The Best Dreamworld Gold Coast Review: A Family Adventure 2024
Hi there, I’m Wendy, and if you know me, you know I can’t resist a good theme park. Living in Australia, I’ve been fortunate to visit the Gold Coast often. Dreamworld was my go-to spot for family fun.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through every corner of Dreamworld. We’ll cover the rides you can’t miss, the food, and tips to make the most of your day. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, have little ones, or looking for fun, keep reading to see if Dreamworld should be on your itinerary.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
The Journey to Dreamworld
Getting to Dreamworld is a breeze, especially if you’re already on the Gold Coast. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, and there’s plenty of signage to guide you. If you’re driving, the car park is massive, and the best part? It’s free! I’ve always found a spot, but it’s always good to arrive early if you can. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier.
Public transport is another hassle-free option. If you’re staying closer to the coast, you can hop on one of the Surfside Buslines that run regularly. Plan your journey with Translink.
As you walk towards the entrance, the excitement starts to build. The atmosphere is electric, and you can hear the distant sounds of screams from the rides. It’s a kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again, right from the get-go.
Tickets & Entry
Dreamworld offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. If it’s your first time and you’re planning just a day visit, a single-day ticket should do the trick.
However, if you’re like me and find yourself coming back for more, consider a multi-day pass or even an annual pass.
Buying tickets is a cinch. I buy mine online to save time and sometimes snag a deal or discount. Plus, the online process is straightforward. You can print your tickets at home or use the mobile QR code for entry. If you’re more of a last-minute planner, you can also buy tickets at the gate.
Entry is usually quick and efficient. Staff are on hand to scan your tickets, and there’s a routine security check. It’s thorough but fast, designed to get you into the action as soon as possible.
Theme Park Sections
Kids Zone
If you’re visiting with little ones, Dreamworld has a dedicated Kids Zone. The area features rides and attractions that are specifically designed for younger adventurers. Rides include:
- Playschool wheel
- Bananas in pyjamas carousel
- Bananas in pyjamas fun maze
- Big red planes
For peace of mind, the parents’ centre has feeding rooms, a reading nook and play area, sinks, bottle warmers, nappy change spaces, 2 large bathrooms with mini-toilet, and an accessible bathroom.
Thrill Rides
For the adrenaline junkies among us (our daughters!), the thrill rides are where it’s at. “The Giant Drop” and “The Claw” are must-dos. Be prepared for some serious G-forces and heart-stopping moments. As for wait times, they can vary, but if you’re visiting outside of peak periods, you won’t have too long to wait. Rides include:
- Steel taipan
- The giant drop
- The claw
- The gold coaster
- Serpent slayer
- Tail spin
- Motocoaster
Family Rides
For fun with the whole family, try these rides out:
- Sky voyager
- Vintage cars
- Kenny’s forest flyer
- Shockwave
- Deep sea dodgems
- Humpty-go-round
- Beinda’s tree house
- Seabed splash
Wildlife Experience
Dreamworld isn’t just about the rides. It offers a unique chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native wildlife. “Tiger Island” is incredible, especially if you catch one of the tiger presentations.
Food and Beverage
The park has a range of eateries, from quick-service outlets to sit-down restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, there are plenty of fast-food options like burgers, hot dogs, and fish and chips.
When it comes to value for money, the prices are what you’d expect at a theme park – not cheap!
Special Events and Shows
No trip to Dreamworld is complete without taking in some of the shows. There’s almost always something extra happening to enhance your visit.
Check the schedule for the “Dreamworld Theatre,” where they often host live shows. It’s a great way to take a break from the rides and enjoy some family-friendly entertainment.
Don’t forget to check Dreamworld’s website or app for the day’s schedule. Most shows and events are included in the ticket price, so there’s no reason to miss out.
Safety Measures
When it comes to theme parks, safety is a top priority, and Dreamworld takes it seriously.
Rides and Attractions
Before each ride begins, the operators thoroughly check the harnesses and safety bars. There are also height and age restrictions displayed clearly at each ride’s entrance, so you know if it’s appropriate for you or your little ones. I’ve always felt secure on every ride.
Emergency Protocols
Dreamworld is well-equipped to deal with emergencies. There are first aid stations in the park and trained medical staff are on hand to assist with any issues. The park is also well-signposted, so you can find your way to these facilities if needed.
Crowd Management
During busy periods, Dreamworld effectively handles crowd flow. There are plenty of staff around to manage lines and offer help.
Dreamworld Map
Tips for Visiting Dreamworld
Plan Ahead
- Check the Calendar: Before you go, check Dreamworld’s calendar for ride maintenance.
- Book Tickets in Advance: To save time, purchase your tickets online.
Timing
- Arrive Early: The park can get busy, especially during holidays and weekends. Arriving early lets you enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.
- Weekdays are Quieter: Consider visiting on a weekday when the park is less crowded.
Rides and Attractions
- Prioritize Rides: Decide which rides and attractions are must-dos and hit those first.
Food and Beverage
- Bring a Water Bottle: Queensland can get hot, and it’s important to stay hydrated.
- Budget for Food: You can’t bring your own food into the park, so budget for meals and snacks.
Safety and Comfort
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe, non-slip shoes suitable for walking and rides.
- Use Lockers: Lockers are available for valuables while on the rides.
Special Considerations
- Check Height and Health Restrictions: Some rides have height and health restrictions. Make sure to check these beforehand so there are no disappointments.
I hope these tips help you have an amazing time at Dreamworld.
My Experience
So, what’s my final verdict on Dreamworld? In a nutshell, it’s the best theme park for families with young children. From the moment you arrive to the minute you leave, the park ensures a seamless, exciting, and fun-filled experience.
Is Dreamworld worth the money? I think the multi-day passes which include other attractions like White Water World are worth the money. Check the list of ride closures to ensure the ones you want to go on aren’t shut for maintenance.
Additional Resources
- Best theme parks in Gold Coast
- Things to do on the Gold Coast
- Best time to visit the Gold Coast
- Queensland Travel Guide
- Travel Resources
Alright, I’ve spilled all my Dreamworld secrets, but now it’s your turn! Have you visited Dreamworld recently? What were your favourite rides or attractions? Do you have any tips or hacks to share for making the most of your day?
Leave your thoughts and comments below. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a seasoned Dreamworld veteran, your insights can help others plan their perfect day out. And if you have any questions that I haven’t covered, feel free to ask. I’m always keen to chat about one of my favourite spots on the Gold Coast!
Also, if you found this review helpful, please share it with anyone else considering a trip to Dreamworld.
See you in the comments and, hopefully, at Dreamworld soon!
Wendy
Flights ✈️
We usually fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.
Accommodation 🏩
We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties. We also book through Stayz for private accommodation as they are usually cheaper than Airbnb.
Car Rental 🚘
To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly-rated.
Campervan/RV Rental 🚐
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Tours & Attractions 🎢
We book direct and use a mixture of third-party sites Viator, Get Your Guide & Klook due to their free cancellation policies, instant confirmation, price guarantees, and mobile ticketing.
Accessing Money 💵
We recently started using Wise to access funds internationally, including trips to Bali and Malaysia. They offer a debit card in 50 currencies and transfers are fast and free from hidden fees and exchange rate markups. Funds can be accessed through ATMs too. Wise has saved us a lot of money compared to our usual credit card and debit card.
Travel Insurance 🌏
Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.
See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.