Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Theme Parks

By Emily Kennedy

Long renowned for being the country’s largest sandboxes, Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer the biggest and best range of theme parks with more things to do than hours to do them in. And when you’re exhausted from all the action, just go back to relaxing on the never-ending beaches lapped by clear warm ocean waters.

Stay dry exploring under the sea - Sea World
Explore marine life wonders, rides, shows, and learn about the marine environment and Australian marine research and rescue. Come and see Australia's only Polar bears in their home at Sea World's Polar Bear Shores and the amazing dolphin show at Dolphin Cove. Visit the awesome predators at Shark Bay – the world's largest man-made lagoon system for sharks. Check out the frozen world of the new Penguin Encounter where you’ll see the King Penguin and the Gentoo Penguin waddle and swim as you watch from elevated or underwater viewing zones. Check out Castaway Bay adventure playground and kids of all ages will enjoy the Sky Fortress and the 80 water cannons featured at the Battle Boat rides.

Hudson the polar bar goes for a swim at Sea World.

Ride an endless wave - Wet’n’Wild Water World
It’s never too hot or too cold for a splash-tacular day out at Wet’n’Wild Water World, Australia’s premier water park. There are slides, pools and attractions to suit every member of the family, including four new looping transparent slides. Try the AquaLoop, boasting massive vertical drops and FlowRider, where you can ride an endless wave on specially designed surfboards and body boards.

Keep the family cool in the heat and sun at Wet'n'Wild Water World.

Go behind the scenes - Warner Bros Movie World
Meet your favourite TV and movie characters, and go behind the scenes to see the action, stunts and comedy at this family adventure park. Try the Superman Escape rollercoaster — travelling from 0 to100 km/hr in just 2 seconds and with 760m of vertical climbs, weightless drops, head-spinning twists and giant G force turn — this is Superman’s kind of ride! From the heart-stopping Lethal Weapon ride, to the colourful but gentle rides at Looney Tunes Village and the hilarious antics of the Police Academy Stunt Show, the Warner Bros Movie World is where television and movies come to life every day!

The Superman Escape rollercoaster flies from 0 -100 km/hr in 2 seconds!

Eat dinner in the Outback - Australian Outback Spectacular (dinner show)
Experience the Outback without travelling to the centre of Australia! At the Australian Outback Spectacular, presented by R.M. Williams, the action unfolds as guests are served a three-course Aussie barbecue dinner with drinks, and as a special memento of the evening you get a free stockman’s hat! Open Tuesday to Sunday. Book online at or phone 13 33 86 or +61 7 5519 6200 outside Australia.

See daring trick riders and their horses at the Australian Outback Spectacular.

Get up-close with Aussie animals  -  Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
This famous wildlife park is where you'll find the largest collection of Australian native animals in the world! Flocks of cheeky (and hungry) wild lorikeets visit twice daily and the sanctuary’s vast lush grounds provide endless opportunities for close encounters with cute (and not-so-cute) animals. Stroll amongst the kangaroos, get photographed cuddling a koala and say “hi” to the wombats, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and freshwater crocodiles. Walk through the “Creatures of the Dark Forest,” where you’ll find native birds, reptiles, mammals and insects. Take time out with a trip on the miniature train or an Aboriginal Dreamtime performance where traditional ancient stories and myths are told through tribal song and dance. For something different, explore the sanctuary with a Segway Experience Tour.

Get up close to furry (and scaly) Aussie animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The theme park you’ve been dreaming about - Dreamworld
For the most spine-tingling, knee-knocking, heart-pumping scream machines in the country visit Dreamworld. Home to Tiger Island, Nick Central, The Australian Wildlife Experience, Wiggles World, Big Brother and some of the most amazing thrill rides in the world, Dreamworld is the ultimate place for family fun. Get wet on the Thunder River Rapids, splash down on the Log Ride or get spooked on the Eureka Mine Ride. Test your staying power on the Vortex, Stingray or Reef Diver or just relax and enjoy the scenery on the Captain Stuart Paddle Wheeler or the Dreamworld Railway. One day isn’t enough time to see all the shows, attractions, wildlife and fun things to do at this theme park.

Psst… - How to get the best value For the best value on the Gold Coast buy a 3 Park Super Pass. Visit Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World and receive 14 days unlimited entry! Book online and book you stay on the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast with Jasons.