[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1551238711138{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Besides the fact that the Gold Coast has some of the most impressive rainforests, beaches, islands, and wildlife in the world, it’s also home to Australia’s best theme parks too!
With so much choice, making the decision about which one is best for you will depend on the age and interests of your family. Here’s our run down to help you decide!
Sea World – https://seaworld.com.au/
Sea World, located in the Southport area on The Spit, is a great place for families to interact with marine life with various interactive experiences geared towards multiple ages.
The shallow water experience is ideal for younger kids, while teenagers who are confident in the water might prefer the excitement of deep diving with the dolphins. People who prefer not to get wet can interact from the edge of the pool.
The Ray Reef experience provides a chance to touch the majestic rays and learn more about their role in the ecosystem. Seal and penguin shows appeal to all ages while the Turtle Rescue Ranger experience is focussed on younger children.
Sea World experiences not only entertain, but also provide insight into the lives of the animals that call the ocean and its shores, home.
If you prefer being in the water there is a Tropical Reef Lagoon where you can don a wetsuit, mask and fins (all provided by Sea World) and snorkel over the reef – in winter the water is heated to 22-24 degrees for comfort – a wonderful way to interact with children as they learn what lies beneath the waves.
The mild climate of the Gold Coast means Sea World is open seven days a week, 363 ½ days a year. The theme park closes only on Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning.
Once you’ve taken in the shows, get the adrenaline pumping on a range of amusement rides, suitable for all ages. Click here to read more about Sea World.
Wet ‘n’ Wild – https://wetnwild.com.au/
Australia’s number one water park is ideal for families and has attractions that range all the way from mild to maximum thrill.
For toddlers, there are calm splash and water play areas that won’t overwhelm them, as well as slides suited to their height. Slightly older kids will enjoy experiences that include the River Rapids (a moderate slide experience) and Mammoth Falls which they can go on with an adult.
Relax and unwind at Whirlpool Spring, kids who have a good balance will want to try the Flowrider, and the whole family will enjoy the giant wave pool, plus lots more.
Constrictor, Surfrider, Kamikaze, Aqua Loop and Black Hole, Tornado and Super 8 Aqua Racer are suited to teens and adults who love to get the heart racing! As with all water parks, there are various height restrictions for safety measures that must be adhered to at all times.
As the energy levels deplete, refuel for the afternoon’s adventures at Bombora Burger Bar, Village Bean Coffee House, Pizza Shack, the Frozen Coke Stand, or Tropical Treats self-serve station.
Wet ‘n’ Wild is located off the Pacific Highway in Oxenford, just 15 minutes from Surfer’s Paradise. Like Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild is open every day except Christmas Day and Anzac Day but opening times vary according to the season.
Warner Bros. Movie World – https://movieworld.com.au/
This movie studio theme park is also located in Oxenford and is rated as Australia’s number one theme park making it a must to visit!
The Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Next Generation has new special effects, lasers, and projections for a thrilling adventure. There are both family rides and white-knuckle rides to choose from which you can follow up with after the show.
The Street Star Show involves kids’ favourite characters such as Bugs Bunny who interacts with the youngsters during the Main Street Parade. The little ones can also bust out their best dance moves during the Looney Tunes Dance Party, an interactive dance experience with the likes of Sylvester and Tweety on Main Street.
Aquaman – the Exhibition enables visitors to go behind the scenes of the recent blockbuster movie to explore weapons like Atlanna’s Trident, and Manta’s harpoon, as well as the costumes and props from the studio set that was filmed on the Gold Coast. This exclusive to Movie World is for a limited time only.
With so much to see and do, one day at Warner Bros. Movie World might not be enough! The Village Roadshow Pass will give access to all three of the above parks for a year of unlimited visits. You can buy yours here https://thescubacoach.experienceoz.com.au/en/gold-coast/all-vrtp-theme-park-tickets
Paradise Country – https://paradisecountry.com.au/
Take young kids for a day at Paradise Country to interact with farm animals in the play paddock and experience native Aussie koalas and kangaroos up-close-and-personal. Set around a typical Australian homestead, the family can also watch sheep shearers in action for a true-blue Aussie experience.
Eat traditional damper and drink billy tea in The Stock Horse Arena as you watch a show featuring stock horses and their riders demonstrating what it takes to be a top team.
Stockmen and their dogs demonstrate the skills needed to round-up sheep, and visitors get a chance to learn to throw a boomerang, crack a stock whip, and milk a cow. The park is also in Oxenford.
Dreamworld – https://www.dreamworld.com.au/
The largest of Australia’s theme parks has over 40 rides that include five different roller coaster rides.
Conveniently situated off the Pacific Motorway at Coomera, Dreamworld integrates a thrill-seeking adventure park with a wildlife conversation park that’s home to over 500 animals.
Not forgetting the cultural experience! Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage is celebrated as fire making, face painting, weapon making, stories, music and dance are shared with visitors.
The park is open seven days a week, but times may alter due to weather conditions.
If you still can’t decide which Gold Coast theme park is best for you, why not purchase a Village Roadshow Pass and experience the best of all worlds? Purchase yours here https://thescubacoach.experienceoz.com.au/en/gold-coast/all-vrtp-theme-park-tickets[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_button size=”large” url=”https://seathegoldcoast.com.au/whale-watching-adventure-boat-tours-gold-coast-australia/”]BROWSE OUR SEA EXPERIENCE TOURS[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]
