AMP UP THE ADVENTURE

Thrill Seekers

Calling all thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies and action enthusiasts! The Gold Coast challenges you to take on its epic line-up of mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, heart-pumping experiences!

Buckle up for some of the most exhilarating, scream-worthy rides and attractions at Australia’s theme park capital. Dare to face your fears at Dreamworld. Strap in for the gut-wrenching twists and turns and massive G-forces of The Steel Taipan; take the jaw-dropping 119-metre plunge on The Giant Drop, the tallest free-falling ride in Australia; or soar through the skies on a powerful pendulum aboard The Claw.

Become an action hero at Warner Brothers Movie World, where epic thrill rides take centre stage. Prepare to put your nerves (and lungs) to the test on the scream-inducing DC Rivals Hypercoaster – the tallest, longest and fastest hypercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Launch into some serious action on the Superman Escape, shooting to speeds of 100 kilometres per hour in just two seconds, or strap into the Green Lantern to experience one of the steepest inverted drops in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sea World has also recently expanded its line-up of heart-pumping thrill rides. The new Atlantis Precinct serves up dare-devil adventures from the deep. Take on the twists, turns and thundering terrain aboard the Leviathan wooden rollercoaster, or brave the spinning, spiralling currants of the Vortex.

Or how about some heart-pumping fun with a splash of H2O? At Wet’n’Wild, feel the tremble of anticipation as you stand on the trap door awaiting the vertical free-fall drop into the transparent tubes of the AquaLoop, or experience the exhilaration of the 360-degree rotation, twists and turns of the Kaboom! Drop into WhiteWater World to experience the pitch-black blast and thundering whirlpool of The Rip, and ride a raft through the dark, twisting tunnels and furious funnels of The Triple Vortex.

Diving Discoveries

For those who like to dive deeper for their action, the Gold Coast’s sparkling blue waters provide the perfect setting for aquatic adventures.

Explore an underwater realm of wrecks and reefs with a host of snorkelling and diving destinations to suit a range of abilities, from beginners to experts.

Wonder Reef is the world’s first buoyant reef, offering a magical marine experience for PADI-certified divers. This newly established reef ecosystem provides an open ocean dive site with a difference. Keep company with diverse marine life such as grouper, clown fish and octopi as you explore the openings, ledges and swim-throughs of this evolving aquatic playground.

For those who prefer to snorkel, or divers of all abilities, there are plenty of more protected sites to explore. Cruise the clear waters with darting reef fish and vibrantly coloured parrotfish who inhabit the large bommies and rocky outcrops of Palm Beach Reef. Or float through the sheltered waters of Kirra Reef, where kelp fronds cover rocky outcrops, and swaying soft corals and flower-like anemones provide the perfect habitat for a myriad of marine life.

The southern dive site of Cook Island is famous for turtle encounters, while wreck enthusiasts can dive a sunken treasure trove of sites such as the Scottish Prince (off Southport) or the Aquarian (off South Stradbroke Island).

A swag of dive operators across the coast offer guided dive excursions, equipment hire and even PADI dive courses, to allow you to submerse yourself in the underwater wonderland off the Coast’s golden shores. Snorkelling and guided introductory dives are a great option for those who are unable to obtain open water dive certification on medical grounds.

Up, Up And Away

Not even the sky’s the limit when it comes to action-packed adventures on the Gold Coast!

To tick off an item on any self-respecting, adrenaline junkies bucket-list, why not take a gut-lurching plunge out of a perfectly good plane? Step out of the cabin and experience the utter thrill of free-fall, in a death-defying dive towards paradise far below. Then feel the freedom of floating as your chute releases, and you make safe landing on the soft, golden sands of a beautiful beach. This ultimate adrenaline rush is sure to stimulate your senses and create lasting memories.

For those who wish to soar to new heights without the sudden plummet, hot air ballooning is an exhilarating experience that’s sure to take your breath away – in the most positive sense. Embark on an uplifting journey and delight in the serene sensation of soaring with the birds, cruising in the comfort of a giant basket beneath a billowing balloon. Rise early to glide almost silently through a sky painted in the pastel pinks and purples of sunrise, with the lush green mountains and valleys of the hinterland fringed by a golden coastline far below. This is the stuff dreams are made of!

Parasailing is another exciting option for those seeking a sky-high adventure with the option to get wet. Team up with mates or brave it alone, as you harness in to a parachute behind a purpose-built boat and fly 400 feet high over the Gold Coast’s beautiful Broadwater. In warmer months, dare to be dunked in the clear, calm waters for a truly refreshing rush.

