12 Best Theme Parks In Australia

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Strap in for the ride of your life, we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the best theme parks Australia has to offer. From heart-stopping roller coasters that defy gravity, to magical realms where your favorite characters come alive - my personal experiences at these 12 phenomenal amusement parks have left an indelible mark.

1. Dreamworld, Gold Coast

Dreamworld is one of the most popular theme parks at the Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia. As the largest theme park in Australia it is located in the suburb of Coomera and is easily accessible by car or public transport. Dreamworld is a must-visit amusement park for adventure seekers and families, offering a wide range of rides and attractions that cater to all ages.

One of the most thrilling rides at Dreamworld is the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, which is the tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a must-ride for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush. If you're looking for a more family-friendly ride, the DreamWorks Experience is a great option. It includes rides and attractions based on popular DreamWorks movies, such as Madagascar and Shrek.

Aside from housing some of the best rides in the world, the biggest theme park in Australia is also home to Tiger Island, where visitors can see Bengal and Sumatran tigers up close and learn about wildlife conservation efforts. The park also has a native wildlife conservation park where visitors can see a variety of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats.

In addition to the rides and animal attractions, Dreamworld also has plenty of shopping and dining options. This theme park in the Gold Coast has a variety of food outlets that cater to different dietary requirements, from fast food to sit-down restaurants. There are also plenty of souvenir shops where visitors can buy gifts and mementos to remember their visit.

Contact:

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5588 1111

2. Jamberoo Action Park, Jamberoo

I have visited Jamberoo Action Park, and it is a fantastic water park that offers a wide range of activities for all ages. The park is known for its thrilling rides, including the Funnel Web, Banjo’s Billabong, The Perfect Storm, and a bobsled track.

One of the most popular water attractions in Jamberoo Action Park is the Funnel Web, which is a water slide that features a 7-meter funnel. The ride is designed to give visitors a thrilling experience as they slide down the funnel and into the pool below. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Banjo's Billabong is another popular attraction in the park, which is a wave pool that simulates the waves of the ocean. Visitors can enjoy the waves and swim in the pool, making it a great place to cool off on a hot day.

The Perfect Storm is a ride that combines three different waterslides, each with its own unique twists and turns. The ride is designed to give visitors a thrilling experience as they slide down the slides and into the pool below.

Jamberoo Action Park is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun day out with family and friends. The park offers a wide range of rides and activities for all ages, and the reviews speak for themselves - visitors consistently rate it as one of the best water parks in Australia.

Contact:

Address: 1215 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo NSW 2533, Australia

Phone: +61 2 4236 0114

3. Warner Bros. Movie World, Gold Coast

I've had the pleasure of visiting Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, and it's truly an impressive Australian theme park. Owned and operated by Village Roadshow Theme Parks, it opened in 1991 and has been a popular destination ever since.

As one of the most famous theme parks in Australia, Movie World has a variety of attractions, including rides, shows, and movie sets. One of the most popular rides is the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, which is the tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a must-ride for thrill-seekers! Other notable rides include the Superman Escape, Batwing Spaceshot, and Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster.

In addition to the rides, there are also plenty of shows to see at Movie World. One of my favorites was the Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 show, which features high-speed car chases and stunts. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite superheroes, including Batman, Superman, and Bugs Bunny.

What I love about Movie World is the attention to detail in the theming. From the Hollywood-inspired Main Street to the immersive Wizard of Oz precinct set to open in 2024, every area of the park feels like you're stepping into a movie.

Contact:

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia

Phone: +61 133386

4. Seaworld, Gold Coast

Seaworld is a premier marine park which features a variety of exhibitions and shows that showcase the beauty and intelligence of marine creatures like dolphins, sea lions, polar bears, and penguins. Visitors can also interact with these animals through various programs like the Dolphin Adventure Experience and the Seal Encounter.

Apart from marine creatures, Seaworld also offers a range of thrilling rides and attractions, including the Storm Coaster, Jet Rescue, and the Sea Viper. These rides are perfect for adrenaline junkies looking for an exciting day out.

One of the unique aspects of Seaworld is its commitment to marine conservation through the entire park. The park has a dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Visitors can learn more about the park's conservation efforts through various educational programs and exhibitions.

Contact:

Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia

Phone: +61 133386

5. Aussie World, Sunshine Coast, QLD

Visiting Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland was a fun-filled day that I won't forget anytime soon. With over 30 rides and attractions, there is something for every visitor at this amusement park.

One of the standout attractions at Aussie World is the Plunge, a thrilling water ride that drops you down a steep slide and into a lazy river. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day and get your adrenaline pumping at the same time.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the surrounding area. And if you're looking for a bit of nostalgia, the classic wooden roller coaster, the Redback, is a must-ride.

Aussie World also has plenty of activities for kids and toddlers, including a mini-golf course and a water play area. And for those who love a good challenge, there are several games and carnival-style attractions to test your skills and win prizes.

Having visited many theme parks, I highly recommend a visit to Aussie World if you're in the Sunshine Coast area. This thrilling theme park is well-maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. And with affordable ticket entry prices starting at just $34 per person with unlimited rides, it's a great value for a day of adventure and fun.

Contact:

Address: 73 Frizzo Rd, Palmview QLD 4553, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5494 5444

6. Luna Park, Melbourne, VIC

Luna Park in Melbourne, Victoria is one of the best amusement parks in Australia. Situated in the suburb of St Kilda, it is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists visiting Australia.

