How to make the most of a day at Aussie World

Aussie World has its own sense of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the only theme park based on the Sunshine Coast, making it an easy day trip from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

If you’re staying longer, here’s the ultimate guide to a budget friendly holiday on the Sunshine Coast.

Save your pennies

Back in the day, it used to cost less than $50 to get into a theme park, and at Aussie World, you’ll be surprised to learn it still does.

Tickets online are $44 each or just $158 for a group of four. So bring the kids’ friends along to make up numbers, or pop Nan or Pa in the car too; seniors are only $35. Kids under three are free, and so are carers assisting anyone with physical limitations (with a valid Companion Card).

Let the good times roll.

Aussie tucker

But it’s not just bang for your buck you’ll find here.

There’s a new fancy place out front called The Banana Bender Pub (formerly The Ettamogah Pub) serving a bonanza of meals.

The Fun Café is perfect for a quick bite between rides with a selection of burgers, salads, wraps and an ice creamery. 

You’ll eat better than you would expect at a theme park; ride first, eat later is our advice. But we’ll let you make that call.

Let’s ride

Remember those rides from your childhood? Well, some of them are re-imagined here. Your little ones will love the prettiest carousel they ever did see and tin cups that spin. Hold their hands tight for a turn on the ferris wheel (can you feel the nostalgia kicking in?) There’ll be plenty of déjà vu moments at Aussie World with more than 30 rides and attractions to explore.

For bigger kids, there’s the newest thrill ride SX360 – Australia’s tallest and fastest 360 degree pendulum swing - or fan favourites, The Wasp, Redback and spooky Mayhem Maze. The Dodgem Cars will take you back, while the Giant Slide is as good as it ever was. Keep an eye out for another new thrill ride coming soon, a spinning coaster called Dingo Racer. These rides are for adults and older kids who like a little thrill in their rides.

For the older kids, the Redback is said to be one of the scariest ride in the park, reaching heights of 13 metres. Think 24 people facing outward before being spun like a web in moves that would even make Spiderman proud.

True adrenaline junkies will relish the epic SX360. The heart-pumping pendulum swing is the Sunshine Coast’s first tier 1 thrill ride reaching speeds of 80km/h while launching 32 metres into the air and completing four inversions up to 5Gs. 

The bright colours and carnival sounds of the Ballroom Blitz have returned, so now is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with the iconic swinging chairs. Retro Rocket has undergone a transformation with an all-new experience waiting to be had.

There’s a cute Little Beaut Toot Toot train for the little guys who love to go choo choo, and a mini rollercoaster called Bug Run that will gently weave them through an enchanted garden filled with flowers and insects.

Aussie World regularly hosts Tiny Tots events that allow the youngest family members to come together and experience their first theme park rides at their own pace.

To cool down after all that action, take The Plunge for a wake-up splash. And be warned, Mum – if you’re just standing by watching all the action, you might end up getting splashed too.

If the kids are keen to get soaked, Leak’n Logs will deliver with its leaky, mist-spraying water-based play area guaranteed to beat the Queensland heat.

Fun for all the tribe

Families can laugh their way through Professor Bogglesworth’s Illusionarium, with its multiverse of reality challenging illusions. And if your kids (or partner) love infinite universes and cosmic warps? They’ll love this one, with eye-tricking, brain-bending conundrums to ponder and a code they’ll have to remember to return to a robot dominated dimension.

Mini Golf is a family challenge rite of passage, so line the kids up to tee off to see if anyone can score a hole in one at Platypus Ponds Mini Golf. A worthy prize afterwards might be the first to bite into their giant hot dog or burger at Aussie World Fun Café, or treat them to one of the delicious ice-creams or sweets.

Save some time (and money) for Side Show Alley where all your family favourites appear. Bust a Balloon, Laughing Clowns, Lucky Ducks, Silly Strings and you can even show them how it’s done at Hoops. Every player wins a prize.

Load up on Aussie pub grub, souvenirs and bangers

If you didn’t fill up on hot dogs and burgers at The Aussie World Fun Café, well done, because you’ve saved the best for last. The iconic Banana Bender Pub is home to Mangos Bar & Grill. Produce is sourced locally, and where possibly within a 50km radius from one of Australia’s best food bowls, the Sunshine Coast – so there’s plenty of local love being served up here.

A shopping village is located next door where you can pick up more local goodies, from pies at the bakery to toys, flowers, candy and old-fashioned fudge. And if you’re staying close by or coming back soon, consider including a visit to the Shed for live Aussie entertainment including comedy, concerts and festivals for all ages. For more events on the Sunshine Coast in 2022 see here.

Don’t let your Sunshine Coast adventure stop at Aussie World. Here are 20 free things to do on the Sunshine Coast.