Gold Coast Theme Parks and Theme Parks on the Sunshine Coast are the type of activity that will bring amazing memories for Brisbane Kids, as well as for many Brisbane parents.
Our advice with any theme park is to arrive early, with an esky full of cold drinks and snacky food and, if you are on a strict budget, bring your own lunch. Some theme parks will not allow you to bring in an esky, however pass-outs are always available so you can return to your car at any time to grab a snack. We also suggest checking out our discount theme park tickets page for some awesome deals!
Theme Parks in South East Queensland
Aussie World, Palmview
It’s Rides Unlimited at Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast, with over 30 rides and attractions for the young and the young at heart including water ride Plunge, water play area Leak’n’ Logs, thrill ride Redback, Giant Slide, Wild Mouse Rollercoaster, Dodgems, Mini Golf, Ferris Wheel, Bizzy Buggies, the classic Swinging Ship and Octopus ride.
There is plenty for the little kids too with the Tin Lids Tea Party ride, the Carousel, Tykes Trolley, and everyone’s favourite, Side Show Alley. Buy a ticket today and enjoy unlimited rides for the one all-inclusive price. And with shorter queuing times you get to ride your favourite ride as often as you like!
Cruise into the Café for snacks or lunch, an ice cream or drink and don’t forget to grab an awesome souvenir show bag from the Retail Shop.
Aussie World is open every day from 9am to 5pm, rides start at 10am. Closed Christmas Day 25 December, open 1:.30pm to 8pm Anzac Day 25 April.
There are plenty of retail experiences on-site as well so be sure to look around. You should also check out our review of Aussie World
Located on the Sunshine Coast.
Australian Outback Spectacular, Oxenford
Australian Outback Spectacular features an evening dinner show presented by R.M Williams that’s filled with Outback music, drama and action! Features Australian animals and loud noises.
Bookings essential.
Located at Oxenford, on the Gold Coast.
Dreamworld Theme Park, Helensvale
Dreamworld is the original theme park for kids, with roller coasters, the Giant Drop, Sky Voyager and tonnes of other thrill rides, family rides and kids’ rides. In addition, Dreamworld also boasts being home to white lions and a range of other Australian animals. Their park also features some water park rides, Wiggles World, laser spectacular shows and more. It’s a full day out for any Brisbane Kid!
Located at Helensvale, on the Gold Coast.
Whitewater World, Helensvale
Whitewater World is the water park for Dreamworld and is especially good for younger Brisbane Kids given its range of age-appropriate activities. Rides include the Wedgie, the Bro, the Green Room, Super Tubes, the Rip, the Little Rippers and the Temple of Huey. In addition, they feature Wiggle Bay, Cave of Waves, Pipeline Plunge, Surf School and even night time programs.
Located at Helensvale, on the Gold Coast, in front of Dreamworld.
The Ginger Factory, Buderim
Still going strong after 40 years, the Ginger Factory has recently undergone some improvements and now offers a great morning or afternoon out for Brisbane Kids (and parents) with a number of rides and attractions sprawling over a nine-hectare site. Take a tour of the factory, watch one of the informative Super Bee talks, or tour the grounds on the train – there are plenty of options for a quality family outing. Coupled with the variety of shops and licensed cafe, you can really make a day of it at the Ginger Factory! Check out our full Ginger Factory review.
Located at Buderim, on the Sunshine Coast.
Sea World Theme Park, Main Beach
Sea World is a favourite Gold Coast theme park filled with marine life wonders! Rides such as the Jet Rescue Coaster and Storm Coaster are soon to be joined by the family-oriented Leviathan (a family wooden track rollercoaster) and Trident, as well as the Vortex thrill ride in the new The New Atlantis section of the park. The family-friendly Nickelodeon Land features rides and amusements for younger children and the opportunity to meet Nickelodeon cartoon favourites such as Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, TMNT and Paw Patrol characters.
The animals at Sea World include dolphins, seals and sharks, as well as the main attractions being the polar bears. Sea World can also organise cruises, helicopter rides and whale watching experiences.
Located at Main Beach, on the Gold Coast.
Thunderbird Park, Mt Tamborine
Thunderbird Park features Thunder-egg fossicking, mini golf, a high ropes course and laser skirmish and is an adventure park for kids. Check out our review of Thunderbird Park.
Located at Mount Tamborine and includes camping facilities.
Warner Bros Movie World Theme Park, Oxenford
Movie World – a Gold Coast movie based theme park where everyone’s a STAR! Visit here for the best live stunt shows, live musical spectaculars, family fun zone and awesome rides. There’s a Hollywood theme to Movie World, with the Green Lantern roller coaster, DC Rivals Hypercoaster Climb, the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster Next Generation and more. For younger family members, you’ll find a whole section dedicated to mini-fun in the Kids’ WB Fun Zone. Find out why we think Movie World is a great theme park for toddlers.
Located at Oxenford, on the Gold Coast.
Wet’n’Wild, Oxenford
Wet’n’Wild is the ultimate in water fun for adults and kids alike. This is the original with its amazing array of waterslides, tyre rides, wave pools, kids rides and much more. A full day will be had with your Brisbane Kid. Offers movie night screenings in the wave pool. Read our review of the features for younger children at Wet’n’Wild Junior.
Located at Oxenford, on the Gold Coast.
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