Out There Experiences

Looking for something unique or unusual? The Gold Coast caters for that too, with quirky experiences that are sure to provide some great conversation starters for your next party.

Ever dreamed of unleashing your inner Viking or hurling a hatchet? Axe throwing venues offer urbanites and lumber lords some expert coaching and a safe environment to learn the technique and practice precision. Then it’s time for the fun and games to begin, as you vie for bullseyes and compete to be crowned as an emerging axe-pert!

The next big thing on the Gold Coast horizon is for those who love to go with the flow, rather than have a throw. If you haven’t heard about hydrofoiling you’re about to discover the newest water sport taking the Gold Coast by storm. It’s kind of like a magic carpet ride over water – smooth and soundless. Your hydrofoil is propelled by its own electric engine that you control with a wireless remote. Unlike kiteboarding, snowboarding, or skiing, the learning curve is far easier, with greater reward. With easy-to-follow technical tips and personalised coaching, almost anyone can get the hang of it, and once you do, you’ll be hooked. This unique experience is available on the Broadwater with Fliteboard Gold Coast or on Currumbin Creek with eFoil GC.

In the winter months, the Gold Coast offers a rare opportunity to embark on a truly wild encounter with nature as you swim with mighty humpback whales. These gentle giants grace the ocean off the Gold Coast on their annual migration to warmer waters, allowing a lucky few to swim alongside them in their watery world. A handful of accredited operators offer small group ‘Swim With Whales’ experiences, including Aqua Adventures and Cooly Eco Adventures. Take the plunge and create some amazing life-long memories with these magnificent marine creatures.

Self-Challenge Experiences

Nothing beats the natural high of facing your fears or overcoming obstacles. The following self-challenge experiences are sure to leave you feeling on top of the world.

If you’re someone who likes to live on the edge and hang off the side of high rises, head to the Q1 Resort tower in Surfers Paradise to undertake Australia’s highest external building climb with SkyPoint Climb. Safely harnessed onto a handrail and led by an experienced climb leader, you’ll exit the SkyPoint Observation Deck on Level 77 and ascend exterior stairs towards the massive spire. Once you reach the summit, you’ll have the opportunity to lean out over the massive 270 metre drop – not for the faint-hearted! For those with limited mobility, the observation deck provides an accessible vantage point to overlook 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, from the golden beaches and city skyline to lush green hinterland and beyond.

Or challenge yourself to fly high through the canopy on the Canyon Flyer guided zipline tour at Tamborine Mountain. In the company of two experienced guides, you’ll soar over 70 metres above the beautiful Cedar Creek Canyon, reaching dizzying speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, as you rocket along seven huge ziplines spanning over towering ancient rainforests. Test your nerves by daring to ride backwards, or even upside-down. Unlike the nearby Treetops Challenge, there are no tough or technical elements to pass through, making this an accessible experience for people with a broader range of abilities.

Test your skills and enjoy some thrills at GC Wake Park. Carve up the water with cable skiing, wakeboarding and knee boarding, catering to riders of almost all ages and abilities. Or test your balance and agility on the inflatable Aqua Park obstacle course – it’s sure to provide thrills, spills and plenty of laughs for the whole family!

Accessibility

Please contact operators directly to discuss any special accessibility needs, and to receive the latest updates.

The Gold Coast boasts an extensive public transport network to make getting about easier. For further information and journey planning please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. Shuttles, private tour operators, taxis and ride share services are also widely available.

Companion cards are accepted at a wide range of tourism experiences on the Gold Coast, offering free carer entry to people with lifelong disabilities in possession of a Companion Card.

All the major theme parks offer accessible parking and toilet facilities. The main pathways throughout the theme parks are generally step-free and designed to be accessible for guests with limited mobility. Guests with disabilities are encouraged to visit the Park Health Facility (at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World) or Guest Services (at Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild) to learn about accessible attractions. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use from Guest Services, including beach wheelchairs at WhiteWater World and Wet’n’Wild. Service dogs are permitted throughout most areas of the parks, with the exception of some restricted wildlife and ride areas.

Some experiences mentioned in the Diving Discoveries section of this listing require open water dive certification. Please note that a range of medical conditions may preclude individuals from attaining this accreditation. Please contact dive operators directly to discuss your individual circumstances and the suitability of these experiences for your unique needs.

Go Ballooning offers the only walk-in passenger basket on the Gold Coast, providing easier access for patrons with limited mobility. Please call the operator directly to discuss your mobility requirements.

GC Wake Park strives to cater for people of all abilities. A water wheelies chair is available for use by those with limited mobility. Assistance dogs will be cared for whilst you enjoy the experience.