7 best theme parks in Australia with epic rides

Xperience Team
4 min read

Rollercoasters. Waterslides. Koalas. Where else but Australia can you spend your morning on a log flume and your afternoon feeding kangaroos? From the glittering Gold Coast to Victoria’s splashy playgrounds, the country’s theme parks dish up more than just thrill rides — they’re weekenders, school holiday saviours, and road trip rewards all rolled into one.

Dreamworld

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland Best for: Families and thrill-seekers

Australia’s biggest theme park serves up blockbuster rides with a side of wildlife. There’s the looping Steel Taipan, the Giant Drop for gut-testing heights, and Tiger Island for up-close big cat encounters. Add the splashy WhiteWater World next door and you've got a full-day (or two-day) adventure.

Best rides and experiences at Dreamworld:

Ride the Steel Taipan, a triple-launch coaster with a spinning rear seat.
Experience the Giant Drop, one of the tallest free-fall rides in the world.
Visit Tiger Island for daily tiger presentations.

Where to stay nearby:

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park: Cabin comfort meets family-friendly splash zones just 5 minutes from the Dreamworld gates. Park once and unwind.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort – an IHG Hotel: A resort-style escape with a lagoon pool, marina views and golf greens — ideal if you want to mix theme park days with grown-up downtime.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa: Luxe, high-rise and full of perks — pool waterfalls, beach access, and spa sessions to balance out the thrill rides.

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Warner Bros. Movie World

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland Best for: Movie buffs and coaster fans

It’s all action, all day. At “Hollywood on the Gold Coast,” ride the DC Rivals HyperCoaster (the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere), duck into Oz for a themed fantasy land, or catch stunt shows and Looney Tunes parades in between.

Best rides and experiences at Movie World:

Scream your way through the DC Rivals HyperCoaster
Explore the Wizard of Oz land — new rides and flying monkeys included
Meet superheroes and catch Hollywood-style shows

Where to stay nearby:

Paradise Country Farmstay: Cosy cabins on a working Aussie farm right next door — perfect for families chasing both movie magic and country charm.
Mantra at Sharks: Sleek and sporty with a rooftop bar and dining below. A solid base for adult travellers or footy-loving families.

Oxenford

Warner Bros. Movie World Gold Coast Tickets

9.2/10

Oxenford

AU$182

Sea World

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland Best for: Marine life lovers and families

Where else can you go from dolphin shows to thrill rides before lunch? Sea World balances fun with conservation, offering underwater viewing tunnels, jet ski stunt shows and the ever-popular Storm Coaster.

Best rides and experiences at Sea World:

Watch dolphins and seals up close
Ride the Storm Coaster for splash and speed
Visit Shark Bay or waddle through the Penguin Encounter

Where to stay nearby:

Sea World Resort: Australia’s only theme park hotel, with fast-track access, SpongeBob brekkies and dolphins on the doorstep.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort: White linen luxury on the beach, perfect for parents sneaking a staycation when they want the wild rides and the wind-downs.

Main Beach

Sea World Gold Coast Tickets

9.3/10

Main Beach

AU$182

Luna Park Sydney

Where is it? Sydney, New South Wales Best for: Harbour views and old-school charm

Sydney’s nostalgic funfair still delivers. Sitting under the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park pairs classic rides like the Wild Mouse coaster with killer views and carnival vibes. It’s smaller than the big hitters — but wins on character.

Best rides and experiences at Luna Park Sydney:

Spin slowly above Sydney Harbour on the Ferris wheel
Scream through the Wild Mouse roller coaster
Snap a selfie under the giant grinning face

Where to stay nearby:

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection: Industrial-chic and right on the water — ideal for a romantic Luna night.
Park Hyatt Sydney: If you’re splurging, do it here. Opera House views from your five-star pillow.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney: Heritage glam in the CBD, a quick ferry ride from the fun.

Image source: Adventure World

Adventure World

Where is it? Perth, Western Australia Best for: Thrill-seekers and splash-lovers

Perth’s one-stop ride and slide park is a summer favourite. The Abyss coaster is a crowd-puller, but the Kraken and Kahuna Falls are top cool-down spots when the WA sun kicks in.

Best rides and experiences at Adventure World:

Test your nerve on the Abyss — consistently rated among the best
Ride the Kraken, a spinning mega-slide
Let the little ones loose at Kahuna Falls

Where to stay nearby:

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle – by Rydges: Classic and comfy, right near Freo’s markets and cafes.
Hougoumont Hotel: Nautical-themed boutique beauty. Small on size, big on charm.
Quest Fremantle: Apartment-style stays that work for families or longer stays.

Image Source: Funfields Theme Park

Funfields Theme Park

Where is it? Whittlesea, Victoria Best for: Water ride lovers and weekend warriors

Just 40 km from Melbourne, Funfields keeps things fast, fun and splashy. From the record-breaking Gravity Wave to the lava-quiet lazy river, it’s an easy hit for families or thrill-chasing teens.

Best rides and experiences at Funfields Theme Park:

Slide the Gravity Wave — biggest, longest and tallest of its kind
Drift through the Lava Lagoon
Let younger kids loose in Mystic Kingdom

Where to stay nearby:

Mantra Epping: Modern, comfy and just a short hop from splash town.
Best Western Mill Park Motel: No-frills and fuss-free — easy if you’re in and out.

Gumbuya World Theme Park

Where is it? Tynong, Victoria

Best for: Families and wildlife enthusiasts

This one’s a triple threat: rides, waterslides and native animals all in one spot. About 50 minutes from Melbourne, Gumbuya World is a hit with day-trippers who want variety (and a wombat).

Best rides and experiences at Gumbaya World Theme Park:

Cool off in Oasis Springs with waterslides and wave pools
Hand-feed kangaroos and emus on the Wildlife Trail
Ride the Rebel or cruise the Outback Explorer log flume

Where to stay nearby:

Mercure Pakenham: Brand-new and just down the road. Comfy beds, hot showers, no worries.
Comfort Inn & Suites Warragul: Country views and enough room to stretch out after a theme park day.

Ready to ride all the rides at Australia’s top theme parks? 

At Traveloka, we can help you get theme park tickets, accommodation, flights and car hire so you can have an epic holiday. 

In This Article

• Dreamworld
• Best rides and experiences at Dreamworld:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Warner Bros. Movie World
• Best rides and experiences at Movie World:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Sea World
• Best rides and experiences at Sea World:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Luna Park Sydney
• Best rides and experiences at Luna Park Sydney:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Adventure World
• Best rides and experiences at Adventure World:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Funfields Theme Park
• Best rides and experiences at Funfields Theme Park:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Gumbuya World Theme Park
• Best rides and experiences at Gumbaya World Theme Park:
• Where to stay nearby:
• Ready to ride all the rides at Australia’s top theme parks? 
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