Are you planning an early 2022 family holiday? How about heading to Gold Coast this time? The Gold Coast attracts families primarily because of its beautiful fine sand beaches and numerous attractions you wouldn't want to miss.
Here's a list of 5 family-friendly spots that are sure to thrill both children and adults.
Sea World
Sea World, located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, is Australia's premier marine animal attraction. Did you know that Sea World recently reached a significant milestone? Sea World officially opened its doors on October 30, 1971, and welcomed its first visitors.
Yes, Australia's favourite family theme park has been delighting visitors for more than 50 years. Make sure to include Sea World in your itinerary and take advantage of the park's rides, animal exhibits, and other attractions.
Rides & Precincts
There are a total of 18 rides at Sea World. If you're unsure which ride to choose, consider the three adrenaline levels: mild, moderate, and maximum. Mild thrill rides are family-friendly and will be enjoyed by all. There's Dora the Explorer's Fiesta Carousel, SpongeBob's Boating School Blast, Boots' Banana Boogie, and Castaway Bay Battle Boats.
Moderate rides like Donatello's Ninja Flyers are family-friendly but better suited to older children. This ride features six hang glider-style vehicles, and passengers have complete control as they swoop and fly through the sky while pedalling. The Castaway Bay – Sky Climb and Castaway Bay – Sky Fortress, both located in the Castaway Bay area, provide a moderate thrill.
Rides like Storm Coaster, an incredible coaster and Sea World's largest thrill attraction, are included in the last category of maximum thrill. Another is Vortex, an exhilarating high-speed rollercoaster that spirals 18 meters above sea level within the new Atlantis precinct.
Exhibits
Without the animals, Sea World would not be a marine wildlife park. Take the opportunity and visit the animal exhibitions if you want to see them up close. Sea World includes nine exhibitions divided into two categories: indoor and outdoor.
- Penguin Encounter
- Penguin Point
- Polar Bear Shores
- Ray Reef
- Sandy Shores Lagoon
- Sea Jellies Illuminated
- Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary
- Seal Harbour
- Shark Bay
Animal Adventures
If the exhibit doesn't satisfy your desire for a close encounter, schedule one of Sea World's 12 Animal Adventures, separated into two categories: water-based animal adventures and land-based animal adventures.
Water-Based Animal Adventure
- Dolphin Aqua Adventure
- Child Dolphin Couple
- Adventure Dolphin Deep Water
- Adventure Dolphin Family Adventure
- Meet the Dolphin
- Seal Aqua Adventure
- Shark Bay Discovery
- Tropical Reef Snorkel
Land-Based Animal Adventure
- Behind The Scenes
- Polar Bear Shores
- Marine Rescue Ranger
- Penguin Antarctic Adventure
- Seal Encounter
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Ripley's is well-known worldwide, and everyone knows what to expect when they visit this odditorium. Have you ever been to one? Whether you've been to one or not, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise has a lot to offer.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is where you can find out what's true and what's not. The odditorium has two floors, with 12 galleries and around 300 exhibits. There are also four brand-new galleries and never-before-seen displays in addition to the antiquities and strange stuff.
Go beyond and embark on a strange journey across space. In this fantastic interactive, you can feel the effects of space travel on the human body even meet a life-size recreation of R2-D2 from a galaxy far, far away.
Visit the Funplex, a hands-on interactive gallery with dozens of optical illusions, interactive and sensory experiences. Then go to the new art gallery that is unlike any other. You won't believe the incredible components and visual illusions in this one.
Ripley's 7D Moving Theatre
If you're going to the odditorium, don't miss out on Ripley's 7D Moving Theatre. Carnival, Los Banditos, Neon Ninja, Robot Riot, Werewolves and Zombies are among the six high-impact 3D films available at the state-of-the-art theatre. You will be able to experience everything while watching. You'll even have the opportunity to compete with your seatmates.
Don't you believe it? You better do. Ripley's Moving Theatre 7D is a fantastic multi-sensory adventure. You must fasten your seatbelts, put on your protective gear, and prepare to aim, point, and zap your way to victory. The mission depends on the film you select.
Los Banditos will take you on a wild, wild west adventure. Also, prepare to pursue a crazed scientist bent on wreaking havoc. It would help if you were quick to beat his cowboy army and catch him in this 3D flick, which features wagons, railroads, and river rafts.
You'll visit London in Werewolves, home to Big Ben and the Crown Jewels. You'll combat these ferocious creatures that are hunting you in this turn-of-the-century nightmare. Before it's too late, track down their creator and eliminate him!
INFINITY Attraction
The ultimate Gold Coast attraction is a must-see. INFINITY is a one-of-a-kind, mind-blowing 30-minute adventure through breathtaking, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder. The attraction features 20 multi-sensory worlds with one-of-a-kind spectacular effects, expressive atmospheric sound fields, seductive fragrances, ultra-groovy music, and incredible illusions that seem to last forever. Don't worry; this walk-through experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone over eight.
Quack'rDuck
Quack'rDuck may not be a tourist attraction, but if you board, you'll get a taste of the Gold Coast. The ride will take you to Gold Coast’s stunning natural beauty on land and water. The Quack'rDuck is a modern amphibious vehicle that is also environmentally friendly. It'll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the entire family.
Book a Main Beach Family Accommodation
Are you all set to visit the Gold Coast? At Ocean Sands Resort, you can stay with your family on Main Beach. The resort provides Main Beach 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments that are spacious and fully furnished, with balconies overlooking the Broadwater, Marina, or Hinterland.
Here you can find and reserve Ocean Sands Resort accommodation.