There's a reason why Dreamworld has long remained a favourite destination for holiday-makers since its opening in 1981. As Australia's largest theme park, with over 50 rides and attractions on offer, it truly does have something to satisfy everyone.
The beauty of Dreamworld is you can make the experience into anything you want it to be. For families, it's a fun day out exploring ABC KIDS World, The Dreamworks Experience or taking in a show with some of the kids favourite on screen characters. It's also a thrill-seekers paradise, boasting some of the biggest, fastest and scariest theme park attractions in the world. Let's not forget the animal lovers too - they'll relish the chance to get up-close and personal with the world's largest interactive tiger facility or get hands on in one of the other five Dreamworld Wildlife encounters on offer.
No matter how you decide to spend your day at Dreamworld, you can be assured you'll leave sated and exhilarated with a myriad of memories you'll remember fondly for years to come.
The Essentials
- Country: Australia
- Currency: Australian Dollar
Gold Coast Weather | |
| Temperature (avg °C) | Rainfall (max mm) |
| J - 28.7 | J - 136.6 |
| F - 28.6 | F - 172.3 |
| M - 27.8 | M - 110.8 |
| A - 25.9 | A - 134.3 |
| M - 23.5 | M - 111.8 |
| J - 21.3 | J - 111.7 |
| J - 21.1 | J - 50.1 |
| A - 21.9 | A - 61.4 |
| S - 23.9 | S - 44.3 |
| O - 25.4 | O - 88.6 |
| N - 26.8 | N - 117.5 |
| D - 27.8 | D - 136.2 |
Getting There
Situated in South East Queensland, Dreamworld is conveniently located just off the M1 Motorway (Exit 54) at the northern end of the Gold Coast. It's a 25 minute trip (24.1km) by car from the heart of holiday hot spot Surfers Paradise and a 40 minute drive (48kms) from the nearest capital city, Brisbane.
Alternatively, there are a host of public transport options available. Trains on the Gold Coast Line run between Brisbane and Robina and patrons can alight at Coomera Station for Dreamworld. Surfside Buslines operate connecting coach services between the station and the theme park and also have three dedicated bus routes (720, TX1, TX3) which will deliver you directly to Dreamworld.
Pick up a public transport timetable from your accommodation or contact Translink via their website or phone on 13 12 30 to pre-plan your journey prior to departure.
Flight information
- Average flight time: From Sydney, 1 hour and 20 minutes while flights travelling Melbourne to Coolangatta Airport are 2 hours and 5 minutes in duration.
- Daily flights run from: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Newcastle, Auckland to Coolangatta Airport.
- Major airlines: Flying directly into Coolangatta Airport, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, Tigerair and Air New Zealand.
Getting Around
While the park is spread over 85 hectares, Dreamworld can easily be covered on foot in one day if that's all the time you have. However, to make the most of every attraction (and in case of long queues) allow yourself three days so you don't have to rush between rides. This also gives you the chance to take in the shows on offer or schedule in a wildlife experience.
Every second Saturday the shiny red steam train, the Dreamworld Express, gets fired up and runs throughout the park. Stopping at three stations, it acts as another option to see the park in its entirety.
For guests with pre-existing medical conditions, injuries or disabilities Dreamworld recommends they visit the First Aid Clinic (located at Dreamworld Entry building) upon arrival. They can then advise which attractions can be undertaken safely and help plan their day.
Did you know ...? The area was originally known as the South Coast, until given the moniker of the "Gold Coast" in the 1950's thanks to the post WWII real estate boom. The Queensland State Government officially changed its name to the city of the Gold Coast in 1959.
Where To Stay
Prepare to be impressed with the wide variety of accommodation options available on the Gold Coast, with something to suit all budgets. The most prominent holiday hotspots include the famed Surfers Paradise precinct and the popular ocean-side suburb of Broadbeach.
With Dreamworld a 28 minute drive (25.1km) from Surfers Paradise and a 29 minute drive (30.1km) from Broadbeach getting to the theme park by car is the fastest option. Alternatively buses run directly from Surfers and Broadbeach, with an travel time between 39 - 57 minutes. Many hotels also offer tour transfers to Dreamworld so it's worth exploring this avenue of transport as another option.
Our top picks
Mantra Crown Towers
Offering one, two and three bedroom apartments, this is a great family-friendly staying option. Along with comfy rooms, the kids will go crazy with excitement over the children's pirate ship and waterslide play area, complete with its own sandy beach and water fountains. There's also a games room and playground to enjoy, as well as a Kids Club. Parents can choose to de-stress at the onsite gym or day spa or take a dip in one of the three pools in the complex. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Dreamworld is a 25 minute (24.1km) trip by car.
Mantra Sun City
You'll relish the chance to relax in this luxurious, Aztec inspired accommodation situated 25 minutes (23.8km) by car from Dreamworld. The outdoors beckon with a 35-metre saltwater lagoon pool, heated spas, plunge pool and dual waterslides, which promise plenty of fun for everyone. Only a block back from the famed golden beaches of Surfers Paradise, and within easy walking distance of popular dining and shopping precinct Cavill Avenue, all ages will enjoy what's on offer both within the resort and beyond.
Breakfree Peninsula
Parents can relax in comfort while their children busy themselves on the playground facilities or take a dip in the kids pool. And when it's their turn for fun, the adults can opt to hit the tennis courts or gym or take a swim in one of the other three pools located onsite. Offering affordable accommodation and complimentary car parking in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Breakfree Peninsula is a 28 minute (26.7km) trip by car to Dreamworld.
