Experience the best of Sea World Gold Coast

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Top things to do in Gold Coast

Sea World Gold Coast | Explore the diversity of Australia’s sea life

Being part of the Gold Coast landscape since the late 1950s and paying homage to Australia’s sea life, Sea World is one of Australia’s oldest and most famous parks. It is a marine wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park and home to dolphins, seals, polar bears, King penguins, Gentoo penguins and even dugongs! Additionally, this theme park-cum-oceanarium is a pioneer in conservation efforts, with a 24/7 animal rescue team on call, and regular educational sessions about the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned sea creatures.

Why visit Sea World Gold Coast?

Guests looking at a Dolphin at Sea World Gold Coast
  • Meet endangered species: Meet and get a chance to feed species you’ve never heard of, like the sea jellies named Blue Blubbers, Crystal Jellies, and Moon Jellies. Sea World Gold Coast is also home to polar bears, little penguins, dolphins, sharks, dugongs, and tropical fish!
  • Watch live performances: Watch synchronised dolphins wiggle about and make the water dance, how the staff care for stranded and rescued seals, and educational talks on Little Penguins at Sea World Gold Coast.  
  • Learn about sea life conservation: Sea World Gold Coast has multiple educational talks throughout the day – you’ll be able to learn everything from polar bears’ favourite foods to caring for species like dolphins and little penguins!
  • Exciting thrill rides: Get flung up and swirled around on the Vortex up to heights of 15 metres, go upside down, sideways, and drop from a whopping 32 metres high on the thrilling Leviathan, and twirl freely 42 metres above ground level on the Trident. These rides will leave you gasping for breath once you’re done!

Your Sea World Gold Coast ticket options explained

Single day entry ticket 

  • Get entry into one of Australia’s most famed theme parks, Sea World Gold Coast with these tickets. With these tickets, you can enter Sea World at any time during the opening hours, but note that your tickets are only valid for one day. They cannot be rescheduled or cancelled.
  • Find access to all rides and attractions, animal encounters and exhibit areas with these tickets, for a full day.
  • Recommended experience
    Sea World Single Day Pass

Multi-day theme park pass

  • Get access to all rides, attractions and exhibits in 3 of Gold Coast's most famous parks, Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, Sea World Gold Coast, and the Warner Bros Movie World theme park with your tickets!
  • This is the perfect ticket for you if you're spending multiple days in Gold Coast, and visiting with a kids or a large group – especially thanks to the large discount!
  • For a fraction of the cost, choose between a Three-day pass (3-day unlimited entry), a Super-pass (7-day unlimited entry), or a Mega pass (14-day unlimited entry) to get access to these parks. Note that these passes are valid for 3, 7 or 14 consecutive days, depending on the type of pass you choose.
  • Recommended experience
    Multi-Day Theme Park Pass: Movie World, Sea World & Wet 'n' Wild

Discounted tickets

Children aged 2 years and below go free, and ages 3-13 years enjoy reduced ticket pricing. Make sure to take along a valid ID when entering.

Animal encounters at Sea World Gold Coast

Penguin Encounter at Sea World Gold Coast
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King, Gentoo and Little penguins

At Sea World, there are two exhibits you’ll find penguins in: the Penguin Encounter zone which is indoors, and the outdoor exhibit named Penguin Point. The King and Gentoo penguins have made their home in the Penguin Encounter zone, and the Little penguins can be found waddling in the Penguin Point area.

Tip: Catch an educational talk on feeding and caring for Little penguins that happens at the Penguin Point, daily at 10:45am and 3pm.

Sea jellies

Learn all you can about Moon jellies, Blue blubbers, and Crystal jellies at the Sea Jellies exhibit! Visit the zone’s research laboratory, which is partnered with Griffith University, and is one of the world’s leading facilities on sea jelly research, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities!

Tip: Make sure to attend the daily talk on the nature and habitat of these wondrous creatures at the Sea Jellies zone!

Polar bears

Meet the twin brothers Hudson and Nelson, and their newest friend Mishka at the Polar Bear Shores exhibit! The shore is designed to feel like a summer home to the bears, whose homes’ average temperatures lie at around 10°C during summer. As the bears are free to walk in and out of sight inside the exhibit, don’t feel too sad if you don’t spot them! They might just be taking a well-deserved nap.

Tip: Learn all about these endangered bears, their natural habitat, diet and personalities, daily at 12:30pm in the Polar Bear Shores exhibit.

