Quiz: Which Gold Coast theme park is for you?

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Marilyn Munroe impersonator blows kiss to the crowd from a vintage car during the Streets Star Parade at Warner Bros. Movie World

By Sarah Bristow

Thrills aplenty await you on the Gold Coast, the capital of Australia’s theme and amusement parks. It’s cusping Surfers Paradise where you’ll find this concentration of playgrounds for young and old, with a gathering of some of the biggest and best theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere.

There are seven parks to explore, including Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country and Australian Outback Spectacular, so it can quite the conundrum deciding which of these Gold Coast theme parks to visit first.

Not sure which theme park to visit on the Gold Coast this trip? The following quiz will do the hard work for you, revealing which destination suits you best.

Question 1 - What sounds more up your alley?

A. Travelling at speeds up to 150 kilometres, potentially upside down.

B. Exploring uniquely themed precincts with family fun around each turn.

C. Testing your surfing skills on a man-made wave.

D. Feeding fairy penguins.

E. Watching master sheep shearers in action.

F. A three-course meal with all the trimmings.

Question 2 - What grabs your attention at theme parks?

A. Thrill-seeking rides. I can’t get enough.

B. Variety.

C. Fun for the whole family.

D. Plenty of animal attractions.

E. Interactive elements.

F. Eye-catching performances.

Question 3 - How do you feel about plummeting 39 storeys in 5 seconds on The Giant Drop?

A. Ecstatic.

B. Excited.

C. Curious.

D. Indifferent.

E. Disinterested. Call me when there are animals involved.

F. I refuse. Rides are not for me.

Question 4 - What does your dream holiday resemble?

A. Something challenging. I’m always on the hunt for adventure.

B. Diversity. Natural landmarks and cultural offerings to boot.

C. A beachside getaway.

D. The Great Barrier Reef.

E. A rural escape.

F. The wide open spaces of Queensland’s Outback.

Question 5 - Which of the following would you most like to see?

A. A gathering of my favourite superheroes.

B. A family of tigers at play.

C. A movie from the comfort of my own inflatable ring.

D. Dolphins performing awe-inspiring tricks.

E. Native Australian wildlife.

F. A true blue muster.

Now drum roll please….

Mostly As: Warner Bros. Movie World

Father and daughter ride Flight of the Wicked Witch suspended coaster at Warner Bros Movie World — Warner Bros Movie World, Gold Coast

If a surge of adrenaline piques your interest, head for Gold Coast institution Warner Bros. Movie World. The beauty of Movie World is there's something for young kids, big kids, and kids at heart, so whether you're seeking the most gravity-defying rides, stunt shows, or the chance to meet some of your favourite stars and superheroes, you'll find it here.

Spend the day aboard the tallest, longest, and fastest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere, or watching the FMX riders in action in the Hollywood Stunt Driver Show. Kids will be just as entertained, riding the Road Runner rollercoaster, getting splashed on the Wild West Adventure, and greeting Batman and the Batmobile at the Streets Star Parade. And with a world-first, The Wizard of Oz precinct opening soon - featuring two new family-friendly coasters and incredible scenes from the film brought to life - there'll be even more to experience on your visit.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Mostly Bs: Dreamworld and WhiteWater World

Mother and son on Gingys Glider rollercoaster at Dreamworld — Dreamworld, Gold Coast

Variety is the spice of life and DreamWorld and its adjoining WhiteWater World evidently agree. The nation’s biggest theme park has no shortage of thrills. Climb aboard the much-famed The Giant Drop, The Claw for dizzying spins, and brace yourself for the late-2024 opening of the new Jungle Rush family coaster, set to be the highlight of the immersive jungle-themed Rivertown experience.

It’s not just rides you’ll find at Dreamworld, but a cultural concoction of native fauna to be cuddled, incredible wildlife experiences at Tiger Island, water slides to be ridden, and Indigenous culture to be explored at the Dreamworld Corroboree.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Mostly Cs: Wet’n’Wild

Family on a water slide at Wet 'n' Wild Gold Coast — Wet 'n' Wild, Gold Coast

Grab your swimwear and sunscreen; you’re headed for Wet’n’Wild. This aquatic playground promises plenty of waterborne adventure amongst its impressive array of pools and slides, including the tallest water park slide tower in Australia.

Tackle thrill slides like Tornado and Aqua Racers or relax at the Giant Wave Pool. Younger members of your brood have their own designated district at Wet’n’Wild Junior, a family-friendly zone with mini water slides and an interactive playground complete with giant tipping bucket.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Mostly Ds: Sea World

Mother and two daughters watch marine life swim through aquarium at the Shark Bay Lagoon Exhibit at Sea World — Sea World, Gold Coast

Marine lovers will be hard-pressed to find somewhere that better celebrates the ocean and its creatures than Sea World. Here you’ll find a bounty of animal exhibitions to explore, from seals to polar bears, penguins and more.

Fancy a show? There are plenty to choose from, ranging from the much-loved Affinity Dolphin to the high-powered Thunder Lake Stunt Show. Want some thrills? Reach speeds of 80km/hr on wooden rollercoaster Leviathan, feel your stomach drop on the Storm Coaster, or take in the views of the park and surrounding Gold Coast Broadwater from 42-metres above on Trident.

Meet your favourite characters in Nickelodeon Land, explore Castaway Bay's adventure playground, or book some extra special experiences from tropical reef snorkelling adventures to penguin encounters.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Mostly Es: Paradise Country

Family feeding the baby animals at Paradise Country — Paradise Country, Gold Coast

Enjoy a taste of life on a farm at Paradise Country. You and your family will be welcomed to an authentic Australian farm, conveniently nestled between Warner Bros. Movie World and Australian Outback Spectacular. Spend the day admiring the talents of the resident stockmen and their dogs while they muster the resident sheep population before indulging in a pot of delicious billy tea, and a lesson in baking your own damper. You can even spend the night at the accompanying luxury farmstay.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Mostly Fs: Australian Outback Spectacular

Horse and riders perform at Australian Outback Spectacular Gold Coast — Australian Outback Spectacular, Gold Coast

Get better acquainted with Australia’s heartland with a night spent with the Outback Spectacular. Tuck into an Aussie-inspired three-course meal while you enjoy the beloved show which melds a dramatic storyline, mesmerising animal performances and immersive technology.

Ready to book your visit to the Gold Coast? Discover more adventures to add to your days at our theme parks here.