Now, I’m not saying the other parks aren’t worth a visit, but if you only have the time and budget for one theme park in Goldie, make it Dreamworld & Whitewater World, one of our favourite theme parks in the world!
With over 40 rides, roller coasters and attractions, it’s Australia’s largest theme park in the Gold Coast and it’s the one park we never miss out on when we return to QLD.
Whether we visit as a couple, as a family of four, or like this visit with nanny and poppy, everyone in the family can find a ride or an attraction to enjoy.
The thing with theme parks is, visiting with kids is vastly different than going as an adult.
For one thing, the thrill rides are too scary, and so you end up spending a lot of the time looking for kid-friendly coasters or figuring out what to do with the kids while mum and dad get their adrenaline pumping.
It can either be the best day as a family, or the worst, so to make sure you have the best experience possible, we’ve written this guide on how to visit Dreamworld with kids with our tips and favourite attractions!
Kid-Friendly Attractions at Dreamworld
Dreamworld is made up 13 themed lands, called worlds, and each world has a collection of rides, animal exhibits, and shows.
Sky Voyager
Sky Voyager is a motion-program movie theater that’s the perfect first ride for your Dreamworld adventure. It’s the first flying theater experience in the Southern Hemisphere!
The experience takes you through a special “flight” over the 12 regions of Australia, and features 4D special effects such as sound, light, wind, and mist while you sit suspended in front of a giant screen.
Fantasy Worlds for the Little Kids
Both our girls loved being transported into ABC Kids World, formerly Wiggles World. Like most Aussie kids they grew up on the tunes of the Wiggles, so this was their favourite world in the park!
For a much slower pace, we jumped in with them and rode the Big Red Boat Coaster, the Big Red Planes, Dreamworld Flyer, and posed for a photo with the one-and-only Henry the octopus.
Kenny’s Forest Flyer
Without a doubt Kalyra’s favourite ride at Dreamworld was the Kenny’s Forest Flyer, formerly Escape from Madagascar Roller Coaster.
I think she rode it about eight times, with Caz and I sharing the fun. It’s a good intermediate coaster that most family members can enjoy.
Bananas in Pyjamas Carousel
The other ride Kalyra couldn’t get enough of was the Bananas in Pyjamas Carousel.
This one left mummy a little dizzy going round-and-round but your younger one’s will love it.
Dreamworld Express
Go on a scenic ride through the park on the Dreamworld Express. This is a great ride to do on your first visit as it allows you to see the whole park, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best thing to do in Dreamworld.
It’s a nice gentle activity, and particularly friendly for those with strollers or wheelchairs and cannot walk too much.
Deep Sea Dodgems
All kids love dodgems! The Deep Sea Dodgems allow kids to sit in neon sea creatures while driving in the deep ocean.
Rides for Mum and Dad at Dreamworld
Take advantage of parent swap. This is a way for mum and dad to enjoy thrill rides and be adrenaline junkies, without having to queue twice!
Essentially, one parent gets to ride the ride, while the other looks after the kids, and then the second parent gets to take over the seat without queuing again.
The Giant Drop
Sharing the same tower, but going higher into the sky, is The Giant Drop.
Caz freaked herself out on this, bit it’s the one ride I’ve yet to conquer. You all know I’m not a fan of heights, and I especially hate being suspended up high.
Climbing the SkyPoint Tower in Surfers Paradise was bad enough, but getting slowly winched 120 metres into the sky (39 storeys) and dangling up there for a minute before free-falling at the speed of gravity is not my thing.
They say it’s the closest thing to Skydiving, and I shat myself doing that in New Zealand. If you’re anything like me but find the courage to ride the Giant Drop, bring a change of underwear!