Dolphins

Catch some beautiful bottlenose dolphins splash and play around at the Sandy Shores Lagoon exhibit! These dolphins can swim up to 30 km/hr, making them some of the fastest mammals in the ocean! All the dolphins in this exhibit are rescued, saved from a life-or-death type situation, and rehabilitated at Sea World.

Tip: There’s a live dolphin show held daily at 11:30am and 3:30pm, where you’ll get to see the cutest dolphins dance, jump, and showcase their bond with their trainers!

Seals

Meet some of the cutest seals at the Seal Harbour, like the Long-nosed fur seals, Californian sea lions, and Australian sea lions! All the seals in this exhibit are rescued and rehabilitated at Sea World by their animal rescue and care team. The seals are left to play and splash around freely in an area that is mostly water, with a raised dry platform to come and say hi to you!

Tip: Catch the extra-informative educational talk about the rescued seals and how to help Sea World Gold Coast with conservatory efforts. The talk is held daily at 10:15am and 2:30pm.

Seabirds

At the Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary, seabirds like the Eastern Osprey, Australian Pelicans, Cormorants, and Silver Gulls are nursed back to health after being hit or injured by fishing rods, plastics, and other garbage in the ocean. The birds inside this free-flight aviary are cared for by the park’s trained vets and the animal care team – but they might never return to their wild habitats due to their injuries.

Sharks

Look through four 10-by-3-metre viewing windows at the world’s biggest man-made lagoon for sharks! The Shark Bay at Sea World Gold Coast is home to tropical fish, turtles, and sharks, so keep your eyes peeled to spot some rare species, like the Humphead Maori wrasse, the Clown triggerfish, and Loggerhead turtles!

Tip: At the Shark Bay, an educational talk about the habitats of fish inside the exhibit, and the conservation efforts to preserve rare species is held daily.

Rays

Meet the gorgeous rays in an open touch pool at the Ray Reef exhibit – designed to represent their natural habitats! You can get a chance to touch these friendly creatures at the pool, and even get to hold one up! Learn all about the different kinds of rays, fun facts about them, and their roles in the ocean’s ecosystem at the different informational boards placed around the exhibit.

Tip: Get a chance to feed these creatures, daily at 10:45am and 3pm at the exhibit! You can purchase the food specified for the rays at the exhibit itself.

Top Sea World Gold Coast rides

Leviathan

Height restrictions: 122-200 cm

Ideal for: Family

Face the world's first wooden coaster built with dual launch systems, plunging you through exhilarating drops and turns in The New Atlantis precinct.

Vortex

Height restrictions: 140-195 cm

Ideal for: Teens and above ages

Experience weightlessness and heart-pounding swings as you blast to 15 metres on a high-speed swinging attraction taking you through the water currents at Sea World Gold Coast.

Trident

Height restrictions: min. height 105 cm

Ideal for: Family

Soar through the sky and conquer your fear of heights on Sea World's tallest ride! This swing carousel will have you spinning at 42m above the ground – with glorious views of the Gold Coast skyline.

Storm coaster

Height restrictions: 111-200 cm

Ideal for: Teens and above ages

This wooden coaster isn't for the faint of heart, with its steep drops, sharp turns, and high speeds taking you on a wild ride. Face a crazy 20 metre wave on dry land, leaving you drenched to figure out your way through a fire, and many other obstacles!

Dora's Fiesta Carousel

Height restrictions: min. height <105 cm

Ideal for: Kids, family

Join Dora and Boots on a colourful adventure on this carousel featuring their rainforest friends. Featuring 30 different horses and 2 seats on each, this carousel is perfect for the entire family!

Boots' Banana Boogie

Height restrictions: 110 - 120 cm with an adult

Ideal for: Kids, family

Get ready to wiggle and giggle as you spin and bounce along to catchy tunes on Boots' fun mini jet, banana-themed ride.

Donatello's Ninja Flyers

Height restrictions: <120 cm with an adult

Ideal for: Kids, family

Soar in the air to protect the city of New York with the Ninja Turtles, once again, as their creator Donatello puts you on a magic pedal bike ride! Pedal away as you watch the Ninja Turtles’ ninja-tastic moves and save the day!

Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express

Height restrictions: 90 - 105 cm

Ideal for: Kids, family

Embark on a wacky train journey through the underwater world of Bikini Bottom, encountering all your favourite SpongeBob characters along the way.

