Sure, holiday planning can be exhilarating—an opportunity to release your inner wanderlust and pull out that bucket list, but finding time to fit everything in isn’t always easy. Until now. Skip the hectic scheduling and experience ‘Days of Action’ with your crew on the sunny Gold Coast.
Just in time for the holiday season, we’ve teamed up with Village Roadshow Theme Parks to help you plan the ultimate adventure escape to the Sunshine State. Whatever your dream vacay looks like, Village Roadshow Theme Parks has over 120 world-class rides, slides, shows, characters and attractions to choose from—all you need to decide is where to go first.
For The Animal Lover
Meet The Locals at Sea World
Enjoy a unique experience with everyone’s favourite aquatic mammal during Sea World’s Meet The Dolphin encounters—and bring the whole family along with you. Not only will you get up close and personal with the dolphins, you’ll also get an amazing educational insight into the species from Sea World’s marine mammal specialists. Once you’re finished, say hello to the seals at the Seal Encounter, join the cute colony of Gentoo penguins at Penguin Antarctic Adventure, or come face to face with the ocean’s top predators at Sea World’s Shark Bay Discovery.
For The Thrill Seeker
Adventure To The New Atlantis
It’s not all dolphins at Sea World. For an adrenaline rush to remember, visit The New Atlantis—Sea World’s immersive precinct with three new attractions inspired by the heroes and legends of the Old Atlantis. Swing through the sky on the Trident, spin in the colossal currents of the Vortex, or if you dare, take a ride on the mighty Leviathan—the iconic wooden roller coaster that twists, turns, dips and dives for non-stop thrills.
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Brave The Rollercoasters At Warner Bros. Movie World
As well as being a mecca for movie buffs, Warner Bros. Movie World is a thrill-seeker's paradise, with a slew of rides that are guaranteed to get your heart rate up. Take on the DC Rivals HyperCoaster—the tallest, longest and fastest roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere, sending riders on a hair-raising 89-degree drop as the iconic Joker head watches on. Then there’s the Green Lantern Coaster and the Superman Escape, all energising and fun in equal measures.
Make A Splash At Wet‘n’Wild
The names Tornado, Constrictor, Black Hole, Kamikaze and KABOOM! give you an idea what you’re in for at Wet‘n’Wild. These exhilarating slides will have you shaking in your swimmers, complete with all the twists, turns and surprises true adrenaline junkies crave. Psych yourself up for a soaking and fill your day with some slippery action at Wet‘n’Wild. Remember, there’s always the Calypso Beach for when things get a little too wild.
Mingle With The Meerkats At Paradise Country
Get ready for an authentic Aussie farm experience—without the epic hike. Paradise Country is filled with educational experiences, encounters and exhibits for every type of animal lover. Let the cheeky and inquisitive marmoset monkeys and meerkats climb all over you, marvel at iconic Aussie wildlife including koalas and dingoes, admire the skills of the talented stockmen and working dogs in the Stockman Show, or meet adorable farm animals at the Farmyard Nursery.
For The Chill Chaser
Tee Off At Topgolf
For a change of pace, grip it and rip it at Topgolf Gold Coast—the ultimate in golf, games, food and fun. Hit microchipped golf balls out onto the huge driving range and track each swing’s accuracy, speed and distance thanks to Topgolf’s innovative tracing technology. Plus, order food and bevs direct to your bay. There are multiple games to suit every type of golfer but the general gist of each is the same: the closer you get to the targets, the higher you score. You don’t need to be a Shooter McGavin protégé to have a good time at Topgolf. Whether you’re a pro golfer or you’ve never picked up a golf club before, you’re going to have a ball.
Take A Glamping Getaway To Paradise Country Farmstay
Forget the high-rise hotels, this year it’s all about reconnecting with Australia's unique wildlife, getting up close with farm animals and enjoying nature. Cue Paradise Country Farmstay’s Eco Tents, offering glamping on the Gold Coast. At Paradise Country Farmstay, less is more, but less is also luxurious. Each tent is fitted out with a comfy bed, refrigerator, a private deck overlooking natural bushland and more. Guests have access to the family-friendly activities and experiences of Paradise Country, including the live shows, roaming farm animals and Australian Wildlife—plus exclusive sunrise and sunset activities at Paradise Country Farmstay.
Soak Up Waterfront Views At Sea World Resort
A stay at this ocean-themed oasis is a quintessential Gold Coast experience. Right on the waterfront, Sea World Resort has direct access to the main park and is a welcomed escape from the colour of Sea World. The rooms at Sea World Resort are luxe—think icy cold aircon, bright decor, private balconies overlooking the idyllic Gold Coast Broadwater, and spa baths in the bougie Executive rooms. After a day of exploring Sea World, retreat to the resort and treat yourself to dinner at one of the bars and restaurants, or kick back in bed with room service.
For The Show Goer
Catch Your Favourite Characters At Warner Bros. Movie World
Film buffs have their pick of performances at Warner Bros. Movie World, with classic characters including Beetlejuice and Austin Powers making an appearance at Hooray For Hollywood. Returning from 27 December-21 January, the performance celebrates the glitz and glamour of cinema with classic Hollywood show moments and entertainment. Catch other iconic characters and familiar faces roaming around the park during your visit.
Saddle Up For A Show At Australian Outback Spectacular
From glitzy Hollywood to red dirt, saddle up for Australian Outback Spectacular's Heartland. Dishing up a three-course feast alongside an immersive live show, the heart-warming story tells the tale of two battling Aussie farmers, Reg and Marge, and the harsh realities of living on the land. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, the arena is transformed into a working cattle station in the outback, complete with fire, rain, dust and stampeding cattle. There’s real horses and vehicles, with highly skilled riders performing gravity-defying stunts throughout. Heartland has everything you want in a show: a lot of action, a little bit of romance, a sprinkling of humour and relatable, real Aussie characters.
Ready for 'Days of Action' and some awesome family memories? Book your next Gold Coast holiday at Village Roadshow Theme Parks—and make your way through over 120 world-class rides, slides, shows, characters and attractions.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Village Roadshow Theme Parks and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.