A local’s guide to the best Gold Coast theme parks

Everything you need to know about the world-famous Gold Coast theme parks.

Ready to get your heart racing? The Gold Coast is home to a handful of world-class theme parks and attractions — just call us the adrenaline capital of Australia, home to seven Gold Coast theme parks in total. Putting our local knowledge to paper, we’ve crafted the ultimate adventure-seeking guide, offering comprehensive navigation of every one of them: Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Sea World Gold Coast, Paradise Country and the Australian Outback Spectacular. Strap yourself in because those kids of yours (and your own inner child) are bound to be stirred.

Dreamworld

Best for: Shorter queues and serious thrills.

For some of the country’s most epic theme park experiences, including The Giant Drop and Steel Taipan, head to Australia’s biggest theme park, Dreamworld . From spine-tingling coasters to the kid-friendly Kenny & Belinda’s Dreamland (they’re those two cuddly koala mascots you see everywhere), there are over 40 attractions to lose yourself aboard.

The latest unveiling is Rivertown, which opened in December 2024, a dedicated section of the Gold Coast theme park that replaced ABC Kids World. It’s filled with jungle-inspired entertainment, like Murrissippi Motors, a car trail that evokes Indiana Jones-in-Disneyland vibes, and Jungle Rush, a mini rollercoaster. Nix hunger at Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant, which dishes up burgers, cheesy garlic bread and other comfort food.

Throughout the year, Dreamworld also hosts several themed events, including a Halloween night and Winterfest (complete with ice skating and faux snow), plus there’s the ongoing Dreamworld Night Market, one of the Gold Coast’s best markets, which drags in food trucks and face painting, giving you even more incentive to stay beyond sunset.

Prices: From $99 for both adults and children

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

WhiteWater World

Best for: Budget-friendly water slides (especially compared to Wet’n’Wild).

Next door to Dreamworld is WhiteWater World , open from September to April — the 2025 season launches on September 13. Spanning extreme water slides with twists, turns and gut-churning drops, to far more relaxing family-friendly drifting like the Cave of Waves wave pool and splash areas for kids, attractions are plenty varied.

Don’t miss the legendary Green Room — the one that looks like a giant funnel — which runs for 75 metres in the early stages before launching you into that 15-metre funnel and hitting you with a massive drop.

Prefer your downtime on ground level? Dial up your VIP status with a private cabana decked out with couches, a dedicated locker, service staff and a small fridge. If you’re simply there to get amongst it, squeeze more slides into your day with a Slide Express pass that offers priority queuing.

Prices: From $94 for adults and $74 for children

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Warner Bros. Movie World

Best for: Movie-loving families and superhero fans.

It counts the southern hemisphere’s tallest, longest, and fastest rollercoaster in its repertoire, but Warner Bros. Movie World offers so much more than rides. Giving families the chance to interact with their favourite movie characters and superheroes (Batman and the Joker are hugely popular), this Gold Coast theme park is the closest thing to Disneyland that Australia gets.

That record-breaking thrill, the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, is a non-negotiable, storming at a top speed of 115km/h and reaching 61.6 metres in the air. Outside of the iconic Warner Bros. arch at the entrance (an obligatory photo moment), it’s the first thing you spy from the freeway and terrifies even from there.

A daily Star Parade is always a great idea as Looney Tunes legends and the full collective of those DC superheroes and villains (Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn represent the gals) slowly make their way down Main Street.

In December 2024, The Wizard of Oz precinct also found its way to this Gold Coast theme park, offering guests two new coasters, dining options and, naturally, a yellow brick road.

Keep an eye on the park schedule for random live performances too, like a Hollywood driving stunt show, Dorothy singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and Wonder Woman kicking serious bad guy butt.

Prices: From $109 for adults and children receive discounts depending on the time of year.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Wet’n’Wild

Best for: Swimwear-exclusive thrills.

Ready to make a splash? Make your way to Wet’n’Wild (a couple doors down from Warner Bros. Movie World) to lap up some of Australia’s biggest and most extreme water slides, including the mega Black Hole and the 2025 summer-introduced Zoom Zone with four of its own full-body water slides. Gentler options are also at your fingertips, like Calypso Beach which takes you via a wave pool around gardens and pirate-themed ruins. The River Rapids and Mammoth Falls are also a little less screamy, more summertime dreamy.