Live shows at Sea World Gold Coast

'Thunder lake' live show at Sea World, Gold Coast

Thunder lake stunt show (Timing:1:15pm, 4:15pm)

Nickelodeon character Meet and Greet
Turtle Power live show at Sea World, Gold Coast

Plan your visit to Sea World Gold Coast

Timings - Sea World Gold Coast
  • Open from: Sea World Gold Coast is open from 10am to 5pm daily. 
  • Closed on: Sea World is closed on Christmas Day (25th December) and ANZAC Day (25th April).

Best time to visit: While Gold Coast weather is considerably pleasant year-round, we’d recommend visiting Sea World Gold Coast during the Non-peak, or summer season months (December-May), for lesser crowds and a more pleasant experience. Peak season tends to be autumn and winter (June-September) in Australia.

We’d recommend spending the whole day at Sea World Gold Coast. Indulge in the rides, educational talks, live performances and get to meet and feed dolphins, seals, penguins and many more sea animals. If you’re short on time, though, we’d recommend attending at least 1-2 shows, experiencing the top rides, and meeting some polar bears before you leave.

  • Address: Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4217, Australia
  • Find on map
  • Taking the bus is the most affordable option to get to Sea World Gold Coast. The route 705 bus runs directly from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Sea World, and the journey takes about 17 minutes. Buses depart every 20 minutes, and the fare is between $3 and $5. The closest bus stop is Sea World Main Beach. 
  • If you’re driving, there is ample parking space available at Sea World Gold Coast, at a small charge. 
A family dining at Sea World, Gold Coast
  • Top Terrace Cafe: Small cafe offering coffees, salads, sandwiches and other snacks for a small break during the day.
  • Top Terrace Ice Creamery: Mom-n-Pop style ice cream parlour, featuring classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla and choc-vanilla for an icy delight.
  • Village Bean: Artisan-style coffee shop, featuring locally brewed coffee and pastries.
  • Prime Burgers: Dig into delicious buns, patties and fries at Prime Burgers for a filling and hearty meal during your visit. 
  • Pizza Shack: Pizzeria offering freshly made classic pizzas, with local versions like a Seafood pizza.
  • Castaway Dogtown: Gulp down beers, wines, and other beverages, and sink your teeth into some delicious hot dogs at the park’s signature Hot Doggeria!
  • Dockside Bistro & Rooftop Bar: Relax and grab a drink, some fish and chips, or the restaurant’s special by the docks, looking over the park.
Kids looking at souvenirs at Sea World, Gold Coast
  • Trade Winds: Grab t-shirts, hats, caps, sunglasses, and other souvenir apparel at Trade Winds, and wear the pride of Sea World Gold Coast.
  • Ocean Zone: Get sharks, polar bears, sea jellies, penguins and many other animal plushies at the Ocean zone. Grab your favourite merchandise of the animals inside the park and take them home with you!
  • Billabong: Shop swimming and surfing apparel like surf shorts and swimsuits, and accessories like swim caps and surfboards at this store! 
  • Nickelodeon Store: Buy your favourite Nickelodeon characters’ merchandise at this store! Find Dora the Explorer plush toys, Spongebob keychains and loads more here!  
  • Sea World resort store: Grab some Sea World memorabilia and resort apparel at the Sea World resort store! 
  • The Jelly Box: Shop for jellyfish souvenirs at the Jelly shop, and find sea jelly hats, plushies, water bottles and more!
  • Sea World Exit Shop: As you exit the park, add some finishing touches to your collection of souvenirs with the exit shop’s mugs, t-shirts, shorts and other keepsakes!
Accessibility/facilities - Sea World Gold Coast
  • Guest services: The guest services booth is your go-to for wheelchair hire, attraction accessibility, guest relations, and height checks. There are two booths: one at the Main entrance at Top Terrace, and the other at Ray Reef.   
  • First aid: The first aid department can store or hold on to any personal medical devices, like a ventilator, or store any medicine that needs to be refrigerated. The department also owns an AED (Automatic Defibrillator), kept on site.
  • Wheelchair/stroller hire: Wheelchair hires are complimentary, and strollers can be hired at a non-refundable cost of $20. We’d recommend carrying a valid ID. 
  • Washrooms: Ample wheelchair-accessible toilets are available throughout the park. If you’re unsure of where these toilets are, we’d suggest contacting Guest Services, and they will happily guide you there. 
  • Service animals: Service animals are allowed inside the park, but are not permitted in any attractions, like the rides or animal exhibits. They need to be wearing service vests and a leash for easy identification and control. 
  • Guests with disabilities, injuries, or mental conditions: Guests with casts and strapped limbs, an amputation or prosthesis may not be allowed to get on certain rides, due to park rules. We’d suggest contacting Guest Services in advance to plan your day out better. Guests with epilepsy or motion sickness would be advised to contact Guest Services before getting on any ride, as they will plan your day out in the best possible way.
A guest at Sea World, Gold Coast
  • Valid ID: Bring a form of ID with you. Staff may ask to see and verify your ID, and you may be denied entry without one.
  • Flash photography: Flash photography is not allowed. Cameras may be confiscated if found violating these rules.
  • Alcohol or drug consumption: You can be restricted to enter or evicted if the park authorities find you intoxicated or high. 
  • Smoking: Smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes are permitted only in designated areas in the park. 
  • Inspection of belongings: Staff may demand to check guests’ bags on entry to the park, so make sure you comply with their requests on entry. 
  • Food: Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages stored in plastic or tin containers are permitted inside the park. No alcohol, glassware or commercially prepared food is allowed inside.
Visitor tips- Sea World Gold Coast
  • If you’re travelling with children, make sure to get in earlier, as parks in the Gold Coast area close at 5pm. If your kids are prone to middle-of-the-day naps, we’d recommend coming as soon as the park opens to fully enjoy it. 
  • For differently-abled visitors, Guest Services is your best friend. They’ll help plan your day at the park, inform you of any things to know before you get on a ride, and help with any other needs whenever required! 
  • Sea World Gold Coast is a huge park, spread across a rides zone, an exhibits area and the live performances held across different areas of the park. We’d suggest wearing the most comfortable clothes you own, as you’ll be spending a good chunk of your day walking in them.

