Things to Do in Gold Coast

Choose from 17 Fun Things to Do in Gold Coast

Wet'n'Wild

It's truly wet and awesomely wild at this Gold Coast water theme park! The star attraction is the Kamikaze jet spray water slide, with its sheer drop and over-the-top speeds. The Tornado slide blasts visitors from a tunnel into a wet and wild storm. Travelers can also enter the Blackhole's dark, enclosed tunnels to go spiraling through the heart of darkness until the final splashdown.

For the longest slides, wind your way around Mach 5's high-energy open-air flumes. To ride waves, get the adrenaline ride of your life aboard Surfrider's giant surfboard.

For more sedate watery activities, the water park also has Calypso Beach, a giant wave pool, hot springs, river rapids and fun for little ones at Buccaneer Bay.

Practical Info

Wet 'n' Wild is next to Warner Bros. Movie World, 50 km (31 miles) south of Brisbane, and just 20 km (12 miles) north of Surfers Paradise. Coaches and tours run here from Brisbane.

Pacific Motorway, Oxenford 4210, Australia

Opens daily at 10am. Closes 4-9pm depending on time of year.

Adults: AU$55, Children (3-13yrs): AU$35

From $ 88

Sea World Gold Coast

One of Australia’s biggest marine parks, Sea World Gold Coast is home to dolphins, rays, sharks, polar bears, and seals. The family attraction has thrilling rides, educational exhibits, and daily live shows, and it’s also involved in marine life rescue and rehabilitation efforts along the Gold Coast.

The Basics

As one of the most popular Gold Coast theme parks, it’s worth prebooking your tickets for Sea World Gold Coast to ensure fast-track entry.

Thrill-seekers can invest in a multi-day Gold Coast Theme Park pass to enjoy admission to Sea World plus Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, and Paradise Country. A standard Day Pass to Sea World includes access to all of the park’s exhibitions, shows, and rides. A number of experiences are available to book, including behind-the-scenes tours and jet boat rides.

Things to Know Before You Go

On-site facilities include paid storage lockers, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Most attractions are outdoors, so bring sun protection and wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if taking part in any water-based activities.
Many rides and attractions are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on-site for free (advance reservations recommended).
Minimum age requirements vary by activity from 4 to 14 years old.

How to Get There

Sea World is in Southport, Queensland, 49 miles (79 kilometers) southeast of Brisbane and 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Surfers Paradise. Get there by car, taxi, or a tour. There are also public buses from the Gold Coast that stop close to the park. The closest international airports are the Gold Coast and Brisbane, both around an hour’s drive away.

When to Get There

Sea World is open year-round. Summer months (December–January), when it can get crowded. With sunny days all year, visiting in low season is a good way to maximize your time and avoid congestion, but a trip during school holidays and celebrations can be more atmospheric, with special seasonal events, such Sea World Carnivale.

Family Fun at Sea World Gold Coast

The highlight of a Sea World visit is the animal residents: Stop by Penguin Point and Polar Bear Shores, visit Shark Bay’s underwater viewing area, and learn about rehabilitation efforts at Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary. Watch live shows, including a high-speed Jet Ski stunt show and appearances from PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Enjoy Storm Coaster and Jet Rescue coaster, or let kids discover Castaway Bay and Nickelodeon Land.

Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Queensland 4217, Australia

Varies

From $ 70

Warner Bros. Movie World

From movie-themed thrill rides and 4D movie experiences to spectacular stunt shows and star-studded parades featuring everyone from Shrek to Scooby-Doo, Warner Bros. Movie World is one of Australia’s coolest theme parks. The site lives up to its promise of bringing Hollywood to the Gold Coast.

The Basics

Given that this is one of the most popular theme parks along the Gold Coast, it’s worth pre-booking tickets for Warner Bros. Movie World theme park to ensure fast-track entry. Thrill-seekers can also invest in a Gold Coast Theme Park pass and enjoy access to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, or upgrade to also gain entry to Paradise Country and the Outback Spectacular.

Things to Know Before You Go

Onsite facilities and amenities include storage lockers, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Most of the park’s attractions are outdoors, so bring sun protection and wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Many rides and attractions are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on site for free (advance reservations recommended).

