Gold Coast, Australia: Best theme parks

Located in Queensland, Dreamworld is known as one of the best attractions to visit in Australia. As the largest theme park in Gold Coast with several themed lands, 40 different rides, and multiple interactive experiences, the park has everything to offer. A single-day pass to both Dreamworld and WhiteWater World is AUD 95 for adults and AUD 85 for kids (age three to 13), so you can experience both worlds.

Riding on the Pandamonium is best for groups made up of different levels of adrenaline junkies—one queue offers the ‘not so crazy’ experience and the other offering the ‘hardstyle’, perfect for families with kids of different ages.

The DreamWorks Experience is truly magical for any animation lover—from entering a fairytale storyland in Shrek’s medieval world to learning the art of Kung Fu with Pooh at the Land of Awesome, this park has something to offer for every DreamWorks lover.

Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia | (+61) 7 5588 1111

Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Wet'n'Wild offers the chance for all visitors to enjoy the thrill of an extreme waterpark. For the affordable price of AUD 74 for adults and AUD 69 for kids, the whole family can experience the largest man-made aquatic playground in the world.

Adrenaline junkies should go on the Kamikaze, which lets you experience an 11-metre drop at a 70-degree angle, but if this sounds too intense, go soak in Calypso Beach—a lazy river that is surrounded by sub-tropic style gardens.

A returning favourite of visitors is joining the Div’n’Movies—a chance to watch a movie in the Giant Wave pool while relaxing on a tube or on surrounding deck chairs. Not only can you have a refreshing drink or a yummy snack, but you can also enjoy a blockbuster film at the same time!

Wet’n’Wild, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia | (+61) 800 123 386

The Warner Bros Movie World will make your childhood dream of wanting to be in the main character in a movie come true—you are completely immersed into the worlds of all your favourite Warner Bros. characters, such as Batman and Scooby-doo.

Go check out the Scooby-doo Spooky coaster ride and the DC Rivals Hypercoaster (which speeds up to 115 kilometres!). After a day of excitement, go take a break and visit the Hollywood Stunt Show or Street Star Parade.

For a more VIP experience, opt for the Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 Experience, where you will not only have priority seating during the show but also ride in one of the high-speed cars. This ticket gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the Showtime Kustom Garage and also meet the team behind the action.

Warner Bros. Movie World, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia | (+61) 800 123 386

Seaworld on the Coast offers a different theme park experience, as the go-to-place for animal attractions, shows, and educational experiences for the family. A single day pass is AUD 79 for adults and AUD 69 for kids, granting you and the family a whole day with adorable rescued penguins at the Penguin Point and also be the first-hand witness to jetski riders dance in the sky at the Jet Stunt Extreme Show.

With the park offering multiple family adventures with different sea creatures (dolphins, seals, sharks, etc.) this is the perfect place to both learn and have fun. One of the most popular adventures is the Shark Bay Discovery where the entire family can come face to face with sharks while being in an acrylic cage. After this encounter, you will then snorkel through the reef lagoon with a variety of fish, rays, and harmless reef sharks.

Seaworld, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia | (+61) 800 123 386

Located next to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World is the perfect compliment to Dreamworld. Whether you want to relax at a cabana or check out the new Fully 6 slide, WhiteWater has something to offer for every visitor.

Fully 6 stands at six different heights and levels of extremity, and is perfect for those wanting to experience the ultimate variety of thrills. With the slides offering anything from open-aired, enclosed with lights, and steep plunges, this is the ultimate slide to check out when here.

The BRO is the perfect place to test your slide power and see which one of you will win the race. Jump onto the mat and prepare to go down a 120-metre maze of twists and turns while going 50 kilometres per hour.

WhiteWater World, 1 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia | (+61) 7 5588 1111

Although rather different from other “amusement parks”, Paradise Country offers the classic farm experience without having to leave the Coast. The little ones will love being face to face with sheep, cows, horses, and other farm animals. They can even cuddle with cute koalas during breakfast.

Titled “Koala Breakfast”, this is the perfect distraction for the kids, so the parents can enjoy breakfast at the Farmhouse Restaurant. You get to watch the koalas enjoy their breakfast, and also learn more about the native Australian animals you see all around you.

If one day isn’t enough, you can stay the night in either a tent, caravan, or eco tents. You can chill by the campfire and watch as the sun sets. This package experience starts at AUD 125 for a one-night stay, with a new promotion where you also receive free entry to Wet’n’Wild when purchasing the package.

Paradise Country, Production Drive, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia