Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild… there are very few theme parks that can rival those on the Gold Coast. Themed lands are home to live shows, roaming movie characters, animal attractions and – of course - some of the tallest, fastest, biggest and scariest thrill rides in the world.
Dreamworld
The largest theme park in Australia, offering many worlds in one. Visit tigers at Tiger Island, check out the interactive shows off Main Street or visit White Water World next door. The infamous Eight Big Thrill Rides live at Dreamworld – these are some of the tallest and fastest rides in the world, and the reason Dreamworld is Australia’s favourite theme park!
Sea World
Mixing thrill rides with exotic animals, making it a great place to visit with kids of all ages. Visitors can see penguins, sharks, polar bears and dolphins from multi-level viewing platforms as well as tackling roller coasters and watching interactive ocean-themed shows. Sea World has a big focus on conservation, home to a hospital dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured or sick wildlife.
Movie World
‘Hollywood on the Gold Coast’ can be found at Warner Bros. Movie World. Home to movie-themed rides, it’s the place to go for encounters with a little bit of Hollywood magic – thrill rides sit alongside working movie studios that open their special effects studios to tours. Batman, Marilyn Monroe, Cinderella and Bugs Bunny can be found wandering the streets, and are more than happy to join park goers for a photo.
Wet n Wild
And last but not least, Wet ‘n’ Wild – the name says it all. Spend the day lazily floating through tropical gardens or shooting down slides at 60 kilometres an hour – the choice is yours. Pirate-themed Buccaneer Bay will keep the kids entertained for hours, while 360-degree coils and 30-metre drops will keep adventure-junkies more than satisfied. The pools are heated during winter months, making it an idea destination year-round.
It is best to take public transport to the theme parks to avoid traffic jams – buses offer access to all parks. If you are driving, be aware parking lot entrances are congested and gate queues are long between 9am and 10am – but the parks are worth the wait.
