The Gold Coast is located on the southern coast of Queensland, Australia. It boasts bright sunshine and over 40km of flat, expansive golden beaches, making it an ideal destination for a variety of water sports, such as surfing. Due to this, it is also known as the “Miami of the southern hemisphere”!
With year-round sunshine and fresh, humid air, the Gold Coast is suitable for tourism, vacations, and sightseeing all year round. The area is home to interesting and unique theme parks, such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Dreamworld, as well as beautiful farms and romantic palm groves. Additionally, outdoor activities like skydiving and surfing are popular here, making the Gold Coast a surfer’s paradise.
Best Theme Parks on Gold Coast
Warner Bros. Movie World
This is a theme park based on Warner Bros. movies. We have to say that it looks similar to other theme parks around the world, but if you like thrills, it’s definitely worth visiting! There’s an indoor roller coaster that’s really fun. It’s not too scary, but it’s fast and exciting. Of course, there are also less thrilling rides for kids, but the park is not very big. After four hours and lunch, you’ll have seen everything. We would recommend bringing a swimsuit and heading to Wet ‘n’ Wild in the afternoon as it’s nearby.
Wet ‘n’ Wild
This water park is really fun. Of course, it’s a bit smaller than Water Park we have seen in other countries, but it has all the essentials. You can easily spend two to three hours here after visiting Warner Bros. and then have dinner. Don’t forget to bring your own towel as they sell for very high prices in the park.
Sea World
Give a shout out to Sea World on the Gold Coast. It’s located right by the beach, and the park’s water is seawater that has been brought in. Although the park isn’t very big, it’s the most comfortable and ocean-themed park we’ve ever been to! The layout and design of the park blend really well with nature, so you don’t get that feeling of looking at animals behind bars at a zoo. There are also some thrilling rides in the park. We would suggest setting aside a whole day to visit and grabbing a map at the entrance that includes animal performance times!
What to do on Gold Coast other than theme parks
The Gold Coast is a treasure on the east coast of Australia, with plenty of attractions beyond the theme parks. If you’re looking to play and relax in the sunshine, there’s no better place to be!
Aquaduck Ride
The ride only lasts an hour. Many roadside travel agencies can book tickets for you. Across the street from the restaurant, there’s a ticket counter where you can board the vehicle. There are many time slots throughout the day, so you can go and ask for yourself. This little duck car is really interesting, and you will love it. At first, a bus takes you through the city centre of the Gold Coast to the pier, where you see the bus turn into a boat. The captain then blows a loud duck call through the speaker, and all the boats nearby come over to wave.
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling is about 80 AUD, and diving with a scuba tank is around 120 AUD. No experience is needed for this activity, even if you have never dived before. Kids can go and have coaches accompanying them throughout the experience. You won’t go to any particularly deep areas, only about six or seven meters deep.
The whole process, from departure to return to land, takes about three hours. The actual time spent underwater is about forty minutes. There is only one session per day, and you have to be at the boarding point at 7:00 am. You will receive a basic briefing on scuba diving knowledge and hand signals. After that, you’ll change into your wetsuit, board the boat, and head to the diving spot.
The diving spot is in the waters near a large uninhabited island. Other tourists who come to dive are also diving here, so don’t worry! There are people underwater too. You will be first taught how to ascend and descend in the shallow water area before beginning your dive. You will see countless fish swimming past you.
Tropical Fruit World
This is a farm where various tropical fruits are grown, boasting over 500 different kinds of tropical fruit. Any food lover will drool!
Address: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah NSW 2487
Glow Worms Cave
If you enjoy exploring mysterious landscapes, the glow worms cave is worth a visit. The spectacular fireflies in the cave make you feel like you’re in the middle of the stars.
Address: Cedar Creek Estate, 104 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Springbrook National Park
A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts! There are mountains, waterfalls, streams, and opportunities for hiking, camping, birdwatching, and fishing.
Address: Old School Rd, Springbrook QLD 4213
Paradise Country
Not only can you see various animals, but you can also immerse yourself in Australian farm life. You can watch sheep shearing, experience horseback riding activities, milk cows, and feed animals.
Address: Production Dr, Oxenford QLD 4210
Crystal Castle
The Crystal Castle is located in the mountainous area of the Gold Coast, with a variety of crystal exhibits, including a crystal castle, crystal garden, the crystal maze, and more.
Address: 81 Monet Dr, Montecollum NSW 2482
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Get up close to Australian native animals, see exciting bird performances, and experience cultural activities such as wood carving and music.
Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223