The Gold Coast is Australia’s ‘theme park capital’, with a range of attractions for young and old, including thrill rides, safaris, swimming pools and water slides where visitors can interact with movie characters and superheroes.
How Many Gold Coast Theme Parks are there?
The Gold Coast is the themed amusement park capital of Australia, offering a variety of thrilling attractions for young and old alike. Located in Surfers Paradise, the region has six theme parks: Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country, and Australian Outback Spectacular.
Which Gold Coast Theme Parks are Fun?
There is always one of the four famous and prestigious theme parks on the Gold Coast that is suitable for you, and their respective recommendations are as follows:
Movie World: Interact with your favourite superheroes and cartoon characters at this movie-themed attraction.
Sea World: the premier marine animal park that brings together a variety of aquatic attractions and animals.
Wet’n’Wild: exciting rides, slides, tubes and swimming areas for the whole family.
Dreamworld: Exciting family entertainment for those who love adventure and animals.
Warner Bros. Movie World
Open: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Queensland 4210
It is a must-see attraction for movie buffs and families. The theme park is themed around Hollywood movies, with 16 carefully designed rides that cater to all types of people and six different themed shows throughout the day that will put you in the middle of a classic Hollywood movie scene. Includes a variety of roller coasters and other rides.
Here are some of the must-see rides and attractions at Movie World:
Streets Star Parade – To be held at the end of the day, see favourites such as Batman, Scooby-Doo and Hairy, and DC superheroes and villains as you stroll down Main Street.
Hollywood Stunt Driver 2– Arrive early to get a good seat and be part of a real movie set at this exciting show, where the director and crew will take you behind the scenes of a blockbuster action movie, shown twice daily.
Public Transportation
From the Gold Coast: To get to Warner Bros. Movie World, take a tram, bus or train to Helensvale Station and change to bus TX7.
Sea World
Open: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Queensland 4217
SeaWorld is an Australian theme park that offers rides and attractions and supports marine research and rescue. Visitors can interact with dolphins, polar bears, penguins and sharks. SeaWorld Resort and Water Resort is Australia’s only theme park hotel connected by a monorail.
Here are some of the must-play rides and attractions at SeaWorld:
SeaWorld Polar Bear Shores – Visitors are advised to visit the Polar Bear Shores in the morning as polar bears are naturally naughty.
Shark Bay– A wide variety of sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, cuttlefish and touch fish are found in the world’s most extensive man-made lagoon system, with separate pools for large and small sharks and the option of scuba diving.
Public Transportation
From the Gold Coast: Take bus 705 and get off at the Seaworld stop.
Wet’n’Wild Waterpark
Opening time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Queensland 4210
Australia’s largest water theme park, Wet’n’Wild, offers fun-filled water slides, leisure pools and 20 acres of subtropical shade gardens, including a seven-storey speed roller coaster and a giant wave pool for the whole family to relax.
Here are some of the must-see rides and attractions at Carnival Waterpark:
SkyCoaster – A thrill ride that catapults you through the air at up to 60 km/h over the giant wave pool. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted, as you’ll have to pull your ripcord before plummeting face-first to the ground.
Mammoth Falls – A great family ride where groups of four to six people slide down a 250-meter-long slide in a large raft. The minimum height for this ride is 100 centimetres.
Public Transportation
From the Gold Coast: Take a tram, bus or train to Helensvale Station and transfer to bus TX7.
Dream World Theme Park Dream World
Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Queensland 4209
Dreamworld and Whitewater World are the Gold Coast’s most popular attractions, offering thrill rides, water slides, wildlife encounters and family fun. Dreamworld, a wildlife conservation park with Tiger Island, offers thrill rides, while Whitewater World offers a splashy experience.
WhiteWater World: WhiteWater World features four top-notch water slides and other world-class attractions, including The Wedgie, The Rip and Pipeline Plunge. After the thrilling rides, you can rent a private cabin to escape the heat.
