[article] Aussie theme parks that are out of this world
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:08 pm
Aussie theme parks that are out of this world
Scott Podmore, November 27, 2009
WHAT do the Tower of Terror, the Batwing and Surfrider have in common?
They all have the ability to magically turn your knuckles white, that’s what – and almost give you a heart attack in the process. But don’t let that stop you.
Welcome to ‘‘the world’’ of thrill rides, folks, the ultimate adventure theme parks on the Gold Coast where adrenalin junkies unite as one and families throw diets, caution and the real world out the window.
Our adventure worlds and famous zoo on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are undoubtedly up there with the best on the planet and it was my family’s mission to test drive them all – Warner Bros Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, WhiteWater World, Underwater World, Australia Zoo and Australian Outback Spectacular 2.
With wife, son, 7, and daughter, 5, in tow, we set off like the Griswolds with the sole aim to have fun, find out what’s new and tell the rest of Australia all about it.
SEA WORLD
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
Thrill factor: 7.5
The lowdown: Sea World is an oldie but a goodie and the type of theme park you could take Grandma to. It’s easy to navigate, with a monorail link moving around the perimeter of the venue every 15 minutes, stopping off at key points including the excellent Sea World Resort and its first-rate accommodation, facilities and restaurants.
The beauty of this place is you can take a breather from the wild rides such as the exhilarating Jet Rescue, Bermuda Triangle (gentle enough for little ones but still a buzz) and the Corkscrew, which has had a recent makeover.
A newcomer to Sea World is the exciting Sea Viper coaster, with low-profile carriages and triple loop-the-loop track. Check out some wonderful water creatures, including the spiritual experience that comes with swimming with the dolphins, come face to face with sharks and stingrays at Shark Bay and visit Australia’s only resident polar bears.
Details: Sea World, Sea World Drive, Main Beach. Check out the Endless Summer Pass – for $99.95 for adults and $74.95 for kids, an Endless Summer Pass gives you a choice of two parks, either Movie World, Sea World or Wet’n’Wild, unlimited, until June 30 next year.
WARNER BROS MOVIE WORLD
Overall: 8
Thrill factor: 9
The lowdown: As the catch-cry says, this place is ‘‘Hollywood on the Gold Coast’’, with movie characters such as Shrek and Batman roaming the grounds for photos with the kids, some seriously extreme rides, junk food galore and loads of little shops for emptying your wallet.
Catch an action-packed and humorous half-hour stuntman show called Hollywood Stunt Driver, experience a 4DShrek short film (beware sneezing donkeys!) and, for the little ones, take some time out at Kids WBFun Zone, where all the Looney Tunes favourites hang out.
As for the big bangers, brace yourself for some wickedly delicious adventure rides. Almost lose your head when launching to the clouds in the Batwing Spaceshot, and close your eyes and pray when hitting the pulse-racing roller-coasters including Superman Escape, Lethal Weapon and Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster.
A word of advice for families with young children: Make sure you previsit these theme parks online to check the height restrictions which vary from 90cm to 125cm.
Details: Warner Bros Movie World, Pacific Highway, Oxenford. Endless Summer Pass is worth the spend.
WET’N’WILD WATER WORLD
Overall: 7
Thrill factor: 7.5
The lowdown: Right next door to Movie World, Wet’n’Wild is a super place to cool off and offers a great mix of chill and thrill zones. For time out, head to the Giant Wave Pool – which also features an outdoor movie screen where you can relax in the water while catching a flick at night – or to Buccaneer Bay and Calypso Beach.
There are cabanas near the Giant Wave Pool, which you pre-book, and are a handy base. Once you muster enough courage to tackle the sky-high super rides, show some blind faith in the spooky Black Hole (basically fly along a tunnel in pitch dark), hang loose on the Surfrider and drop down a giant funnel in a clover-leaf tube on the Tornado.
The Mach 5 boasts two of the longest water slides on the planet and is good for a whirl. For something not so extreme but still exhilarating, jump in a giant tube and whiz down Mammoth Falls – a big hit with the kids.
Details: Wet’n’Wild Water World, Pacific Highway, Oxenford. One of the big three offering the excellent value Endless Summer Pass.
DREAMWORLD
Overall: 9
Thrill factor: 9.5
The lowdown: And the winner is: Dreamworld. Yes, this family favourite has been offering thrills and spills for 28 years and stands out as the pick of the bunch for my family. For sheer adrenalin rush, this park boasts the Big 6: six of the most exhilarating rides you’ll ever experience including the mighty Tower of Terror, in which you rocket up a 100m track to the sky in seven seconds before freefalling again.