One of the most iconic features of the oldest theme park in Australia is the Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline. The park also features a variety of rides, including the Tango Train, a roller coaster, and a haunted house.

Luna Park is a great destination for families with children of all ages. The park offers a range of rides suitable for young children, such as the carousel and the teacups, as well as more thrilling rides for older children and adults.

In addition to the rides, Luna Park also offers a range of food and beverage options, including traditional carnival fare such as hot dogs, popcorn, and fairy floss. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and gifts at the park's gift shop.

Contact:

Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9525 5033

7. Adventure World, Perth, WA

Adventure World is Perth's only theme and water park, situated in the beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and lawns of Bibra Lake, Western Australia. With over 25 rides and attractions, it is a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers.

One of the park's most popular attractions is the Kraken, a colossal water slide that takes riders on a thrilling journey through twists and turns before plunging them into a pool of water. Another must-try ride is the Abyss, a 10-story tall water slide that will leave you breathless as you plummet down its steep drops.

In 2023, Adventure World added a new world-class ride called Goliath, a giant pendulum swing ride that provides an exhilarating experience for fun-seekers.

This seasonal water park also offers a range of family-friendly rides, including the Dragon Express roller coaster and the Yarli's Safari mini-train ride. Additionally, Adventure World has a range of wildlife experiences, including the Aussie Wildlife Experience, where visitors can get up close and personal with native animals such as koalas and kangaroos.

Contact:

Address: 351 Progress Dr, Bibra Lake WA 6163, Australia

Phone: +61 8 9417 9666

8. Magic Mountain, Merimbula

Last year I had the pleasure of visiting Magic Mountain in Merimbula, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! This small theme park situated on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales is a significant tourism drawcard for the region, attracting approximately 40,000 visitors per year.

One of the highlights of my visit was the Doom Tube, a water slide that takes you on a thrilling ride through a dark tunnel before depositing you into a pool of water at the end. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, this ride is a must-try.

In addition to the awesome rides, Magic Mountain also offers a range of other fun activities, including mini-golf, a maze, and a giant chess board. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, making it easy to spend the whole day at the amusement park.

Contact:

Address: 134 Sapphire Coast Dr, Merimbula NSW 2548, Australia

Phone: +61 2 6495 2299

9. WhiteWater World, Gold Coast

WhiteWater World is an amazing water park located in Coomera, and is a part of the Dreamworld Theme Park. This Gold Coast theme park is the perfect place to beat the heat and have some fun with family and friends. The park features 11 water slides, each with its unique features and thrills.

One of the most popular attractions at White Water World is the Tornado, which is a four-person raft slide that takes riders through a 40-meter tunnel before dropping them into a funnel-shaped slide. The park also has a lazy river, where guests can relax and float on a tube while enjoying the scenic views of the park.

WhiteWater World is known for its innovative technology, which delivers some serious splash and thrill. The park has slides and attractions for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to families with young children.

10. Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW

A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour, NSW. This iconic Australian attraction has been around since 1964 and has evolved into a world-class theme park with something for everyone.

One of the highlights of my visit was the Funnel Web, a thrilling ride that takes you on a high-speed journey through a giant funnel. If you're a fan of adrenaline-pumping rides, this one is a must-try. Another attraction that I enjoyed was the Crazy Mirrors, which was a fun and interactive experience that had me laughing and taking selfies with my friends.

The Big Banana Fun Park also offers a range of other activities, including laser tag, mini golf, and toboggan rides. The laser tag arena was state-of-the-art and provided a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. The mini golf course was beautifully designed and had some challenging holes that kept us entertained for hours. Also, the toboggan ride was a thrilling experience that had us racing down the track at high speeds.

Contact:

Address: 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

Phone: +61 2 6652 4355

11. Big Splash Waterpark Canberra

If you're looking for a fun-filled day with family and friends, Big Splash Waterpark in Canberra is the perfect Australian theme park. As Canberra's only outdoor waterpark, Big Splash offers a wide range of attractions for all ages.

Opening this season on the 25th of November 2023, Big Splash Waterpark is a must-visit destination wth nine water slides, a kiddies pool, a play pool, a 50-metre pool, Splash Island, and pool inflatables.

One of the most popular attractions at Big Splash Waterpark is the Jammo Pool, a giant wave pool that simulates the ocean's waves. For those looking for a thrill, the Kamikaze slide is a must-try. The slide is a 22-metre drop that will leave your heart racing.

General entry to the park is $12, and slide tickets start at $28 each. Afternoon slide tickets are also available for $23 from 3 pm onwards.

Contact:

Address: 1 Catchpole St, Macquarie ACT 2614, Australia

Phone: +61 2 6251 1144

12. WetSide Water Park, Hervey Bay

WetSide Water Park is a public asset designed for families and individuals of all ages. The amusement park is located on the foreshore at the junction of Main Street and the Esplanade in Hervey Bay.

One of the main attractions of WetSide Water Park is Buccaneer Bay, a water playground that features a range of interactive water features, including a giant tipping bucket, water cannons, and sprays. It's a perfect place for kids to have fun while staying cool on a hot day.

Another popular attraction at WetSide Water Park is the FlowRider, which is a surfing simulator that creates an artificial wave for riders to surf on. It's a great place for both beginners and experienced surfers to test their skills.

The park also features a range of other water slides, including the Drop Slides, which is a set of three high-speed water slides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Contact:

Address: 267 Esplanade, Pialba QLD 4655, Australia

Phone: +61 406 451 472