How to Get There

Warner Bros. Movie World is located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Brisbane (about a 45-minute drive) and 11 miles (18 kilometers) northwest of Surfers Paradise, 20 minutes away by road. You can get to the theme park by car, taxi, or as part of a tour, but public buses from the Gold Coast also stop nearby. The closest international airports are in Gold Coast and Brisbane, both 45 minutes away by road.

When to Get There

Warner Bros. Movie World is open year-round, but the busiest time is summer (December and January), when it can get crowded. With sunny days throughout the year, visiting outside of summer is a good choice for those looking to maximize their time and avoid crowds. But visiting during school holidays and celebrations can be atmospheric with special seasonal events like White Christmas and Fright Nights.

Magical Movie Moments at Warner Bros. Movie World

Adrenaline junkies will want to head straight for big thrill rides, like the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, the Doomsday Destroyer, the Green Lantern Coaster, and Superman Escape, while younger kids can enjoy family adventure rides, such as the Justice League 3D or the Road Runner Rollercoaster. Don’t forget to walk down Main Street, meet your favorite characters during the Star Parades, and attend the dramatic Hollywood Stunt Driver show.

Pacific Motorway, Oxenford 4210, Australia

Open daily 9:30am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day and ANZAC Day(Apr 25).

Varies

From $ 88

Gondwana Rainforest

Sprawling over more than 360,000 hectares, the Gondwana Rainforest is one of Australia’s most important ecological sites, famed for its abundance of rare and endangered wildlife.

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the rainforest areas are mostly found along the coastal region of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and encompass more than 50 national parks, forests and reserves.

The most visited areas include the Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain National Park and Border Ranges National Park in Queensland, and Springbrook National Park, Dorrigo National Park and Mount Warning National Park in New South Wales. Within the parks, hiking, climbing and camping are among the favorite pastimes of visitors, with a vast network of walking trails and an abundance of natural landmarks, including the mighty Tweed Volcano. For nature enthusiasts, the main draw is the spectacular variety of wildlife, including endemic species like Hastings river mouse, spotted-tailed quoll and mountain tree frog, and rare birds including wompoo dove, marbled frogmouth and lyre bird.

Practical Info

The Gondwana Rainforest is located throughout southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.

Australia

From $ 73

Broadbeach

Just south of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, or Broadie as it’s known to locals, offers all the appeal of its more famous neighbor—a great stretch of beach, surf-worthy waves, and extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options—but in a more manageable size and with fewer crowds.

The Basics

Kurrawa Beach is the main beach in Broadbeach. Featuring a wide stretch of golden sand, it’s an ideal place to sunbathe, swim, or surf, with beach breaks that extend the length of the strand. Nearby Kurrawa Park features a playground and duck pond that will amuse children. Shopping fans can explore the many options at the Oasis Shopping Center and Surf Parade malls, as well as regular arts and crafts markets.

There are many ways for visitors to enjoy Broadbeach and the Gold Coast. Learn to surf, or take a kayak, snorkel, or bushwalk tour to nearby South Stradbroke Island or Wave Break Island. Take to the air in a hot-air balloon ride, or combine a helicopter ride with a heart-thumping jet boat ride. Those looking for something less active can take part in a brewery tour along the coast.

Things to Know Before You Go

Temperatures in the summer can reach over 80°F (27°C), so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Swim only in designated areas and when lifeguards are present, as the waves can be strong. Red and yellow flags indicate the beach is patrolled.
Kurrawa Beach facilities include restrooms, changing facilities, beach showers, and parking.
Kurrawa Park features an all-abilities playground and includes liberty swings, accessible sand pits, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

How to Get There

Broadbeach is located 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Gold Coast Airport and 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of Brisbane Airport. Taxis and buses are available from both airports to Broadbeach. Those driving should take the Pacific Motorway and exit at Nerang Broadbeach.

When to Get There

April and May have the most comfortable temperatures, consistently sunny days, and the least rainfall. This is also the cheapest time to visit Broadbeach as it’s outside of the school holiday periods. The summer months of December to February can see very warm weather and large crowds. Mid-November to early December can get extremely crowded as it marks the “schoolies” and festival periods, so expect large crowds and higher prices then.