The Wipeout will have you twisting head over heels and 360 degrees, The Giant Drop is attached to the same structure as the Tower of Terror and dumps you 120m in five seconds, Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster has you zipping around at speeds of 72km/h and the lethal Claw swings 240 degrees through nine storeys.
Put yourself in the driver’s seat in V8 Supercars Redline experience and splash out on the Florider for a virtual surf. Nikelodeon Central and the Wiggles World offers hours of fun for more timid little ones and the Australian Wildlife Experience gives you the chance to cuddle a koala and feed kangaroos.
A visit to Tiger Island is well worth it too. A mighty drawcard is the amazing Q4U, a virtual queuing system which you rent for about $30. This new feature allows you to book your spot on one of the big rides via the gadget, go off and have a feed or see something else and it will buzz you when it’s your turn to go on the ride – which basically means you’ll get about 10 or 12 rides rather than four or five.
Details: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera. Check out the pass options – a Platinum world pass which gives you unlimited entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for two years, and a two-day World Pass.
WHITEWATER WORLD
Overall: 7.5
Thrill factor: 7.5
The lowdown: Sister world to Dreamworld and part of the same complex – just a gate divides them – WhiteWater World is fantastic for a splash, some R&R or some slippery big rides. Much like Wet’n’Wild, WhiteWater World is a wonderful, diverse park offering something for everyone.
Spongebob Pipeline Plunge is a central water park full of action for the kids and is the ideal place to set up camp and dart off for some thrill rides. Highlights included getting caught in The Rip and sucked down the world’s biggest whirlpool, BRO (Blue Ringed Octopus) for a wet and speedy ride while The Little Rippers and Temple of Huey are perfect for continuous waterslide action.
Get ready to go green after Boxing Day when WhiteWater World brings back the smash hit Slime Fest. SpongeBob SquarePants and his Nickelodeon mates put on a show including crazy kid-friendly games, live music and the nation’s only Mass Sliming.
Details: WhiteWater World, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera. Pass options are a Platinum world pass which gives you unlimited entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for two years, and there’s a two-day World Pass.
AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR 2
Overall: 8
Thrill factor: 8
The lowdown: This evening dinner show tribute to Australia’s famous Light Horse is an evening we certainly will never forget. Titled Heroes Of The Light Horse, it retells the inspirational true story with a cast of characters, impressive horses, some great special effects and a three-course meal that will have your belt popping.
Just wait until you see how cleverly the staff, dressed as cowgirls and cowboys, whip through serving 1000 people drinks, entrees, dinner and dessert – pavlova, of course.
Details: Australian Outback Spectacular 2: Heroes Of The Light Horse, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. Ph 133 386.
UNDERWATER WORLD
Overall: 6
Thrill factor: 6.5
The lowdown: While not in the same league as the other two water parks, Underwater World in Mooloolaba is more aquarium than adventure park and can easily be done in a few hours.
Wander through and discover thousands of marine and freshwater animals such as giant sharks, stingrays and tropical reef fish and one of the highlights is watching a shark-feeding session from the 80m transparent tunnel in the Oceanarium.
Watch a seal show – beware naughty seals stealing board shorts – and score a kiss from one of the slippery residents. There’s also the opportunity for fearless folk to swim with the sharks and there’s a nifty little shop for wandering through before you leave.
Details: Underwater World, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba.
AUSTRALIA ZOO
Overall: 9
Thrill factor: 9
The lowdown: Most of us know the story about the late Steve Irwin, but you really have to visit the home of the Crocodile Hunter to truly appreciate what it’s all about – a place where passionate conservationists work hard to deliver one of the most amazing animal experiences in Australia in their bid to also educate the world.
There’s no shortage of great wildlife shows including the Wildlife Warriors for a thrilling demonstration of crocodiles feeding and special performances by elephants, snakes and bird life. Be a part of elephant feeding time, check out the talented tigers in the Tiger Temple and basically wander around meeting everything from cheeky wombats and giant tortoises to dingoes and kangaroos.
A must-do experience is an animal encounter where you get up close and personal with koalas, baby alligators, echidnas, possums and elephants.
Details: Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast.
Check out the 2-Day Wild Pass or the annual Zoo Membership option.
