Q1: How do I get to the Gold Coast’s theme parks?

There are a number of different ways to get to the Gold Coast’s theme parks, and each park has its own options for both public and private transport. These options include renting a car, paying for a theme park transfer, or taking public transport. Visit our dedicated map section for maps of Gold Coast theme parks.

• Getting to Dreamworld / WhiteWater World:

  • By Car: Dreamworld and WhiteWater World sit next to each other and are the furthest of the Gold Coast theme parks from Surfers Paradise, and takes roughly 25 minutes by car (dependent on traffic). To access Dreamworld/WhiteWater World, turn onto the Pacific Highway from Southport and take Exit #54; Dreamworld sits on the opposite side of the highway and signage indicates the direction to Dreamworld with the Dreamworld logo.
  • By Light Rail: The light rail now runs all the way to Helensvale station for all connections to the themeparks. Alight at Helensvale station and transfer onto the TX7 bus to go to Dreamworld. For times, visit our Translink.
  • By Train: Dreamworld sits close to Coomera Station on the south-east QLD rail line. Travellers both from the Gold Coast who are staying slightly inland and from Brisbane can take the train to Coomera Station and then take a connecting bus to Dreamworld.
  • By Transfer: Direct transfers to Dreamworld are available for those not wishing to deal with public transport, and prices may work out cheaper depending on your departure point. Transfers take less time and can offer door-to-door service. To book transfers online, visit our theme park transfers section.

• Getting to Movie World / Wet ‘n’ Wild:

  • By Car: Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild are located within a short walk from one another. The theme parks are located around a 20 minute drive from Surfers Paradise; to access them, take Smith Street from the Gold Coast Highway onto the Pacific Motorway (M1) and take Exit #60.
  • By Light Rail:  Ride the light rail to Helensvale Station and then transfer onto the TX7 bus for a transfer to Movie World.
  • By Train: Movie World / Wet ‘n’ Wild are fairly far from the nearest train station. If you’re looking to travel by train, get off at Oxenford Station and you will be able to take a connecting bus to Movie World / Wet ‘n’ Wild.
  • By Transfer: Direct transfers to Movie World / Wet ‘n’ Wild are available for those not wishing to deal with public transport, and prices may work out cheaper depending on your departure point. Transfers take less time and can offer door-to-door service. To book transfers online, visit our theme park transfers section.

• Getting to Sea World:

  • By Car: Sea World is the closest of the theme parks to Surfers Paradise and thus the shortest drive. It sits on Sea World Drive on the north side of Main Beach, and takes around a 10-15 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Follow the Gold Coast Highway north over the Southport Bridge, then turn right and follow the signs to Sea World.
  • By Bus: Gold Coast operator Surfside Buslines runs a semi-regular service that visits Sea World. Take Bus route 705; the journey takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise. Tickets cost $5.60 for this journey for adults. For times, visit our Gold Coast Bus Timetables page.
  • By Train: Train lines do not service Sea World.
  • By Transfer: Direct transfers to Sea World are available for those not wishing to deal with public transport, and prices may work out cheaper depending on your departure point. Transfers take less time and can offer door-to-door service. To book transfers online, visit our theme park transfers section.

Q2: Do I have to print my theme park voucher?

No. While it’s better to print a physical voucher in case of technical issues, all of the theme parks now accept e-Tickets which you can show on your mobile phone or tablet when presenting at the entry gate.

Q3: Which theme park is better for me?

This is an entirely subjective question that will depend on a number of factors. How much do you like rides? Are you bringing kids along, and if so, how old are they? Do you want to see as many shows as possible? Are you looking for single entry, or a multi-pass?

As a result, we suggest having a look at our detailed “Insider’s Guides” to Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World and making the choice yourself. Of course, you can also buy a theme park multi-pass and visit several parks for a single low price!

Q4: Can I bring food into the theme parks?

It depends on the theme park. Dreamworld doesn’t allow guests to bring in food, however, WhiteWater Wrld does. Movie World and Sea World both permit fruit and bottled water only; and Wet ‘n’ Wild allows picnic lunches although no commercially prepared food.

Q5: Which is the best value theme park pass?

The available theme park passes are constantly changing, and it depends on how many times you’re planning to visit the theme parks. Passes are typically available that offer standard single entries, combined single entries to multi parks, and unlimited entries over a certain period of days (3 days, 7 days, and even 1 year).

If you’re planning to return multiple times, the unlimited passes may turn out to be better value for you. For a summary of each currently available theme park pass, visit our Gold Coast Theme Park Passes Explained guide which shows all the passes, how long they’re valid for, and how much you save.

Q6: Do you offer group discounts on theme park tickets?

As most of our Gold Coast theme park passes are already heavily discounted, unfortunately, we do not offer group discounts outside of especially large group bookings.

Q7: What do the theme parks have for toddlers?

Each of the theme parks has made an increased effort in recent years to cater more towards younger children. Which is the theme park that is best for your toddler or young child? Check out our Best Theme Park for Kids Guide for an age-by-age-breakdown.

Q8: Can I buy cheaper spectator passes if I don’t want to ride or am pregnant?

Unfortunately no, none of the theme parks offers cheaper spectator passes for sale.

Q9: Does Brisbane have any theme parks?

No, Brisbane does not have any theme parks of its own, however, the Gold Coast theme parks are located on the far north end of the region and are relatively close to Brisbane. You can reach the theme parks in around 45 minutes to an hour if driving from Brisbane, depending on the traffic.

Travelling from Brisbane also allows for day trips to the Sunshine Coast for popular kids’ attractions Australia Zoo and Aussie World.

Q10: Are there family packages/passes to the theme parks?

There are no family passes available to purchase online with Gold Coast Passes, however, most of the prices listed per person are the lowest prices available.