Upgrade your day trip by hiring a private cabana or take some time out in one of the Leisure Lounges, right near the Wave Pool.

A common question: What’s the difference between Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater? Obviously, you’ll get very wet and have the best time at both but there are a few points to consider. Wet’n’Wild is much bigger than its counterpart, offering more things to do, so crowds are thicker. On the other hand, WhiteWater World is only a beat away from Dreamworld so visiting both in one day frequently appeals.

Prices: From $89 for adults and children receive discounts depending on the time of year.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Sea World Gold Coast

Best for: Small children and animal encounters.

Sea World Gold Coast is by far the most educational theme park of the lot, with interactive shows and presentations daily. Say hello to seals, penguins and stingrays, gawk at sharks shifting past huge windows, get within metres of polar bears, and learn how to actively care for our marine life.

Out of the water, your favourite Nickelodeon characters are also on-site, proving serious entertainment for toddlers and smaller bubs, and on that note, prams are highly recommended due to the spread-out nature of this park’s attractions and subsequent walking.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rise out of the sewers, and Paw Patrol pups, SpongeBob and Dora also put on shows, plus there are action-packed stunts performed by some of the best athletes in the country.

You can switch gears entirely at The New Atlantis precinct thanks to its adrenaline-pumping rides – the 80km/h Leviathan coaster, the 42-metre-tall Trident swing, and the 360-degree rotating Vortex.

Prices: From $109 for adults and children receive discounts depending on the time of year.

Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Paradise Country

Best for: Smaller children and an authentic Aussie farm experience.

If your little ones are more dazzled by livestock than levitation, Paradise Country is a safer bet, filled with heartwarming experiences for the whole clan. The Gold Coast theme park houses some of Australia’s unique wildlife (think snakes, kangaroos, koalas and more) as well as a farmyard nursery where tots clamber for a cuddle of their favourite fur-covered babies.

Live performances are also a hot ticket, including the Stockman Show, which sees sheep herded and boomerangs hurled, plus the Billy Tea Show, distilling the art of open-fire brewing.

The other notable drawcard of Paradise Country is that you can stay overnight (if you book well in advance because spaces are super limited). Inviting camping and glamping, the options come with clean amenities and water supplies, and you can bundle ticket entry to save dollars, too.

Prices: $49 for adults and children receive discounts depending on the time of year.

Address: Production Dr, Oxenford

Australian Outback Spectacular

Best for: Rodeo lovers keen for dinner and a show.

Be transported to the heart of the Australian bush at the Australian Outback Spectacular , located between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild. Featuring Australian characters, a transformative arena, mesmerising animals and immersive technology, it’s a must-do storytelling experience that also includes food (win).

As the action plays out in front of you, tuck into a hearty three-course dinner with alcoholic beverages, including a woodfire-roasted vegetable tart, beef or farm-seasoned chicken with potato and vegetables, and a dessert that changes with the seasons.

Prices: From $109.99 for adults and $79.99 for children.

Address: Entertainment Rd, Oxenford

Are the Gold Coast theme parks family-friendly?

families and children playing at Paradise Country, Gold Coast — A fun-filled family time at Paradise Country.

Yep, bar the Australian Outback Spectacular, they’re all geared towards little ones while entirely catering for grown-ups.

Older kids will love the star-struck appeal of Warner Bros. Movie World and the summer adrenaline rushes of Wet’n’Wild, whereas toddlers and younger kids will get the most out of a visit to Sea World Gold Coast or Paradise Country. If parents can lock down a babysitter, the Australian Outback Spectacular invites children but drinks are way more fun without them, right?

Tips for visiting the Gold Coast theme parks

Save dollars by buying your tickets in advance online. If you plan to visit more than one theme park during your visit, investigate the many multi-park passes available, too. For example, if you’re visiting the Gold Coast for a week, you can score unlimited entry to four parks for seven consecutive days. If you live locally, snap up unlimited entry to four parks for a whole year.

We also recommend staying across each park’s website to know when rides shut down for maintenance. Additionally, the attraction tab on each site typically offers height limits and scare scales, which will save potential disappointment on the day if kids don’t meet restrictions and thrills prove a little too thrilling up close.

Discover the best restaurants to fuel up at on the Gold Coast

Originally written by Jemma Fletcher with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.