The Gold Coast may be the undeniable theme park capital, but the rest of Australia boasts an impressive array of amusement parks to welcome families, adrenaline junkies, and the young at heart for all-ages fun, all year round.
Even better, many G’day Parks have in-park entertainment to package added fun into your holiday, such as a waterpark, pool, bouncing pillow, mini golf, and pump track.
Whether you love a ride that brings squeals or screams, chase that feeling at one of Australia’s awesome theme parks. Strap in tight for this state-by-state list, then book a getaway to a nearby park for the ultimate thrill-seeker escape.
QLD | VIC | SA | NSW | WA
QUEENSLAND
DreamWorld – Gold Coast, QLD
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Starting with the aforementioned Gold Coast, some of the country’s most iconic rides are found at DreamWorld, headlined by The Giant Drop—where you fall from the sky on the tallest and fastest ride in the southern hemisphere! The speedy Steel Taipan rollercoaster and upside-down turns of The Claw provide hair-raising enjoyment. That said, if you want something a little less scary, there are plenty of family-friendly rides, plus a wildlife section.
WhiteWater World – Gold Coast, QLD
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
The summer months are your ticket to WhiteWater World (DreamWorld’s sister park). Race your friends and family on the twisting tracks of the eight-lane BRO (a.k.a. Blue Ringed Octopus), before dropping into the pull of The Rip. Little ones will love splashing around Wiggle Bay.
Wet’n’Wild – Gold Coast, QLD
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Wet’n’Wild is an all-year-round waterslide wonderland. Enjoy a relaxing drift down the Calypso Beach lazy river or thrill yourself by being sucked into The Tornado. Venture into the darkness of the Black Hole, hurtle down the steep descent of the Kamikaze, or beat the heat in the Wave Pool.
Sea World – Gold Coast, QLD
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Only at Sea World can you meet a dolphin in the morning before hurtling down the Leviathan wooden rollercoaster in the afternoon. Their rides range from action-packed to the kid-friendly offerings in Nickelodeon Land (where children can also meet beloved TV characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer). Learn about animals at daily presentations, educational talks, and shows, or simply stroll around to say ‘g’day’ to the marine animals who call the park home.
Warner Bros. Movie World – Gold Coast, QLD
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The magic of the movies comes alive at Movie World, with jaw-dropping rides themed after iconic silver screen characters (who often walk around the park, so be sure to snap a photo with them). Zoom out of danger on the Superman Escape at speeds of 100km/h, or experience the steepest rollercoaster drop in the southern hemisphere on the Green Lantern. The whole family will love the Road Runner Rollercoaster and Wild West Falls Adventure Ride for just the right amount of thrills.
Aussie World – Sunshine Coast, QLD
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The rides at Aussie World earn two thumbs up from us. The Redback is a fan favourite with its spinning seats, while the SX360 is the tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum in Australia—launching 32 metres into the air! Sail through the air on a Ballroom Blitz chair, or strap in for a head-spinning alien encounter in the Dizzy Turners Retro Rocket.
Sugarworld Adventure Park
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Sugarworld Adventure Park is one of Cairns’ hidden delights, featuring three super slides, the Splash Town water park, and mini golf on Putt Putt Island. Race your mates on the Mat Racer, or pair up to travel down the Tandem Tube Raft Waterslide. Open during school holidays and weekends (September to April), it’s the perfect relief on a hot day.
VICTORIA
Luna Park Melbourne – St Kilda, VIC
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
From the moment you enter through its enormous face-shaped entrance, step into the carnival atmosphere at Luna Park Melbourne. It’s the best of both worlds, with rides that soar high as well as family-friendly alternatives – like dodgems and a carousel – that provide fun while keeping your feet closer to the ground. Catch the world’s oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster, The Great Scenic Railway, around the park perimeter as you look over beach and metro views.
Adventure Park Geelong – Wallington, VIC
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Adventure Park Geelong is synonymous with summer. Start with a calming trip around the Lazy River, challenge your mates on the Aqua Racer, then work your way up to extreme slides like the Tornado and Tsunami. The park also has a great range of dry rides, including the Ferris Wheel, Air Balloons, Tea Cups, and Crazy Coaster.
Gumbuya World – Tynong North, VIC
With a waterpark, rides, and a wildlife section, Gumbuya World is a treasure chest waiting to be opened. Less than 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, the Outback Explorers section is a perfect introduction to rides, before their Oz Adventure section gets your heart racing with Project Zero, TNT, and Rebel.