Things to do around Sea World Gold Coast

Aerial view of Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise beach
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Surfers Paradise beach

Surf to your heart’s content on this beautiful, golden sand studded beach. The pride of Gold Coast, and one of the most famous Australian beaches, this beach is on the bucket lists of many surfers as a top destination, and we understand why! The wave lengths here hit an average height of 4.5-6.5 feet, and sometimes even reach over 10 feet! Make sure to pay a visit to this iconic beach located on the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast theme parks

The city is home to six well-known and loved theme parks, including Sea World. All located close enough, you could spend a whole week just exploring the theme parks in the Gold Coast.

Read more

Tallebudgera Creek

Swin, picnic, fish or do some extreme water sports at one of Gold Coast’s most beautiful beaches, the Tallebudgera creek! This creek, known for its sparkling waters and white sand, is a hotspot for family pictures and low-risk swimming. The park is also surrounded by Palm Beach on one side, and the lush green Burleigh Heads park on the other.

Currumbin Alley

Located just south of Palm Beach, Currumbin Alley is one of the best surfing spots in the country! Brush up your surfing knowledge, practise your skills or learn how to surf for the first time here, as the waters are just perfect for surfing. The radiant blue waters have some great take-off zones, marked by experienced surfers, as well as easier boarding points marked especially for newbies.

North Burleigh beach

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of your trip, we’d recommend the North Burleigh beach. While this beach isn’t famous for surfing or swimming due to its dynamic tide, you can catch amazing views of the Main beach and Coolangatta from the platform at the summit of Mick Shamburg Park, just north of the beach. We’d definitely recommend having a barbeque cook-out in the quiet and beauty of this beach, and spending some quality resting time with your family here.

Burleigh Head national park

Lace up your hiking boots and hike the iconic Burleigh Head trail for breathtaking views of the coastline. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear rock pools or take a surf lesson at the world-famous North Burleigh beach. Burleigh Head National Park offers a taste of adventure and relaxation in one stunning location.

Gold Coast markets

Immerse in the vibrant energy of the Gold Coast at its bustling markets. Score unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewellery, and locally-made art, all while indulging in delicious international street food. It's a feast for the senses and a perfect way to experience the Gold Coast's creative spirit.

Currumbin wildlife sanctuary

Get up close and personal with Australia's fascinating wildlife at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Catch a cascade feeding show with pelicans, cuddle a koala, or watch a dingo presentation. Currumbin is a haven for animal lovers and a great way to learn about Australia's unique fauna.

Frequently asked questions about Sea World Gold Coast tickets

You can choose between a single-day entry ticket to Sea World, or a multi-day theme park pass, which gives you access to Warner Bros Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Sea World Gold Coast. The multi-day ticket options lets you choose a 3-day, 7-day or a 14-day pass, at a large discount, and with access to all these parks, while the single day ticket is just for one day of exploration at Sea World Gold Coast.