Swimming with sea creatures
The Gold Coast has been a subtropical staple in family holidays for generations. It seems that after every major school holiday break, kids come back with show-and-tell stories about the shimmering waves at Surfers Paradise, swimming with the friendly dolphins at Sea World, and getting close to Hollywood at Warner Bros. Movie World. Discover why families keep going back to the same destination we know and love.
A touch of Hollywood movie magic
No other park could bring movie magic to life the way Warner Bros. Movie World does. Catering for all ages, a day at the park is not complete without experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions – as well as the rollercoasters themselves. Older kids can get an adrenaline rush in the new world of virtual insanity at Arkham Asylum. The ride uses 360-degree virtual reality technology, which is synced perfectly to the movements of the rollercoaster. For little ones, the Kids’ WB! Fun Zone is the perfect place to laugh along with much-loved Warner Bros. characters. Make them feel like the belle of the ball with the Prince and Princess of the Parade initiative. Available for kids aged four to 10, the ‘Prince’ or ‘Princess’ are crowned with their own dazzling crown, and become part of the Star Parade. Only two kids are allowed per day, so booking in advance is essential. Sea World takes the best bits of every aquatic adventure and puts them on land. Families can swim with the friendly dolphins in the Dolphin Family Adventure programme, available for ages five and above. Toddlers can’t be left out of the fun when they visit Nickelodeon Land, or sing along in family shows featuring favourites Dora and SpongeBob. Classics such as Castaway Bay and Storm Coaster are the excitingly entertaining answers to keep the older kids occupied, and let’s not forget Shark Bay, the Gold Coast’s very own Great Barrier Reef. See sharks and other bottom- dwellers up close and personal in the man-made lagoon.
Getting Wet‘n’Wild
Wet‘n’Wild Gold Coast is the master of splash with Calypso Beach and the Giant Wave Pool as its epic centre. Soar above everyone on the Sky Coaster; definitely not for the faint-hearted, it suspends those willing 50 metres up in the air, and catapults them across the massive park. For those that prefer to have their feet firmly planted on the ground, Wet‘n’Wild Junior is the family fun alternative for water adventures. Designed especially for kids, it features kid-friendly attractions including Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild are part of the VIP Magic Pass, which is available online from $99. Dreamworld offers an Annual Pass that is valid for 12 months, starting at $109. Children under three are free.