Located in West Coomera, Dreamworld is one the largest theme parks in Australia. Home to 20+ attractions, including thrill rides like Steel Taipan and immersive zones such as ABC Kids World. Perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and animal lovers, it also features wildlife encounters at Tiger Island.
Our recommendation: If you prefer fast-paced adventure rides, Movie World and Dreamworld are the best theme parks to visit. With a good balance of high-thrill and moderate rides to suit a wide range of interests, Sea World and Wet N Wild are top picks for folks who want the best of both worlds. Now if you're visiting a theme park purely for relaxation and keeping your kids happy, WhiteWater World and Paradise Country are our top picks.
WB Movie World, Wet N Wild, and Paradise Country are all located right next to each other. Explore 3 different parks over the course of 3 to 7 days using a multi-park pass, and save up to 50% on admission tickets while you're at it!
Most theme parks in Gold Coast will cost between AU$50-130 per ticket. We'll break down the prices and share tips to help you save. Keep an eye out for our picks for 'best value on a budget' 🤑 and 'worth the price' 🔥.
WhiteWater World is located inside the Dreamworld complex. Maximize your fun by getting combo tickets that give you access to both theme parks and up to 10% off on tickets.
Going to a theme park with your kids is not an easy task. Take a look at all the child-friendly rides and facilities available at each theme park which could help you make a choice.
Our recommendation: If you want the best selection of rides for younger children between the ages of 2 to 12, Wet N Wild and Paradise Country would be our top picks. Families with older children above the ages of 13 who love action and high speed rides will love Dreamworld and Movie World. WhiteWater World and Sea World offer a good mix of high-thrill, moderate, and mild intensity rides which are great for kids of all ages.
Our recommendation: If you love the beach and water activities, WhiteWater World, Sea World and Wet N Wild are great options to choose from, offering plenty of coves, wave pools, rides, and loungers you can relax on. If adrenaline-fuelled adventures are your thing, Warner Bros. Movie World has an exclusive stunt car driver experience and other thrilling rides to check out. Now, if you love a laidback vibe but still want something unique, Paradise Country and Dreamworld offer animal experiences that are both exciting and therapeutic for the soul.
While they are primarily know for being a top theme park in Gold Coast, Dreamworld is also a wildlife sanctuary! Tiger Island at the park is home to 9 Bengal and Sumatran tigers. You'll also get to see koalas, crocodiles, and kangaroos here.
Park location and size are important factors to consider for families with kids, and guests with limited mobility. Take a look at the location, commute options, and size of each theme park, along with things to do nearby.
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The takeaway: Aside from Paradise Country, all the theme parks are conveniently located near public bus stops, which make public transport a convenient option for travel. You'll end up saving a lot on commutes, especially if you're coming from out of state.
Note: All the above theme parks have designated handicap parking spots and wheelchair-friendly pathways for guests with special needs.
There are many theme parks to choose from and answers will vary depending on what you prioritize. Dreamland and Movie World have the best thrill rides, but if you're looking for budget-friendly options, WhiteWater World and Paradise Country are top choices.
Prices for theme parks may vary from time to time, but the most popular budget-friendly options are Paradise Country and WhiteWater World.
Warner Bros. Movie World is the largest park by area, spanning over 380 acres. They have 25+ rides and live shows spread across various zones.
Movie World and Sea World tickets are generally on the pricier side — starting at AU$129 — owing to the sheer size, number of rides, and facilities they offer. Dreamworld tickets are another high-end option, with prices starting at AU$124.
Dreamworld and Movie World are popular among guests for their variety and thrill rides. Top rides in Dreamworld are the Giant Drop, Steel Taipan and Flyer. Top picks from Movie World are Speed Force and DC Rivals.
If your kids prefer adventure rides and activities, going to Movie World is a good option. If they like animals and interactive experiences, Paradise Country is a great theme park to visit.
Teens will enjoy the variety of rides and activities at theme parks like Dreamworld and Movie World. Sea World is another great theme park in Gold Coast that combine animal encounters and thrilling rides.
Peak season for theme parks are during the Summer months, between December and February. Off season will mean lesser crowds but higher chances of rides being closed for maintenance. The best time to visit would be on weekday mornings during shoulder season, between March to May and September to November.
Most theme parks in Gold Coast allow appropriate casual clothes. In case the park has water rides, you will need to wear swimsuits during your visit.