Gold Coast Theme ParksYou've hit the jackpot
The Gold Coast is not only known for its beautiful beaches, it is also the theme park capital of Australia. Gold Coast theme parks come in all shapes and sizes and whether you like death-defying roller coasters and epic rides, petting furry animals, or just looking to entertain the kids, you've hit the jackpot!
With something for all ages to enjoy, each of the major theme parks on the Gold Coast offers some unique attractions, ultra-fast roller coasters and family-friendly rides, a wide range of family entertainment options and shows, animal encounters, pools and water slides and so much more.
Each park also has a dedicated child-friendly zone featuring their favourite characters and plenty of fun things to see and do, while adults can go on one of many thrilling rides, relax in the pools (we're talking' Calypso Bay at Wet 'n' Wild, heaven in summer) or simply explore what each park has to offer.
The theme parks are open all year round except for Christmas Day (25 December) and ANZAC Day (25 April), except for Sea World which is open in the afternoon on ANZAC DAY.
Gold Coast Theme Parks: Getting The Cheapest Theme Park Tickets
The all-important question: where is the best place to purchase theme park tickets to save some cash?
You can buy single-day entry tickets at the gate for each of the parks however to beat the queues (and get a good deal too), we recommend you look at online pricing and check out some exclusive offers and theme park deals. There are stacks of discounted combo passes available to give you multiple park entries so you can affordably see more theme parks during your holiday. Plus, you will find it costs more to purchase tickets with higher gate prices as opposed to online prices for single-day entry.
Multi-Park Passes
Combo passes are the best way to enjoy each of the Gold Coast's best theme parks while getting a good deal at the same time. Purchase your passes online, print your tickets or show your QR code, and visit any of the below theme parks and save $$ off park admission prices! You can choose between 3-day passes, 7-day passes, 30-day passes or for the ultimate saving, 12-month passes where you get unlimited entry for an entire year!
You have two options when choosing a multi-park pass:
- Village Roadshow passes give you access to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild and Paradise Country
- Dreamworld passes include entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint in Surfers Paradise!
Warner Bros. Movie World
Experience a fun-filled day with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at Warner Bros. Movie World. Meet your favourite stars, superheroes and Looney Tunes, see action-packed stunt shows or experience one of the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoasters in the Southern Hemisphere plus awesome movie-themed rides (think DC Comics, Superman, Batman and more). Get a discount combo pass for unlimited entry to 3 theme parks!
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210
Buy TicketsSea World
Sea World has a fantastic range of animal exhibits featuring sharks, penguins, polar bears and other marine life in realistic, natural environments. Be entertained with spectacular stunt/water shows; giggle at the seals and marvel at the playful dolphins. Throw in some roller coasters, get wet at Castaway Bay and see the Ninja Turtles in 3D. You'll see that Sea World is perhaps the best all-round theme park. Grab a combo pass and save.
Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Buy TicketsWet'n'Wild Gold Coast
Wet'n'Wild is a fantastic day out, summer or winter, rain or shine. Have fun in the sun and cool off in the water. With nothing but amazing water slides, kids' pools, a whirlpool and a giant wave pool, Wet 'n' Wild is one of the greatest water parks in Australia. In winter everything is heated so you won't get cold and on a hot summer day, you'll have a hard time finding a better place to be. Wanna relax instead? Book your own Chill Cabana.
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210
Buy TicketsDreamworld
As the biggest theme park in Australia, Dreamworld has it all. With their exciting thrill rides, plenty of family rides and kid's precincts like the ABC Kids World, animal shows and attractions, Dreamworld is really your one-stop-shop for all things FUN! Don't miss the daily Tiger Presentation or Koala talk. Get the 1, 3 or 7 day pass for unlimited entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Skypoint and save stacks off admission prices!
Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209
Buy TicketsWhiteWater World
Located next door to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World is one of the largest, and most fun-filled, water parks in the country! Experience the eight-lane 'BRO' waterslide, the 20m high Green Room, The Rip, The Wedgie, The Triple Vortex and Wiggle Bay for kids, and many, many more. It's the perfect way to escape the Queensland heat and have some fun in the water. Visit Dreamworld and WhiteWater World with a special 'World Pass' for discounted entry over 1, 3 or 7 days.
Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209
Buy TicketsGuide To Gold Coast Theme Parks
Thrill seekers, if you're looking for roller coasters and some extreme thrill rides, Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld are great choices - both of which also have a fantastic range of kid-friendly rides and attractions including ABC Kids World at Dreamworld, or the Kids' WB! Fun Zone at Movie World. Dreamworld also has a range of animal attractions from Tiger Island to their selection of native animal feeding experiences, or head over to Sea World for an incredible array of marine animals in state-of-the-art facilities.
Left to right: Wet'n'Wild's Aqua Loop, Dreamworld's Buzzsaw and Castaway Bay at Sea World
Sea World also has some fun family rides and attractions, and its dedicated precinct for kids at Nickelodeon Land or Castaway Bay where kids can have a splash around in the pirate adventure playground. Speaking of splashing around, you'll be spoilt for choice if water rides are your thing with two huge water parks. Wet 'n' Wild (operating all year round) and WhiteWater World (open seasonally) offer a fantastic day out and with our great Queensland weather, you can enjoy them during any season. From huge water slides to wave pools and relaxing floating pools, both parks are great fun for any age.
If you need a break from the rides, sit back and enjoy some of the excellent entertainment options on offer. See incredible stunts and precision driving at Warner. Bros Movie World's Hollywood Stunt Driver show, or enjoy an ice cream while the Streets Star Parade goes by featuring all your favourite stars and characters. Dreamworld Corroboree offers a unique look at the ancient world of our Australian ancestors with some fun and informative presentations and animal experiences, and for the little ones, there's Madagascar Live and the Wiggle Friends Show.
Sea World has some awesome (and cute) animal presentations including their famous dolphin show, penguin feeding, seal guardian and ray reef presentations. Their lake stunt show has plenty of action and for the kids, you can enjoy the Turtle Power or Paw Patrol Live Show.
Which Theme Park Should You Visit?
This is a hard question to answer! Each theme park has something for everyone, and that's why a multi-park pass is a great way to allow you to experience a few (or all) of them. Are roller coasters and adrenaline rides your thing? Are you looking for more family fun and kid-friendly attractions? Want to keep cool on a hot day? Are you an animal lover? Check out our table below for a basic guide on what you find at each of the theme parks:
Movie World | Dreamworld | Sea World | Wet 'n' Wild | WhiteWater World |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adrenaline Rides | |||||
Family Rides | |||||
Entertainment | |||||
Animal Exhibits | |||||
Animal Presentations | |||||
Stunt Shows | |||||
Kids Precincts | |||||
Splash Zones | |||||
Water Slides | |||||
Swimming Pools | |||||
Food & Drinks | |||||
Accessibility |
Accommodation near the theme parks
The Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to holiday accommodation, but the majority of hotels and apartments are located along the coast such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and surrounding areas. In saying that, most hotels and accommodation providers can arrange a transfer to the theme parks of your choice or you may wish to hire a car during your stay (it's about a 20-30 minute drive from Surfers Paradise). You can also get public transport to the theme parks just keep in mind that it will take you a little longer due to the various stops. Sea World is the closest, located near Main Beach and the easiest to get to from the accommodation hubs.
You can find hotels near the Gold Coast theme parks below:
- Hotels near Dreamworld & WhiteWater World
- Hotels near Warner Bros. Movie World & Wet 'n' Wild
- Hotels near Sea World
Sea World Resort is a great family-friendly option that has direct access to Sea World. Spacious and modern rooms with great views, award-winning dining and good options, an aquatic playground and 50-metre lagoon make this an excellent choice.