Scott Podmore was a guest of Tourism Queensland.
Scott Podmore, November 27, 2009
WHAT do the Tower of Terror, the Batwing and Surfrider have in common?
They all have the ability to magically turn your knuckles white, that’s what – and almost give you a heart attack in the process. But don’t let that stop you.
Welcome to ‘‘the world’’ of thrill rides, folks, the ultimate adventure theme parks on the Gold Coast where adrenalin junkies unite as one and families throw diets, caution and the real world out the window.
Our adventure worlds and famous zoo on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are undoubtedly up there with the best on the planet and it was my family’s mission to test drive them all – Warner Bros Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, WhiteWater World, Underwater World, Australia Zoo and Australian Outback Spectacular 2.
With wife, son, 7, and daughter, 5, in tow, we set off like the Griswolds with the sole aim to have fun, find out what’s new and tell the rest of Australia all about it.
SEA WORLD
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
Thrill factor: 7.5
The lowdown: Sea World is an oldie but a goodie and the type of theme park you could take Grandma to. It’s easy to navigate, with a monorail link moving around the perimeter of the venue every 15 minutes, stopping off at key points including the excellent Sea World Resort and its first-rate accommodation, facilities and restaurants.
The beauty of this place is you can take a breather from the wild rides such as the exhilarating Jet Rescue, Bermuda Triangle (gentle enough for little ones but still a buzz) and the Corkscrew, which has had a recent makeover.
A newcomer to Sea World is the exciting Sea Viper coaster, with low-profile carriages and triple loop-the-loop track. Check out some wonderful water creatures, including the spiritual experience that comes with swimming with the dolphins, come face to face with sharks and stingrays at Shark Bay and visit Australia’s only resident polar bears.
Details: Sea World, Sea World Drive, Main Beach. Check out the Endless Summer Pass – for $99.95 for adults and $74.95 for kids, an Endless Summer Pass gives you a choice of two parks, either Movie World, Sea World or Wet’n’Wild, unlimited, until June 30 next year.
WARNER BROS MOVIE WORLD
Overall: 8
Thrill factor: 9
The lowdown: As the catch-cry says, this place is ‘‘Hollywood on the Gold Coast’’, with movie characters such as Shrek and Batman roaming the grounds for photos with the kids, some seriously extreme rides, junk food galore and loads of little shops for emptying your wallet.
Catch an action-packed and humorous half-hour stuntman show called Hollywood Stunt Driver, experience a 4DShrek short film (beware sneezing donkeys!) and, for the little ones, take some time out at Kids WBFun Zone, where all the Looney Tunes favourites hang out.
As for the big bangers, brace yourself for some wickedly delicious adventure rides. Almost lose your head when launching to the clouds in the Batwing Spaceshot, and close your eyes and pray when hitting the pulse-racing roller-coasters including Superman Escape, Lethal Weapon and Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster.
A word of advice for families with young children: Make sure you previsit these theme parks online to check the height restrictions which vary from 90cm to 125cm.
Details: Warner Bros Movie World, Pacific Highway, Oxenford. Endless Summer Pass is worth the spend.
WET’N’WILD WATER WORLD
Overall: 7
Thrill factor: 7.5
The lowdown: Right next door to Movie World, Wet’n’Wild is a super place to cool off and offers a great mix of chill and thrill zones. For time out, head to the Giant Wave Pool – which also features an outdoor movie screen where you can relax in the water while catching a flick at night – or to Buccaneer Bay and Calypso Beach.
There are cabanas near the Giant Wave Pool, which you pre-book, and are a handy base. Once you muster enough courage to tackle the sky-high super rides, show some blind faith in the spooky Black Hole (basically fly along a tunnel in pitch dark), hang loose on the Surfrider and drop down a giant funnel in a clover-leaf tube on the Tornado.
The Mach 5 boasts two of the longest water slides on the planet and is good for a whirl. For something not so extreme but still exhilarating, jump in a giant tube and whiz down Mammoth Falls – a big hit with the kids.
Details: Wet’n’Wild Water World, Pacific Highway, Oxenford. One of the big three offering the excellent value Endless Summer Pass.
DREAMWORLD
Overall: 9
Thrill factor: 9.5
The lowdown: And the winner is: Dreamworld. Yes, this family favourite has been offering thrills and spills for 28 years and stands out as the pick of the bunch for my family. For sheer adrenalin rush, this park boasts the Big 6: six of the most exhilarating rides you’ll ever experience including the mighty Tower of Terror, in which you rocket up a 100m track to the sky in seven seconds before freefalling again.
