One of the most popular experiences in South East Queensland is a visit to one of the big entertainment parks or theme parks as they’re known.
Dream World, Wet n Wild, Movie World and Seaworld are all ever-popular destinations near the Gold Coast Sunshine Coast.
There are rides for days at Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast with plenty of rides and attractions for the young and the young at heart. Plunge into the water play area known as Lead’n Logs or thrill yourself on the Redback, the Giant Slide or the Wild Mouse Rollercoaster. Bump’em on the dodgems or play mini-golf. There’s great cafe for lunch or snacks with ice cream or drinks, and of course the obligatory souvenirs.
It’s also right next door to the leaning Ettamogah pub, it’s quirky shape and humorous memorabilia mean that it’s the most photographed pub in Australia - but has great steaks too.
You could also catch a showing of the Australian Outback Spectacular. An evening dinner show filled with drama and action featuring Australian animals and amazing stunt work - better yet, have your delicious dinner served to you while you watch.
Dream World is the original theme park for kids with everything you’d expect plus more. Roller Coasters, the adrenaline pumping Giant Drop and heaps of other thrill rides. It’s also the home of the rare white lions and plenty of other Australian animals. You’ll also find laser spectacular shows, wiggle world and more - a full day of fun for a family.
Whitewater World is the water park for Dreamworld and has many great slides and appropriate activities for all ages. Ride the wave pool, take the pipeline plunge, take a class in surf school or just slide down some of the biggest and fastest water-slides over and over.
Located at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, the Ginger Factory is perfect for a morning or afternoon with the family - take a tour of the factory and grounds on a train and enjoy some delicious treats while learning about the Super Bee.
Seaworld is a staple of the region, a favourite filled with marine life and wonders of the ocean. It also has some great rides like Sesame Street Beach, Sky High Skyway, Vikings Revenge Flume Ride and the Bermuda Triangle as well as a water park. See some of the majestic creatures of the ocean up close including dolphins, baby seals and of course the awe-inspiring polar bears.
At Mt Tamborine you’ll find Thunderbird Park, a great fossicking adventure park for kids with great camping facilities nearby. You’ll never know what you might dig up.
Warner Bros Movie World Theme Park is probably the other main theme park in South East Queensland. Everything is based on the movies and where “everyone’s a star!”. There are outstanding live stunt shows, live musical spectaculars, family fun zones and of course, fantastic rides. Ride the Green Lantern roller Coaster, the blisteringly fast Superman Escape and the Justice League 3D ride and you never know what characters you might bump into while wondering around and marvelling at the sights and sounds.
Wet’N’Wild is the other main water park and is also located near the Gold Coast. It’s the original and it has been improved on for many years and now features so much to do from waterslides to tyre rides, wave pools, kids rides, water playgrounds and more.
The big theme parks in South East Queensland are definitely a big draw and while they will set you back, it’s an experience the kids are unlikely to forget.