. Movie World, one of the best water theme parks on the Gold Coast, Wet ‘n’ Wild offers a cool dip and wild water fun for when the temperatures are heating up. It’s three times bigger than any water park in Australia and has fun activities for just about every age. Race your friends on the Super 8 Aqua Racer, mellow out at Calypso Beach, take a dip in the giant wave pool, test your surfing skills on the FlowRider or try one of the many other awesome water slides like the Aqua Loop, Blackhole and Kamikaze.
Known for: wave pool, calypso beach
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210
Phone: +61 13 33 86
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3.30pm Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
5. Australian Outback Spectacular
Australian Outback Spectacular brings new meaning to dinner and a show, with its advanced technology and projection mapping used in their storytelling. The Australiana themed dinner and show package is a great way to spend an evening, especially for tourists to Australia. New productions are always in the works, so there’s always something new. You’ll get a delicious three-course meal including drinks throughout the show, plus live music at The Outback Bar as pre-show entertainment.
Known for: special effects, horse show
Address: Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210
Phone: +61 13 33 86
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 7.30pm-Finish
Australian Outback Spectacular
6. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
It’s not a theme park per se, but it is a lot of fun for the family and given it’s focus on animal conservation, is an important institution that does a great deal of good. If you do need a little thrill though, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers some pretty fun activities for the family. There is the TreeTop Challenge which consists of 11 ziplines and high ropes plus 80 different challenges to get the adrenaline pumping. Not only that, you can feed the lorikeets and kangaroos, hold a cute koala and take a tour of the wildlife hospital.
Known for: hold a Koala, feed kangaroos,
Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin QLD 422mo3
Phone: +61 7 5534 1266
Trading Hours: Thurs-Sun 9am-4pm
7. iFly Gold Coast
Located in the heart of beautiful Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, iFly is another way to get your thrills and kicks. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never skydived before, it’s safe and accessible to everyone. You can expect a basic orientation, flight gear including suit and helmet, and a guide by your side as you enter the wind tunnel. Prices start from as little as $73 for first time flyers or you can alternatively do a group booking and bring along your friends and family.
Known for: skydiving, wind tunnel
Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Phone: +61 1300 366 364
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 8.30am-9pm, Sun 8.30am-7pm
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General FAQs
Dreamworld is Australia's largest theme park and features an assortment of rides, shows and attractions, including The Tower of Terror 2, one of the tallest and fastest thrill rides in the world.
A one day ticket to Dreamworld will set you back around $85, with a three-day ticket costing $89.
DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Movie World is the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere!