The Wipeout will have you twisting head over heels and 360 degrees, The Giant Drop is attached to the same structure as the Tower of Terror and dumps you 120m in five seconds, Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster has you zipping around at speeds of 72km/h and the lethal Claw swings 240 degrees through nine storeys.
Put yourself in the driver’s seat in V8 Supercars Redline experience and splash out on the Florider for a virtual surf. Nikelodeon Central and the Wiggles World offers hours of fun for more timid little ones and the Australian Wildlife Experience gives you the chance to cuddle a koala and feed kangaroos.
A visit to Tiger Island is well worth it too. A mighty drawcard is the amazing Q4U, a virtual queuing system which you rent for about $30. This new feature allows you to book your spot on one of the big rides via the gadget, go off and have a feed or see something else and it will buzz you when it’s your turn to go on the ride – which basically means you’ll get about 10 or 12 rides rather than four or five.
Details: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera. Check out the pass options – a Platinum world pass which gives you unlimited entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for two years, and a two-day World Pass.
WHITEWATER WORLD
Overall: 7.5
Thrill factor: 7.5
The lowdown: Sister world to Dreamworld and part of the same complex – just a gate divides them – WhiteWater World is fantastic for a splash, some R&R or some slippery big rides. Much like Wet’n’Wild, WhiteWater World is a wonderful, diverse park offering something for everyone.
Spongebob Pipeline Plunge is a central water park full of action for the kids and is the ideal place to set up camp and dart off for some thrill rides. Highlights included getting caught in The Rip and sucked down the world’s biggest whirlpool, BRO (Blue Ringed Octopus) for a wet and speedy ride while The Little Rippers and Temple of Huey are perfect for continuous waterslide action.
Get ready to go green after Boxing Day when WhiteWater World brings back the smash hit Slime Fest. SpongeBob SquarePants and his Nickelodeon mates put on a show including crazy kid-friendly games, live music and the nation’s only Mass Sliming.
Details: WhiteWater World, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera. Pass options are a Platinum world pass which gives you unlimited entry to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for two years, and there’s a two-day World Pass.
AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR 2
Overall: 8
Thrill factor: 8
The lowdown: This evening dinner show tribute to Australia’s famous Light Horse is an evening we certainly will never forget. Titled Heroes Of The Light Horse, it retells the inspirational true story with a cast of characters, impressive horses, some great special effects and a three-course meal that will have your belt popping.
Just wait until you see how cleverly the staff, dressed as cowgirls and cowboys, whip through serving 1000 people drinks, entrees, dinner and dessert – pavlova, of course.
Details: Australian Outback Spectacular 2: Heroes Of The Light Horse, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. Ph 133 386.
UNDERWATER WORLD
Overall: 6
Thrill factor: 6.5
The lowdown: While not in the same league as the other two water parks, Underwater World in Mooloolaba is more aquarium than adventure park and can easily be done in a few hours.
Wander through and discover thousands of marine and freshwater animals such as giant sharks, stingrays and tropical reef fish and one of the highlights is watching a shark-feeding session from the 80m transparent tunnel in the Oceanarium.
Watch a seal show – beware naughty seals stealing board shorts – and score a kiss from one of the slippery residents. There’s also the opportunity for fearless folk to swim with the sharks and there’s a nifty little shop for wandering through before you leave.
Details: Underwater World, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba.
AUSTRALIA ZOO
Overall: 9
Thrill factor: 9
The lowdown: Most of us know the story about the late Steve Irwin, but you really have to visit the home of the Crocodile Hunter to truly appreciate what it’s all about – a place where passionate conservationists work hard to deliver one of the most amazing animal experiences in Australia in their bid to also educate the world.
There’s no shortage of great wildlife shows including the Wildlife Warriors for a thrilling demonstration of crocodiles feeding and special performances by elephants, snakes and bird life. Be a part of elephant feeding time, check out the talented tigers in the Tiger Temple and basically wander around meeting everything from cheeky wombats and giant tortoises to dingoes and kangaroos.
A must-do experience is an animal encounter where you get up close and personal with koalas, baby alligators, echidnas, possums and elephants.
Details: Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast.
Check out the 2-Day Wild Pass or the annual Zoo Membership option.
Scott Podmore was a guest of Tourism Queensland.