Funfields – Whittlesea, VIC
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Funfields creates the perfect blend of splashing and squealing. Zip down their waterslides or dive into the heated wave pool at Volcano Beach. When it’s time to switch from waterslides to rides, there are family-friendly amusements including a pirate ship ride, alpine toboggan slide, and the Dragon’s Revenge swing ride.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The BeacHouse – Glenelg, SA
Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Best known for its three indoor, heated waterslides and bumper boats, The BeacHouse also has a carousel, dodgem cars, arcade, play castle, and mini golf. This amusement centre is mere metres from the popular Jetty Road precinct and Glenelg Beach, making it a perfect addition for a day trip or Adelaide beachfront holiday. Load up with credits to enjoy more slides, rides, and games.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Luna Park Sydney – Sydney, NSW
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Perched on Sydney Harbour, there’s no doubt that Luna Park Sydney wins the award for most picturesque location. Get the best view by cruising on the Ferris Wheel or make it the backdrop to your thrills on the Big Dipper, Sledgehammer, or the (aptly named) Hair Raiser. You don’t need to travel all the way to New York City, because Luna Park Sydney also has its own Coney Island, along with many rides for little ones.
Raging Waters – Prospect, NSW
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Raging Waters has got the goods. From the children’s splash pads to intense water slides, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy, especially when the sun is shining bright. Race your friends from six storeys high on the 360Rush or get soaked on the Tantrum with its three funnels and ample airtime.
Magic Mountain – Merimbula, NSW
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Magic Mountain Merimbula is a small amusement park nestled in the Sapphire Coast, with a variety of rides and entertainment. Bring your towels for two water slides and a splash pool or stay dry and travel down the Toboggan Slide or Tube Rider. Amongst mini golf, dodgem cars, grand prix racing cars, a maze, and kid-friendly rides, experience a healthy dose of exhilaration on their rollercoaster.
Jamberoo Action Park – Curramore
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Not far from the coastal town of Kiama with its famous blowhole, you’ll find Jamberoo Action Park. Take the chairlift overhead to see just how expansive this waterpark is! Gather your family, grab a raft, and hold on tight through The Tornado and The Taipan. When you want to take it easy, chill out on Rapid River or play with the kids at Billabong Beach.
Scenic World – Katoomba, NSW
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Picture this: the world’s steepest railway and the steepest aerial cable car in the southern hemisphere, surrounded by a panorama of the beautiful Blue Mountains. Hooked yet? Take a trip on the Scenic Railway with a 52-degree incline, which earned Scenic World its place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Alternately, take the Scenic Skyway over the ravines and rainforest canopy, or ride the Scenic Cableway through the Jamison Valley to disembark beside the Scenic Walkway. If you’re feeling extra daring, try the world’s first rooftop cable car experience on the Beyond Skyway.
The Big Banana Fun Park – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Image Credit: Virgin Australia - Tourism Australia
*Waterpark seasonal opening – check their website for details
Come for a photograph with one of Australia’s famous ‘Big Things’ and stay for the activities. Get a load of this list: escape rooms, ice skating, toboggan, laser tag, hyper bumper cars, a giant slide, mini golf, 4D ride simulator, fun zone, and Duckpin bowling. Let’s not forget the seasonal waterpark either, with plenty of slides and a children’s play area.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Adventure World – Bibra Lake, WA
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Only a 15-minute drive from Fremantle, Adventure World is open seven months a year with rollercoasters and waterslides. Feel what it’s like to fly as you twirl through the air on Goliath, twist your way out of the grip of The Black Widow, or reach speeds of up to 85km/h on Abyss, Perth’s only rollercoaster. On sunny days, make the most of their fantastic waterslides.
Perth’s Outback Splash – Bullsbrook, WA
*Seasonal opening – check their website for details
Among the waterslides at Perth’s Outback Splash, you can also enjoy mazes, mini golf, and a children’s playground. See how far your raft can travel up The Wall, a huge quarter pipe slide followed by a freefall sensation, or plummet into the Blackout for a dark tunnel illuminated by light displays. Kids will love the Splash Island playground, a fun-filled, three-storey collection of slides and a giant tipping bucket.
Image Credit: Jamberoo Action Park, Tourism Australia
Make thrills the theme of your next getaway! Book your next stay online or on the G’day Parks app.
Don’t forget about G’day Rewards! For just $50 for two years, you can get a 10% discount on every stay (up to $50), plus fuel discounts and great partner deals (including 10% off with Experience Oz, who offer reduced entry prices into many Aussie amusement parks). Sign up today to start saving on your next holiday.
