Destinations > Queensland > Gold Coast > Sights & Activities

Gold Coast

Sights & Activites

The Gold Coast's main attractions are the beaches and the nightlife, however there are plenty of other attractions including a host of amusement parks catering to Australian families. If you don't want to plough through a wad of cash it would be a good idea to stick to the beach or the natural attractions in the hinterland.

If you're planning on visiting several theme parks, you may want to consider a Three Park Super Pass which allows entry to Movie World, Seaworld and Wet 'n' Wild for $158. All four entries must occur within a 14-day period.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Sanctuary is an excellent wildlife park at the southern end of the Gold Coast. The park is home to wombats, tree kangaroos, kangaroos, wallabies and Tasmanian devils; although birds are the main attraction.

Gold Coast Highway, Currumbin

Bus 1, 1A, 7, 8, 11, 20

Tel (07) 5534 1266

Website www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au

Admission $25

Open 8am-5pm

Dreamworld

Dreamworld is a big theme park that features the Tower of Terror – the world's tallest and fastest ride. Other features include an IMAX theatre and an animal park.

Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera

Bus TX1, TX2, TX5, 725

Tel (07) 5588 1111 or 1800 073 300

Website www.dreamworld.com.au

Admission $64, $99 including entry to Whitewater World
BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Open 10am-5pm

Lamington National Park

This national park in the Gold Coast hinterland has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage area and is home to unique flora and fauna. The park is close enough to the Gold Coast to make an easy day trip from either Coolangatta or Surfers and there is a good choice of both half-day and full-day walks.

Beechmont, via Nerang

Tel (07) 5534 1266

Movie World

The Warner Bros theme park has a good range of rides and areas themed on Warner Bros movies.

Pacific Highway, Helensvale

Bus 1A, 1X

Tel (07) 5573 8485

Website www.movieworld.com.au

Admission $60 or $158 for a 3 Park Super Pass

Open 9.30am-5.30pm daily

Q1 Observation Deck

The 322.5m-high Q1 Tower is the world's tallest residential tower - and the world's 20th tallest building. It features the world's only beachside observation deck on the 77th and 78th floors, which offers breathtaking 360 degree views that allow you to see from Brisbane to Byron Bay.

Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tel (07) 5630 4700
Website www.q1observationdeck.com.au
Admission $16.50
Open 10am-late daily

Sea World

Home to Australia's only polar bear enclosure, Polar Bear Shores, Sea World offers a range of shows and rides. The interactive marine programme offers visitors a chance to get up close to the park's popular residents, including going behind the scenes with Sea World's marine mammal trainers to meet the dolphins and sea lions, snorkelling and swimming with dolphins and, for the more adventurous, diving with sharks.

Seaworld Drive, The Spit

Bus 2, 9

Tel (07) 5588 2222

Website www.seaworld.com.au

Admission $60 or $158 for a 3 Park Super Pass

Open 10am-5pm daily

Wet 'n' Wild

Wet 'n' Wild features loads of water slides and many people find it is the most fun of the theme parks.

Pacific Highway, Oxenford

Bus 1A, 1X

Tel (07) 5573 2277

Website www.wetnwild.com.au

Admission $38 or $158 for a 3 Park Super Pass

Open 10am-5pm daily

Whitewater World

This new water themed park has loads of waterslides and aquatic-themed rides.

Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Bus TX1, TX2, TX5, 725