Meet your favourite characters at Movie World – one of the theme parks on the Gold Coast
While the Gold Coast is known as ‘Australia’s holiday playground’ it is more than sun, sea and surf. It is also home to four of Australia’s most exciting and fun theme parks. And no visit to the Gold Coast is a true visit if you don’t visit a theme park. But which one do you choose? Here’s my guide to the theme parks of the Gold Coast.
Whether you are visiting the Gold Coast solo, in a couple, with a group of friends or with your family with or without kids, there is something for every one when visiting a Gold Coast theme park. There are four unique theme parks on the Gold Coast – Sea World, Movie World, Dream World and Wet ‘N’ Wild. There are also others such as Wet’n’Wild which is located inside Dream World. Are you ready to ride a roller coaster, check out the sea life, see a movie being made or cool off on a water slide? Yeah, me too!
Table of Contents
4 Unique Theme Parks of the Gold Coast
Each theme park on the Gold Coast is worth a whole day’s visit so depending on the length of your visit to the Gold Coast, you may or may not be able to visit all of them.
thrills and spills of the water roller coaster
1. Dreamworld & Whitewater World
Looking for thrills and spills of classic rides and rollercoasters? Then a visit to Dreamworld, Gold Coast should be on your Gold Coast holiday list. There are plenty of rides for adrenaline seekers but also family rides like the bumper cars.
Located inside Dreamworld is Whitewater World that is open seasonally. Usually during the warmer months from October to April. If you are visiting the Gold Coast during summer get ready to enjoy the wave pool, waterslides and hydrocasters.
>>>>Purchase your 1-day Dreamworld ticket here.
2. Sea World & Sea World Resort
See the seal show at SeaWorld
Sea World is the ultimate theme park If marine animals are your thing. Spend the day visiting the sea lions, polar bears, sting rays and my favourites, the bottlenose dolphins. There are also sea lion and dolphin shows twice daily, showcasing the beauty and strength of these animals. Be careful – you might get smashed!
There are some theme park rides at Sea World, but the main attraction is the sea animals. Sea World is for everyone of all ages to enjoy but it is particularly great if you are visiting the Gold Coast with young kids, 3-8 years of age. This is because there is Nickelodeon Land and Castaway Bay with an interactive stash zone, perfect for helping kids of all ages a way to cool down on a warm day on the Gold Coast at Sea World.
Sea World is more than a marine park, it is a resort. So you can visit the animals and stay there also. We enjoyed riding the light rail linking the marine park to the resort. Check out accommodation at Sea World Resort here.
>>>Purchase your ticket to Sea World Here
3. Warner Bros. Movie World
See your favourite characters in the grand parade down Main Street at Movie World
Movie World is a great experience on the Gold Coast. There are plenty of rides and attractions based on various Warner Bros movies to keep the whole family entertained.
There are plenty of wild rides for all ages including the Roadrunner kids’ coaster, the refreshing Wild Wild West log ride, to the Green Lantern coaster boasting the steepest inverted drop in the Southern Hemisphere. And the Batwing Spaceshot. Yeah – not for me, though my kids loved it.
As well as the rides, walk around and visit the different movie sets and see the action come alive. We particularly liked the special effects show. And don’t miss the parade through the Main Street to get photos of and with your favourite characters.
>>>Purchase your ticket to Movie World Here.
4. Wet ‘N’ Wild
Wet ’N’ Wild is as water park that is open year-round though some rides close over the winter months for maintenance. The theme park provides a great way to cool down with plenty of pools and slides galore. There is also a pirate themed pool for the younger members of the family. Check the opening times during the winter months, and if lucky enough to go, I’d probably wear a wet suit!
>>>Purchase your ticket for Wet ‘N’ Wild.
How to Get to the Theme Parks
Gold Coast theme parks are located in close proximity
The theme parks of the Gold Coast are located at the northern end of the Gold Coast. They can be reached by car or there is plenty of public transport available. You can also organise a private bus transfer to and from your hotel to your chosen theme park. You can book that here.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Gold Coast Theme Parks
Some people who are planning to visit the Gold Coast theme parks on their Gold Coast holiday often stay near the theme parks. As you will see on the map, they are located north of the Gold Coast making Surfers Paradise a perfect place to stay. However, you can stay anywhere on the Gold Coast. As mentioned, Sea World is actually Sea World Resort so you can stay there and visit Sea World when you like. Check out Surfers Paradise accommodation options here.
Visiting Theme Park Tips & Tricks
Choosing the theme park or parks you will be visiting is half the effort, ensuring you will enjoy your day means packing some essentials beforehand.
- Wear clothes appropriate for the weather and the rides you might go on. I wouldn’t wear a skirt if you plan to go on some of the windy roller coasters!
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved at a theme park.
- Ensure to wear sunscreen and take more to re-apply.
- Wear a hat and sunglass taking into consideration pockets or a small bag to put them in while on the rides.
- Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated.
- Even though there is plenty of food options available at the Gold Coast theme parks it can be expensive so maybe bring some food and snacks with you.
- Bring your swimmers and a towel because you just don’t know if you will go on the water rides. And if you get wet, it is also a good idea to have a change of clothes, particularly if you are visiting the theme parks with little kids.
- If driving, take a photo of your parking spot so you aren’t wandering around the car park at the end of the day.
- Have a meeting spot if you are visiting in a group. Especially if family are wanting to go on different rides at the same time. I suggest agree on a time to meet also. And stay in touch via phone.
- Arrive as close to the opening time as possible as the theme parks have shows you might want to attend. It is a good idea to work out which ones you want to see before you get to the theme park.
Are You Ready for Your Gold Coast Theme Park Holiday?
Now that you know about each theme park, your Gold Coast accommodation options and a few tips and tricks, the only thing left to do is go to a Gold Coast Theme Park.
I enjoyed this post! The Gold Coast truly has so much to offer beyond its beaches, and your guide makes choosing a theme park feel easy and exciting.
I guess this is why it is called Australia’s playground as it is a great holiday place for everyone.
Gold Coast looks like an amazing place to visit. I will definitely add it to my bucket list.
Gold Coast is Australia’s playground – sort of like Cancun to Mexico.
Wet N Wild would be the one for me, especially on a hot day in Australia! I would never go to Sea World. have you seen the video of the orca rebelling at Sea World in Texas? Look it up!
No I haven’t seen the video, but the Gold Coast don’t have any orcas only a couple of balugas! Wet N Wild is a good one, particularly on a hot Aussie day to keep cool.
It’s amazing how much overlap there is with the theme parks in the US. The Warner Brothers park looks like it would be fun, and not one that I’ve seen before.
Warner Brothers Movie World is a great theme park. A lot of movies are made here including the recent Elvis movie. But outside of the movie sets there are plenty of rides and fun things to see and do.
I am surprised that SeaWorld still exists with their reputation. Movie World sounds more up my alley and I’ve never heard of it!
Sea World does a lot of wonderful things on the Gold Coast outside of the park. I don’t agree with the animal training but they all seem well cared for. Movie World is a fun place to visit. I hope you get there.