What’s on at the Gold Coast theme parks this Summer

Get set for an epic summer at the Gold Coast theme parks this summer. With the school year wrapping up and the school holidays set to begin, families are in for an action packed summer full of activities to keep the kids entertained and the boredom at bay.

Our summer holiday guide sets out what’s on at all the Gold Coast theme parks during the school break from enriching activities with wildlife to kids entertainment, new rollercoasters taking you to dizzying heights and water parks to cool off at. Here we will break down what is happening at each theme park and how you can get more bang for your buck this summer with our discounted theme park passes.

The much anticipated ‘Steel Taipan’ rollercoaster is now open at Dreamworld. Riders of the ‘Steel Taipan’ can expect 1.2km of twists, turns and a heart-racing triple launch system that will send you forwards, backwards and then launch you around the track at a top speed of 105km/h. If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, the spinning gondola fitted on the rear of the rollercoaster train moves independently and can spin 360 degrees as you navigate the ride.

Dreamworld guests will also be treated to a mystifying show by Consentino, The Grand Illusionist this summer. Performing twice a day from December 27 to 9 January, Consentino will help you and your family make this summer magical. Entry to the brand new show is FREE with your Dreamworld entry giving guests even more value for money with one of our Dreamworld passes.

Annual pass holders can also soak up the sun and cool off at WhiteWater World and reunite with family and friends at the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

It’s all happening at Movie World this December with White Christmas returning for another year. The festive season is back in full swing with an evening of Christmas themed entertainment and a special appearance from Santa. Village Roadshow Locals One Pass holders are eligible for one free entry ticket to White Christmas but get in quick because tickets are likely to sell out.

This December, Movie World will also unveil a brand new WB Studio Showcase - Batman Legacy. This is the largest exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere featuring a collection of authentic and replica costumes, cars and props from the famous Batman cinematic universe and entry is included in all Movie World passes.

If you haven’t purchased your Movie World passes already, our 3 day pass is great value giving you entry to Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild over 3 consecutive days plus a bonus all day Gold Coast ferry pass while our 7 day pass includes unlimited entry to 3 parks plus Paradise Country.

For heart-racing rollercoasters and the famous Hollywood Stunt Driver Show, Streets Star Parade and Yogi Bear 4D Experience, Movie World guarantees endless hours of fun for the whole family these school holidays.

Summer just got more exciting with the announcement that Wet ‘n’ Wild will have four new attractions from December 10. Ride solo on Kaboom, a zero gravity water slide or race your friends on the side by side body racer called Super Ripper. The tower also hosts the Double Barrel, a raft slide that you can ride with your mates before splashing down and unwinding at H20asis.

Guests with Wet ‘n’ Wild passes can also enjoy endless summer nights with the Dive ‘n’ Movies schedule every night from December 27 to January 16. Hire a tube and float away as a lineup of family movies kick off from 5.30 pm every evening. All slides will remain open until 8 pm for those who wish to enjoy a few extra rides.

Sea World is Australia’s premier marine park with a wide array of marine creatures, rides and animal presentations that you don’t want to miss. If it’s been a few years since you’ve last visited Sea World, then you’ve likely missed out on experiencing ‘The New Atlantis’ precinct. Stop by this summer to take a ride on The Vortex or jump on the family favourites such as the Storm Coaster and Jet Rescue Coaster blasting you around the park.

Kids can also enjoy a personal meet and greet with some of their favourite Nickelodeon characters, Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol and Mermaids in between viewing the must-see Affinity Dolphin presentation and iconic Thunder Lake Stunt Show centred around the Sea World Lake. Purchase our great value 3 day, 7 day or 14 day Sea World Passes and you’ll also receive entry to Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild this summer so you can visit all Village Roadshow theme parks this summer.

Want to treat the kids to an authentic farm experience this summer without travelling too far? Paradise Country on the Gold Coast is the answer. The wildlife park nestled behind Movie World and Australian Outback Spectacular is home to some gorgeous farm animals and Australiana themed shows that demonstrate life on the farm. If you visit on selected days, you can even enjoy breakfast with the koalas.

Little ones will love the Shawn the Sheep show while there are also plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas and farmyard nursery animals. Paradise Country also has some exciting new animal exhibits showcasing possums, meerkat and marmoset monkeys. All our 7 day and 14 day Village Roadshow theme park passes currently include entry to Paradise Country as well as access to Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild so you can enjoy the best of all worlds.

If your child really loves animals, you may want to sign them up for the ‘Save A Mate Ranger For A Day’ school holiday program where they’ll get to go behind the scenes shadowing an animal keeper for the day helping with all important duties such as animal feeding and enrichment activities plus lunch at the Farmhouse Restaurant. Extra fees apply for this program which has been tailored specifically for kids aged 6 - 13 years. Each child will also receive a free koala photo and save a mate cap.

To view all our Gold Coast theme parks passes on sale at the moment, click here to kickstart all your summer holiday adventures.