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The only guide you'll need to the best theme parks in Gold Coast

The beginners guide to theme parks in Gold Coast

Located in the state of Queensland, the sunny city of Gold Coast is known for its theme parks and other adventure activities. With options like Dreamworld, WB Movie World, Sea World and more to choose from, you might be wondering which park is best for you. Sit back and keep reading as we compare the top contenders for their kid-friendliness, accessibility, price, rides & more to help you make a pick.

Meet the players: Top 6 theme parks in Gold Coast

Steel Taipan - ride at Dreamworld
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Dreamworld

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.

Warner Bros. Movie World

Located in Oxenford, Movie World is truly a movie-lover’s paradise. Featuring 25+ Hollywood-themed rides like DC Rival and Speed Force, character parades and meet & greets, it’s the perfect fit for families and teens. Enjoy action-packed stunt shows and step into the DC Universe.

Sea World

Situated at Main Beach, Sea World is a unique 'marine park'. Home to 40+ attractions, a mix of thrill-rides, family-friendly rides, marine exhibits and interactions, this theme park is ideal for families and marine life enthusiasts of all ages.

Wet N Wild

Located next to Movie World, Wet N Wild is one of the top water parks in the Gold Coast. It has over 20+ rides for you to choose from, including adrenaline-pumping water slides to relaxing wave pools. Perfect for teens, couples, and families, it combines thrills, spills, and the luxury to unwind under the sun.

WhiteWater World

Nestled right next to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World is a tropical-themed water made for fun and relaxation. With 10+ attractions including high-thrill slides, family-friendly wave pools, and kids’ play areas, it’s a hit with families with kids looking to make a splash.

Paradise Country

Nestled in Oxenford, Paradise Country is where you can experience authentic Australian farm life. Enjoy animal encounters, live shows, and hands-on activities on your visit. With over 20+ attractions, this theme park is made for families with young children who enjoy nature and learning.

Rides you'll find at the theme parks in Gold Coast

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.

Travel tip 💡
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!
Travel tip 💡

Let's talk budget: How much will these theme parks cost you?

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' 🔥.

Travel Tip 💡
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.
Travel Tip 💡

How kid-friendly are the theme parks in Gold Coast?

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.

Beyond the rides: What do Gold Coast theme parks offer for adults and groups?

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.

Did you know... 🐾
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.
Did you know... 🐾

Where are these theme parks located & what else can you do nearby?

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.

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.

TL;DR: Your cheat sheet to the best theme parks in Gold Coast 🔥

For every category mentioned, we'll rate each theme park out of five emojis. This should give you a good idea for what to expect from each park, and hopefully make your decision easier.

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CategoriesDreamworldMovie WorldSea WorldWet N WildWhiteWater WorldParadise Country

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Open On

Open daily, except on Christmas and ANZAC Day

Open daily, except on Christmas and ANZAC Day

Open daily, except on Christmas and ANZAC Day

Open daily, except on Christmas and ANZAC Day

Opens seasonally between Oct to Jan, every year

Open daily, except on Christmas and ANZAC Day

What's unique?

Giant Drop: The tallest free-fall ride down under.

DC Rivals: Tallest, fastest, and longest hypercoaster in AUS.

New Atlantis Precinct: Home to fan-favorite rides like the Trident & Leviathan.

Kaboom!: The world's first water slide that combines Master Blaster and Tailspin rides.

Fully 6: A multi-faceted ride with open-air and closed sections full of twists & turns.

Wildlife Walkthrough: Interact with emus, koalas, wombats & other native wildlife.

Frequently asked questions about the best theme parks in Gold Coast

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.