Surfers Aquarius
Absolute beachfront apartments are on offer, along with a superb array of outdoor activities for every member of the family to enjoy. With squash and tennis courts, a gym, putting green and heated indoor and outdoor pools for your year round comfort, as well as a kids wading pool and play area, the whole family will be spoiled for choice what they'll do first! Surfers Aquarius is in the beachside suburb of Broadbeach and is 29 minutes (26.9km) from Dreamworld.
Where To Eat And Drink
There's something to satisfy every palate with 16 dining options to choose from at Dreamworld. Whether you're craving a churro or ice-cream, a healthy treat from Boost Juice, or perhaps want to relax in air-conditioned comfort at Billabong Buffet Restaurant or the newly opened Grid Burgers and Sports Bar, your taste buds will be spoiled for choice!
Our top picks
Market Place
Main Street, adjacent to Park exit
Casual dining options for the whole family can be found in Dreamworld's Market Place. Stop for a sandwich, burger or salad in air-conditioned comfort or opt to take your food alfresco and eat under the umbrellas on Dreamworld's bustling Main Street. Afterwards, satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from Krispy Kreme Donuts or Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Grid Burgers and Sports Bar
Ocean Parade
Enjoy feasting on gourmet burgers, modern New York-style bites and sliders and wash it down with ice cold craft beer as you overlook the amazing collection of cars and memorabilia amassed in tribute to the late, great Peter Brock. This motorsports themed eatery is a must see for all sports enthusiasts!
Shopping
Ensure your memories live on long after you leave by picking up a souvenir to encapsulate the magic of your day at Dreamworld. With 21 merchandise shops to choose from selling everything from fridge magnets to the latest on trend surf-wear there will be something for everyone to take home as a treasured memento.
Don't forget to purchase a copy of the professional photos snapped while you're taking on the theme park's most thrilling rides, when having a meet and greet with the wildlife or with one of our special park guests such as Dorothy the Dinosaur or the crazy characters from Madagascar.
Our top picks
Main Street Emporium
Guests won't be able to go past the Main Street Emporium (located near Ocean Parade) without popping in and stocking up on gifts. Featuring all the theme park merchandise and souvenirs you could want in one convenient location, this is your one one-stop-shop for all your Dreamworld related goodies.
ABC KIDS WORLD Shop
ABC KIDS fans will be in heaven when they spy the wide array of enticing goods on offer. From DVDs, CDs, toys, books and more there's so much to tempt the young (and young at heart!), with items from family favourites such as The Wiggles, Playschool, Bananas in Pyjamas and more.
Special Events
For the nocturnal thrill seeker, "Screamworld" runs six times a year and provides action aplenty for those seeking after-dark theme park adventures. Enjoy all the excitement of the "Big 9" rides under lights and face off against the undead in the Zombie Evilution Laser Tag.
Top attractions
Tower of Terror II
Famous for being the first ride in the world to break the 100 mile per hour barrier, the Tower of Terror II is an adrenaline junkie's dream. Recently re-imagined in 2010 after its 1996 inception, you now rocket your way backwards toward the sky at speeds of up to 161kilometers per hour and thrust 100 metres in the air. From here you'll experiencing several seconds of white knuckle weightlessness before being propelled face first at high speed back to earth.
Big Red Car Ride
Little Wiggles fans will go into overdrive when they catch sight of the familiar Big Red Car coming their way in ABC KIDS World. Toot and chug your way through the Wiggles House in the Big Red Car, while singing along to your favourite Wiggles songs and waving hello to those famous skivvy wearing faces and their Wiggly friends.
Buzz Saw
Boasting to be the highest inversion ride in the Southern Hemisphere, the Buzz Saw is sure to send a jolt of fear through even the most ardent thrill seeker! Clocking speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, from launch you'll be thrust 46 metres into the air before being dangled upside-down 15 storeys high. And if this isn't stomach churning enough, you'll free-fall through a 360 degree heart roll before plunging down a vertical drop, all while being strapped in by a single waist harness only.
Thunder River Rapids
Take to the water with the whole family as you ride the famous Dreamworld river rapids through the heart of Dreamworld's Gold Rush country. As you splash and crash your way through the winding waterways be prepared for a dousing. Whether you catch some spray from the tumultuous rapids or from fellow park goers who've nabbed one of the water pistols which line the perimeter of the ride on dry land, these no escaping a soaking but you'll be smiling the entire time.
Shhh... Insider Secrets
If long queues leave you cold, check out Dreamworld's Ride Express packages to see how you can virtually leapfrog those lined up ahead. Head to the front of the queue for the Gold Ride Express level, the Silver tier will place you at the halfway point in the line while the bronze level will hold your place in the queue while you continue to explore Dreamworld while you wait your turn.
Other Gold Coast Destinations
White Water World
After you've worked up a sweat enjoying all the fun and thrills on offer at Dreamworld, take the time to cool off in neighbouring WhiteWater World. Conveniently located directly adjacent to Dreamworld, the water park offers 30 slides sure to leave everyone wanting more! There's also the shaded Wiggle Bay for smaller children and their parents to enjoy as well as Pipeline Plunge, an oversized aquatic fort bound to keep the kids amused for hours.
Skypoint
With the honour of being Australia's only beachside observation deck, guests will marvel at the amazing 360 degree sweeping coastal and hinterland views on offer from levels 77 and 78 of the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise. For those who want to extend their thrill-seeking experience, the Skypoint Climb is Australia's highest external building climb, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Gold Coast from an unrivalled vantage point 270 metres above sea-level.
For more information regarding Dreamworld, contact a friendly Flight Centre consultant and don't forget to ask about our great deals on hotels, tours, travel insurance, transfers and more.