Tower of Terror, Dreamworld courtesy Tourism Queensland
"Make sure you visit 'The Worlds'!" I advise my interstate cousin who's planning a trip to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
"The what?"
"The Worlds - Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild Water World, Sea World ... the theme parks."
In case you didn't know, Australia's largest concentration of theme parks on the Gold Coast is affectionately called 'The Worlds' by locals.
If you haven't visited any of the popular theme parks before, or it's time to discover the latest attractions and rides, we've put together a list of the major theme parks, all within an hour's drive of Brisbane.
Dreamworld
This theme park is the first one you'll see driving south on the Pacific Highway 45 minutes from Brisbane. Dreamworld has grown considerably over the years and includes dozens of rides and attractions for all ages. There's the newest scary attraction The Mummy: Tomb of a Dragon Emperor, plus the heart-stopping Giant Drop and Tower of Terror. There are plenty of rides for littlies too, or those who like a ride on the tame side. Tourists to Australia will enjoy the Australian Wildlife attraction and everyone loves the big cats on Tiger Island.
If all of that isn't enough to keep you entertained, walk next door and visit the aqua delights of WhiteWater World.
WhiteWater World
On the many warm days in Queensland, there's nothing better than flying down a waterslide and gliding into a cool pool. WhiteWater World has waterslides, a wave pool and many other ways to get wet and have fun at the same time. In winter, the water is warmed and in summer, there's plenty of shade.
You can buy a separate or combined ticket with Dreamworld entry.
Warner Bros. Movie World
Movie World is for anyone who loves the movies - and who doesn't? Take the Batman ride, get spooked with Scooby-Doo and have a 4-D movie experience of Shrek. There are stores to buy merchandise featuring your favourite flick or cartoon character. Or be part of the audience for the musical shows acted out on the streets.
Head south along the Pacific Highway (M1), 50 minutes from Brisbane.
Wet 'n' Wild Water World
Just down the road from Warner Bros. Movie World, you'll enter the watery playground of Wet 'n' Wild Water World. With twisting waterslides, pools of all shapes and sizes, dive-in movies (limited times during summer) and much more, it's popular with kids old enough to swim with confidence and teens looking for active fun. Those under 10 years can play at Buccaneer Bay but thrillseekers can tube it into the darkness of the Blackhole.
Sea World
The dolphins and marine animals of Sea World live further south at Southport (on the northern end of the Gold Coast). Sea World is famous for its amazing dolphin and waterskiing shows but the family will also love the chilled out antics of the polar bears, penguins and seals. There are rides for all ages and thrill levels but the Sea World experience focuses more on the sea and all its creatures. If you want to buy a few added extras, take a helicopter ride or pre-book one of the amazing animal adventures. These include swimming with sharks, playing with dolphins and more.
The drive from Brisbane is approximately one hour. Drive south along the M1, take the Smith Street exit and follow the signs.
Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild Water World, Warner Bros. Movie World (plus the Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country attractions) are all owned by the same company which means you can get great deals on ticket packages or accommodation specials at Sea World Resort.
If you've got energy left after visiting 'the worlds' then read what else you can do on a day trip to the Gold Coast.
