The ultimate guide to Gold Coast theme parks

Our Gold Coast theme parks have it all – which is why you might not want to choose just one.

Dreamworld's gravity-defying wild rides and wildlife encounters will make your heart soar, with a new jungle-themed precinct, Rivertown, to bring more thrills from late 2024. Warner Bros Movie World's coasters and characters will take you right back to the magic of your childhood - especially with a new The Wizard of Oz-themed precinct opening soon. Discover a world of underwater adventures and marine life at Sea World, or splash and zoom on the slides of your life at two different water parks, Wet'n'Wild and WhiteWater World.

If you need help deciding on where to head first, take our quiz to find out which theme park is for you.

How to get bang for your buck 

If you have automotive membership such as RACQ or NRMA, great theme park deals may be available - including discounted day, multi-day or annual passes. 

Do the math and consider the annual pass if you intend to visit more than once a year. All Gold Coast theme parks have annual passes and often work out significantly cheaper than buying the consecutive day passes. Plus, they can give you greater visit flexibility if you want to split your days.

Plan your day before you arrive

All Gold Coast theme parks have maps you can download online in advance. And if you’ve already got a rough idea of the distance and direction you’ll track before you arrive, you’ll fit more in.

Be sure to include show times with an allowance to get there at least 10-15 minutes early for prime position. And if you have kids, have a look where the closest toilets will be near rides and plan any lurching or spinning rides for pre-lunch if you can. It's always a good idea to have some fresh clothes packed too – just in case. 

Wear the right clothes and be sun safe

With your Gold Coast theme park preference sorted, what to wear is important too. You’ll be doing a bit of walking, so comfy shoes are mandatory. Light layers in breathable fabrics are best and lather up the sunscreen and pop on a hat.

Plan to be out of the sun as much as possible during the hottest hours of the day between 10am and 2pm. Most attractions do have shaded waiting areas and undercover rides, but if you can alternate in and out of the sun all day, your comfort and energy levels will be maximised.

Get the first jump on the action

Get prime position to have your pick of the most popular rides first by arriving at the gate a little early (15 to 30 mins is plenty).

Opening hours for the theme parks tend to differ between peak and off-peak periods, and weekends, so check your chosen park's own website before you arrive. At most parks, the fun kicks off at 10am. 

The storage situation

No one wants to be lugging anything unnecessarily around the park, or leaving personal belongings unattended. If everyone in the group intends to ride, hire a locker and safely store all the things you don’t need to carry on you.

Lockers are also a great place to make as your emergency meeting station should anyone get lost or you plan to split up and reconvene later. Details are available on the Gold Coast theme parks websites.

What to do when both parents want a thrill

For parents who like to ride too but have kids who don’t – Movie World and Dreamworld offer a “Parent Swap“ service. One parent rides while the kids are looked after by the other, and then the favour is returned. The second parent sharing ride responsibilities can go to the front of the line without waiting again. Ask the ride attendant at each ride for details.

Theme parks are for everybody

All parks offer disabled parking, ramp access, bathroom facilities and wheelchairs for hire. Check in advance with guest services prior to assist in arranging your visit and be sure to mention if you’re a carer, as you’ll receive discounted entry.

Dreamworld offers an accessible Parents Centre, has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, and has visual stories on their website that explains in detail what to expect on your visit. 

Head to Movie World, Wet'n'Wild and Sea World websites before your visit to access detailed accessibility and sensory guides, along with information about the access requirements and suitability of each attraction. 

See our accessible guide to the Gold Coast for more information.

Where to eat when hunger strikes

Before you turn up with the esky packed full of snacks, know that each Gold Coast theme park has different rules when it comes to BYO food.

Wet’n’Wild welcomes BYO, except for commercially prepared food (Maccas or KFC for example), alcohol or glassware. Coin-operated barbecues are available if you want to make everyone else envious of your park planning prowess by sending the delicious smell of sizzling sausages over the water park. Expect to make plenty of new friends if you do.

Sea World and Movie World don’t permit food or drinks in the park unless you have a dietary requirement (like a food allergy), or you’re visiting with infants and babies. But, you can bring in fruit and bottled water.

Dreamworld also doesn’t permit food and drinks to be brought in without a genuine medical reason, but right next door at WhiteWater World you can BYO picnic. If you have a multi-park pass, time a play at the water park for pre-lunch and enjoy a shaded picnic spot too. As a luxe option, consider booking a poolside cabana. Cabanas are also available to book at Wet’n’Wild.

Tip: Leave your esky in the car boot and ask for a pass-out to have your own quick picnic in the car park. Most parks have grass areas just outside their gates too.

Splash out on a VIP experience

There are ways to do all the parks in style, but it will cost you a little extra. 

From a VIP Pass where you get the run of the park with your own personal guide; to smarter fast passes that will hold your place in a line while you go off to ride something else. Dreamworld and Sea World both offer VIP wildlife experiences (more on that below), while you can get a bigger taste of the action at Movie World if you sign up for a stunt driver experience.

All parks offer extras and advantages at associated costs. Check the websites to compare.

Have a wild encounter

Gold Coast theme parks aren’t just about the rides: there are always more activities and adventures opening, so check in regularly to stay up to date.

Enhance your visit to Sea World with a number of animal adventure upgrades, like going beind-the-scenes at the polar bear exhibit, and meeting some of the curious marine life up close including dolphins, seals and penguins. 

Every Dreamworld visitor has the opportunity to witness the majesty of Tiger Island's nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers, as well as join daily wildlife talks with Dreamworld rangers who'll introduce the crowds to native animals from koalas to crocs. Want a closer experience? Book a 'feed a tiger' experience, get your photo taken with a koala, pat a dingo, or even help pole-feed Goliath, the resident saltwater croc. It's best to book these experiences in advance of your visit. 

Planning a trip to the Gold Coast? Get your summer school holiday guide to the Gold Coast here, and start planning here.