9 Best Theme Parks in Gold Coast

Discover the fun and thrills of Dreamworld, the largest theme park in Australia. Make your heart race as you soar and swing through the sky on The Claw, or twist and turn on the Steel Taipan. If you’re visiting with kids, try some bumper-to-bumper fun on the Dreamworld Dodgems, or a sweet-themed flight on the Candy Flyer. To make the most of your day out, consider buying a Ride Express pass for priority queueing.

For a change of scenery, take a stroll through Australia’s rich natural ecosystems or hop over to Tiger Island to watch magnificent tigers playing in the sunshine. Dreamworld is easily accessible by public transport, or leave the Pacific Motorway at the Coomera exit.

At Warner Bros. Movie World, you can get your adrenaline pumping on fantastic rides based on your favourite superheroes, like the Green Lantern Coaster, the DC Rivals HyperCoaster and the Superman Escape. Grab the chance to meet DC superheroes and supervillains, as well as Looney Tunes characters, Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry and the ever-glamorous Marilyn. If you’d like some behind-the-scenes action, you could pre-book a Hollywood Stunt Driver experience that includes a backstage tour and the drive of a lifetime.

When you’re ready for a rest, you can refuel at one of the fabulous themed restaurants or shop for film-related souvenirs. You’ll find Warner Bros. Movie World off the Pacific Motorway, or take a bus from Helensvale station.

Soak up the fun with a visit to Wet’n’Wild, where you can plunge down state-of-the-art water slides, tubes and coasters, experience the thrill of heart-pounding raft rides or simply relax in the giant wave pool. Younger members of the family will enjoy playing in the splash zones and whooshing down the junior slides, while visitors of all ages can board inflatables to float along the lazy river and drift through sub-tropical gardens, the remains of a pirate castle and a Caribbean shanty town.

After all the excitement, immerse yourself in the restful whirlpool springs to cool off and unwind. Or stop at a burger bar, pizza shack or ice cream parlour for some welcome refreshments.

With a focus on conserving Australia’s Indigenous, natural and historic heritage and culture, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers exciting family adventures in bushland and rainforest settings. The sanctuary is based in Currumbin, south of Burleigh Heads, and it houses a variety of native Australian animals, as well as a wildlife hospital.

You’ll discover a non-stop programme of intriguing talks and animal encounters throughout the day. You could try your hand at feeding colourful lorikeets, pelicans and eels, discover cheeky Tasmanian Devils and meet cuddly koalas. If you’re ready for adventure, sign up for the TreeTop Challenge and zoom through the forest on a series of exhilarating zip lines.

Enter an alternative universe of mind-bending fun at Infinity, housed within the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre at Surfers Paradise. Pique your senses as you explore the varied rooms with their stimulating activities, special effects and surprises.

A visit to Infinity is an ideal indoor activity for a rainy day, or if you’d like a break from the Gold Coast sunshine. It’s also open until late if you’d prefer an after-dinner adventure. Bear in mind that some of the rooms might be scary for younger family members, and the attraction is recommended for visitors over the age of 8 and those without a fear of the dark. You can buy glow sticks on entry.

Treat yourself to a round of golf with a zany twist at Holey Moley in Surfers Paradise. Tee off for 18 holes that provide unique and quirky challenges. You’ll take on a giant game of Operation and Monopoly, a hand-painted replica of Van Gogh’s bedroom, a twisty labyrinth and a magic box of swords, among other imaginative and entertaining scenarios.

If you like, you can order your food and drink in advance to beat the queues. Or, if you’re in the mood for VIP treatment, you could buy a Golf Class upgrade, which includes a tasty cocktail and snack, a visor, an enamel pin and a photo to remind you of your Holey Moley experience.

Paradise Country is a rural haven of fresh air and peace, combining a showcase of Australian farm animals and wildlife with fascinating presentations and activities. Embark on a wildlife walkabout to interact with kangaroos in a natural setting, and admire dingoes, Tasmanian devils and marmoset monkeys. Younger members of the family will enjoy the Shaun the Sheep attractions, like a scenic tractor ride, an exciting show and a water play area.

For extra fun, book a koala, meerkat or marmoset encounter, or try your luck at gold panning or opal mining. You could also take home a professional photo of yourself with a cute koala or a slithery snake.

Make a splash at WhiteWater World, a seasonal water park that features exhilarating rides and a spectacular array of water slides for all ages. Adrenaline fiends can brave The Wedgie, The Rip and the Triple Vortex, and little ones will love Wiggle Bay and the Pipeline Plunge. If you’re looking for a more relaxing day out, you might enjoy a leisurely dip at the Cave of Waves pool, where the gentle waves are refreshing in all weathers. You’ll find plenty of shady areas and loungers for your comfort, and you could also rent a private cabana.

WhiteWater World is located with its sister attraction, Dreamworld, in the suburb of Coomera. If you’re arriving by car, follow the signs for Dreamworld.

Gather a group of friends and family, then check in at the front desk of the Hijinx Hotel to enter an escape room environment with an entertaining difference. You’ll be pitted against another team as you tackle fun puzzles and challenges in each new room you encounter. With a variety of unique spaces to explore, you can attend more than once to experience the excitement differently each time. You might want to drop into the restaurant and bar area to enjoy some refreshments before and after embarking on your brain-teasing adventure.

Find the Hijinx Hotel on Level 1 of the Galaxy Centre at Surfers Paradise. The nearest G:link light rail stop is Cypress Avenue.