Music Festivals at Broadbeach

Broadbeach hosts a number of popular music festivals throughout the year, including the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (May), Broadbeach Jazz Festival (August), and the Groundwater Country Music Festival (July).

Queensland, Australia

From $ 19

O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk

Rainforests are some of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems, yet humans usually only experience them from the ground. O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk provides a new point of view, allowing visitors to experience the world of the rainforest from inside the canopy.

O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk is a 590-foot (180-meter) walkway through the rainforest of the Gold Coast hinterland that consists of nine suspension bridges and two observation decks. Sitting right next to the incredible landscape of Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest with its walkway that sits 50 feet (15 meters) off the ground. The highest sections soar an even higher 110 feet above the forest floor.

Visitors to the walkway stroll among trees entwined with vines and covered in flowers and fruit. Ferns and orchids cling to the upper reaches of the trees, and the bird life is plentiful. The two observation decks, accessed by covered ladders, offer a closer look at the strangler figs trees in the area. The highest point on the walkway, the observation decks allow visitors to emerge from the canopy and look out across the top of the rainforest.

Practical Info

O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk is located on the western edge of Lamington National Park, about a two-hour drive from Brisbane. A drive from the Gold Coast will take a little over an hour.

Lamington National Park Road, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Daily

From $ 82

SkyPoint Observation Deck

You won’t have to sign a lease to experience the incredible 360-degree views from atop one of the world’s tallest residential towers. Visitors to the SkyPoint Observation Deck, a glass-encased wonder located on the 77th and 78th floors of the iconic Q1 building, can look out some 230 feet above sea level at the scenic Surfers Paradise. These epics views are some of the most memorable in the city, but travelers agree, a trip to this architectural destination is not for the faint of heart—or anyone afraid of heights.

A high-speed elevator zips visitors to the top of the SkyPoint Observation Deck, where clear glass walls make for perfect viewing on cloudless days. Whether it’s catching the bright pink sun dipping down to the horizon or witnessing the twinkling city lights flickering on after dark, views from the deck prove picture perfect any time of day.

Practical Info

The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located at the top of the Q1 building at 9 Hamilton Avenue in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. General admission tickets are $22 for adults and $13 for children. Special day and night passes are $29 for adults and $16.50 for children.

9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217, Australia

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. until 11:45 p.m.

Adult: AU $22, Child: AU $13

From $ 19

Southport

Slightly north of the internationally popular party destination, Surfers Paradise, on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Southport offers coastal relaxation with water and city skyline views.

Queensland’s famous marine theme park, Sea World, is the main attraction of Southport, offering live shows and up-close encounters with seals, dolphins, penguins and polar bears, among other marine life and theme park rides.

Parkland spans along the calm sea inlet at Southport, making it a perfect place for families with young children, boating and fishing enthusiasts and those wanting to try some water sports. Take a picnic blanket, indulge in some fish and chips from the parkland foreshore and enjoy the crystal blue water views.

Southport’s Australia Fair shopping centre at the heart of the town’s retail and dining hub, and a short stroll from the coastal parklands. An Event Cinema is located in the Australia Fair complex.

Luxury hotels and apartment accommodation in Southport overlooks the Broadwater and Southport Spit, which is a popular location for music festivals in Queensland’s sunny summer.

Practical Info

Public buses connect Southport to Helensvale Train Station, which connects to Brisbane and the Brisbane Airport. Find out more about the local bus service number 18 and 18A to Southport Park by visiting the Queensland Translink website.

Southport, QLD, Australia

From $ 33

Springbrook National Park

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests, the startling landscapes of Springbrook National Park are among the many highlights of Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterlands. Carved out by an ancient volcano, the rugged plateau is now a natural wonderland of forested gorges, jagged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

The Basics

Most visitors opt to explore Springbrook National Park on a day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, often in combination with the neighboring Mt. Tamborine National Park, famous for its glowworm caves. A typical full-day tour might include a visit to landmarks such as the Natural Bridge and Cave Creek Waterfall; a short walk through the rain forest, spotting exotic birds and other wildlife; and a spectacular view over the Numinbah Valley followed by a picnic lunch at Purling Brook Falls.

