7 insider tips to make the most out of your day at Sea World
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By Kim Barnard
When school holidays hit and it’s time to start thinking about ways to spend your family time, it can be tough to find activities that suit the whole crew. But the Gold Coast makes a family holiday easy, with so much to do. One of the best? A visit to Sea World Australia: so much more than just a theme park, conservation and education are at its core, making this a day to be remembered.
There are incredible rides and activities for all ages, but Sea World Australia is probably best known for the countless opportunities it provides to get up close to amazing marine life.
Visit and you can witness first hand their serious approach to wildlife conservation while learning about the vital roles these animals play in our ocean ecosystems.
Whether you’re a returning visitor or a first-timer, here’s some top tips to get the most out of your Sea World Australia experience.
1. Get educated
Parks like Sea World Australia have a big responsibility to set a good example for visitors when it comes to their approach to animal welfare. Sea World has over 40 years’ experience in animal care, research and rescue, and the wellbeing of the animals in its care is the number one priority.
Whether you make it to one of the shows, feedings or presentations, or simply wander through the aquariums, you'll learn more about our marine life with every step - and there's no doubt you'll come away with ore understanding about the importance of conservation and why looking after our marine life and waterways should be a priority for all of us. Take the opportunity to build on the messages conveyed in their shows and you’re primed for an exciting and enriching experience for the whole family.
Kids aged 8-14 can take part in the Marine Rescue Ranger program, an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Sea World's resident rescued animals, including a chance to interact with the dolphins, seals and turtles.
2. Buy your tickets online
Don’t wait ‘til you get to the gate. All Sea World Australia tickets can be pre-purchased online, where you can access lower prices and package deals, as well as book extra experiences like the dolphin family adventure, marine rescue ranger program, tropical reef snorkel, penguin Antarctic adventure and so much more.
You can also pre-purchase food, drink and souvenir packages to make sure you’re sorted on the day.
3. Stay in the heart of the action
Photo by @seaworldresort
Sea World Australia is the only theme park on the Gold Coast with a hotel right next door - and it happens to be one of the best family-friendly resorts in Queensland.
An overnight stay at Sea World Resort and Water Park is as convenient as it is luxurious. You're just steps - or a short monorail ride - from the entrance so you can pop in and out as many times as you like. And when you're kicking back at the resort, there's plenty to keep young and old occupied with an aquatic adventure playground, lagoon pool and more - plus resort guests have exclusive access to a complimentary behind-the-scenes sneak peek of a dolphin training session to learn more about the remarkable work of Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation.
To score a great deal on accomodation, keep a lookout for the incredible “stay and play” deals that offset the cost of entry.
4. Plan your days
With so much to see and do, you need to plan your time carefully. Prior to your trip, jump onto the Sea World Australia website and make a list of the attractions you want to visit and shows you want to see, so you don’t miss a thing.
There’s lots to cover, but Sea World’s famous educational marine life shows, featuring penguins, seals and dolphins are always popular, so get in early to snap up the best spot. These interactive, educational presentations are a great way to learn more about these protected species and see how they’re lovingly and expertly cared for by the experienced Sea World team.
Then there's the shows: gasp at the action of the Thunder Lake Stunt Show, meet your favourite characters at the Nickelodeon meet & greet, and don't miss the Turtle Power live show.
Throughout the year there are a range of special events, from Sea World Spooky Nights to Carnivale. Check what's on - there's always something new to discover.
5. Don’t miss the penguins
Photo by @seaworldaus
The Penguin Feeding Presentation is a clear favourite among the young and young-at-heart. Don't miss the chance to watch these waddly creatures up close, swimming and tapping their feet to their hearts’ content as they get their daily feeds.
Every penguin you see has been rescued, in most cases as a result of serious injury or illness, and has come to Sea World to be nurtured back to health.
6. Beat the heat
Photo by @seaworldaus
Hot day? Head over to Castaway Bay - Sea World’s fun-fuelled interactive water park - the perfect place for a refreshing break. Step into the shoes of Jack Sparrow in the Battle Boats, then splash around at The Reef—an all-new, fully accessible interactive splash zone. Just don’t forget to bring a towel.
It's enough to keep the kids entertained for hours. And if you're all splashed out, relax in one of the many shady spots scattered throughout the park.
7. Catch thrills and find New Atlantis
Thrill seekers will find a lot to love at Sea World Australia. Once you've come face-to-face with new marine friends, it's time to face your fears. Hold on tight as you tackle a 20-metre wave on the Storm Coaster, or reach speeds up to 70km/hr on your very own jetski-coaster.
Or choose to twist, turn and spin 18-metres above sea level on The Vortex, a new ride in a whole new precinct - New Atlantis. This immersive, other-worldly precinct of Sea World will welcome two more heart-racing rides in Easter 2022, when a giant wooden rollercoast and gravity-defying tower ride open.