School Holidays (Monday – Sunday): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Here are some of the must-see rides and attractions at Dreamworld:
The Giant Drop – After climbing 39 floors in 5 seconds, the “Giant Drop” is a thrilling 120-meter plunge not for those afraid of heights.
The DreamWorks Experience – Meet character heroes from Madagascar, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda in person.
Public Transportation
From the Gold Coast: Surfside operates the TX7 Theme Park Service between Helensvale and Coomera stations, stopping at Dreamworld.
Gold Coast Theme Park Pre-Trip Information
The Gold Coast’s theme parks offer exciting experiences. Still, preparing for challenges such as long lines, hot weather, and rain showers is crucial to ensure an enjoyable and memorable visit.
Below is a list of items to consider taking with you when travelling to the Gold Coast theme parks:
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
Water bottle
Snacks
Cash and credit cards
Comfortable shoes
Plenty of discounts are available on the official website, so if you want to have a great time, a 3-, 7- or 14-day Gold Coast Theme Parks Pass will ensure you get the best of the action at an affordable price!
Finally, we recommend downloading the Village Roadshow Theme Parks app to view interactive maps of the theme parks, upcoming show times and ride wait times.
Accommodation near Gold Coast Theme Parks
Gold Coast accommodation is plentiful and family-friendly, featuring towers, beaches and surf. Ideal for romantic weekends, sisterly getaways or family vacations, its unique design and luxurious ambience make for a memorable stay.
Ruby Gold Coast
Ruby Gold Coast is a luxury apartment in the Gold Coast, nestled in the vibrant heart of the Gold Coast, a beacon of luxury living and architectural marvels, offering residents an unrivalled experience of vibrant urban living. The flats offer a wide range of room types with fully furnished rooms and infrastructure, including Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, and Sauna Room. The apartments are ideally located close to Griffith University Gold Coast. Enjoy oasis and beach style living in flats 1, 2 and 3 at Ruby Gold Coast, with contemporary décor and breathtaking city views, inland or the ocean awaiting you.
Paradise in Surfers
Enjoy the refreshing coastal breeze with ducted air conditioning throughout this excellent furnished apartment. The apartment offers everything you need for a memorable vacation. Step inside and be greeted by a haven of comfort and style. It boasts exceptional features, ensuring a stay filled with convenience and luxury. The excellent furnishing and attention to detail create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. The apartment features two spacious bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide comfort. The open-plan living room is perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a day of exploration. You’ll find the ideal blend of luxury, convenience, and endless entertainment at Paradise in Surfers. It offers a range of amenities to cater to every family member, including a pool, spa, BBQ area, sauna and steam room, gym, cinema, and driving range. With plenty of room for fun, it’s the perfect place to bring the whole family and create lasting memories.
ART House
The apartment is on the 1st floor, right in the heart of Surfer’s Paradise, the Gold Coast’s tourism and entertainment playground, where tourists gather to surf, swim, and party. It’s located in a peaceful setting, offering a relaxed vacation vibe. You can access the swimming pool, BBQ area, spa, sauna, tennis court, and other resort facilities.
FAQ
What's the best time of year to visit Gold Coast theme parks?
The ideal time to explore Gold Coast theme parks is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and October to November. These periods offer pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and shorter queue times for attractions.
Can I buy tickets at the entrance or should I book online?
Booking your tickets online can often save you time and money. Online tickets frequently come with discounts and special deals and can spare you the long queues at the entrance.
What are the must-visit theme parks on the Gold Coast?
Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild are iconic and not to be missed. Each offers a unique mix of attractions suitable for all age groups.
Is it worth staying at a hotel near the theme parks?
Staying close to the parks can enhance your experience, offering convenience, early access, or exclusive benefits. It’s worth considering if you want to maximise your time and comfort during your visit.
Can my family stay in my room when they visit me?
Yes, you can email the flat in advance to request it, and guests can stay for about five days or so.