How much time do you need?
Each of the parks are open from around 9:30 am to 5 pm (though this can be seasonal). Each has so much to see and do and can be quite busy during the school holidays and summer months that you will need at least a day for each theme park to get the most out of the experience. Wear comfortable shoes and always be sun safe. Multiple parks for multiple guests can get expensive, especially if you have a family with you which is why discounted combo passes are a great and affordable option.
For an unforgettable family holiday, you can get a 3, 7 or 14-day pass which gives you seamless entry to the chosen theme parks during that period, or for the best bang for your buck you can get an annual pass that gives you unlimited entry for 12 months. This lets you explore the parks at your own pace and offers great value if you are planning multiple trips to the Gold Coast.
Where are the theme parks located?
Use the handy map below to get an idea of where each of the main theme parks are located around the Gold Coast. Click on their pointer in the map to find out more.
Getting There
There are plenty of public transport options that will take you to the theme parks from your accommodation. You can catch the tram from Surfers Paradise to Helensvale Train Station and then get a bus that will take you directly to Warner Bros. Movie World or Wet 'n' Wild. Or, catch the train from Helensvale to Coomera for easy access to Dreamworld. Sea World has frequent buses coming and going from the park to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and the major shopping centres.
For a faster and more comfortable method, you can also arrange for a theme park transfer with Con-x-ion from your hotel.
Are there different theme parks?
If the major theme parks aren't your thing or you've been to them all before, then there are plenty of other fantastic attractions on the Gold Coast, or what we like to call, "theme parks with a twist"! Here are our top picks:
Holoverse Holographic World
Come and visit the world's first holographic entertainment centre located right here on the Gold Coast! This 1700 square metre indoor entertainment facility will amaze everyone that enters with its advanced hologram technology that projects artificial worlds all around you. Walk through over 40 rooms and travel to a different world in each. Go on an African safari, fly through the sky, walk over rickety bridges, swim in the ocean or battle mythical dragons!
Location: 59 Nerang St, Southport
Buy TicketsInfinity: the ultimate fun zone
Infinity is a mind-blowing journey into a spectacular and interactive futuristic maze-like world of wonder. Made up of an extraordinary series of around 20 multi-sensual environments that are filled with unique special effects, atmospheric sound fields, ultra-groovy music and illusions. Travel to another universe and enjoy the sights and sounds, offering great family fun in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Located at the Chevron Renaissance.
Location: G31 Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsRIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Take a self-guided tour through themed galleries featuring hundreds of unbelievable exhibits, amazing stories, magic, mystery, incredible illusions, interactive displays and more at Ripley's believe it or not. You'll see a piece of Mars rock from the Red Planet, survive a walk through Australia's only double spinning tunnels, discover rare artifacts in the Egyptian tomb, marvel at the world's smallest car, be entertained by “Ripley's Fab Four” and more.
Location: Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Buy TicketsCurrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a walk on the wild side and get close to some native Australian and exotic wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. View stacks of interactive displays, and wide-open enclosures while walking through the lush rainforest and see all of your favourite animals - cuddle cute koalas, get up close to crocodiles, hand feed the kangaroos or exotic birds like the Rainbow Lorikeets. Or, for the adrenaline junkies, go through the Adventure Park High Ropes Course and experience breathtaking views from the tree tops.
Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Buy TicketsParadise Country Farm
Paradise Country is one of Gold Coast's most popular attractions for kids and is an authentic Aussie homestead where visitors can experience true blue farm life. Enjoy a meal at the Farm House or roll out the picnic rug on the hill. You can wake up to the call of the kookaburra and the bleating of sheep when you choose to stay on the farm in one of the onsite offerings. This experience is perfect for young and old as you immerse yourself in the Aussie farm lifestyle. Although pony rides cost extra on top of the entry fee, it's totally worth it
Location: Production Drive, Oxenford
Buy TicketsImages courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images