Things to Know Before You Go

Springbrook National Park is ideal for outdoors lovers, hikers, and bird watchers, who will want to look out for the rare Albert’s lyrebird, found only at Springbrook.
There is no entrance fee to enter the national park.
A 4WD is recommended for driving in the park.
The park has limited visitor facilities, so be sure to bring everything you need including comfortable shoes, sun or rain protection, food, and plenty of water.

How to Get There

Springbrook National Park is located 65 miles (105 kilometers) south of Brisbane and it’s an around 1.5-hour drive from the city or 45-minute drive from the Gold Coast. There are no public transport options for reaching the park so the only way to get there is to join a guided tour or hire a private vehicle.

When to Get There

You can visit Springbrook all year, but the most popular time is the summer months (December to March). The forested mountains are often much cooler than the beaches and coastal towns, so don’t worry about it being too hot to hike. From June to September, the weather is ideal for hiking but it can get cold in evening, so bring some warm clothing.

Hiking in Springbrook

The best way to experience Springbrook is on foot. Many of the walks in Springbrook National Park are signposted, making it easy to find your way, and some also include information boards explaining the various plants and wildlife. Popular short walks include the 2-hour Twin Falls Circuit, passing through lush rain forest, where you can admire the views from Canyon Lookout and swim in a natural rock pool. Another busy trail is the Purling Brook Falls Circuit, a 2- to 3-hour hike including a suspension bridge through a dramatic gorge. For something more challenging, the Warrie Circuit is a full-day hike (around 6 hours) to stunning Goomoolahra Falls.

Springbrook, Australia

Free

From $ 65

Lamington National Park

Part of Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamington National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Covering 77 square miles (200 square kilometers), it’s known for its rich biodiversity, ancient trees, over 500 waterfalls, and more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of hiking trails.

The Basics

The two most accessible sections of Lamington National Park are Binna Burra and the Green Mountains. Nature lovers will revel in the park’s diverse flora and fauna, while adventure seekers will delight in the many ways to play at the park.

Go on a guided full-day or overnight tour to get the most out of the park. Most tours start in Brisbane or the Gold Coast and stop at nearby attractions such as Mt. Tamborine and Gallery Walk. Take to the trees in a canopy walk, climb up even higher to get a bird’s-eye view, hike along one of the park’s many trails, or go swimming near a waterfall. Younger visitors will enjoy activities like bird feeding or learning to throw a boomerang.

Things to Know Before You Go

Lamington National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Wear sturdy shoes, especially if planning to hike around the park.
It’s a good idea to bring sun protection, water, and insect repellant.
Wi-Fi is available at the Green Mountains Information Center.
Full-day tours can last upwards of nine hours, depending on the tour.

How to Get There

Lamington National Park is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of Brisbane. The best way to visit is by car or as part of an organized tour by 4WD or minivan. Both sections of the park are located west of Nerang. Binna Burra is a 25-mile (40-kilometer) drive via the town of Beechmont, while the Green Mountains section is 35 miles (57 kilometers) via Canungra.

When to Get There

Lamington National Park can be visited any time of year, but the weather during the Australian spring (September through November) and autumn (March through May) is the most pleasant—warm but not wet. Expect the most rainfall during summer (December through February). Winter (June through August) temperatures can dip to freezing levels.

Wildlife in Lamington National Park

Known for its rich biodiversity, Lamington National Park is home to over 160 bird and numerous other species. Look for king parrots, cockatoos, sooty owls, pale-headed and crimson rosellas, red-browed treecreepers, yellow and black male bowerbirds, Australian brush-turkeys, Albert’s Lyrebirds, elf skinks, Lamington freshwater crays, giant barred frogs, and diamond pythons.

Queensland, Australia

Varies

From $ 82

Glow Worm Caves

Since opening its doors in 2004, the man-made Glow Worm Caves at the Cedar Creek wine estate have fast become one of the best places on the Gold Coast to view glow-worms in their natural habitat. Tucked away in the heart of the Tamborine Mountain, the carefully controlled environment within the caves is designed to mimic the rainforest wet caves favored by glow-worms, and thousands of them can be seen glittering in the darkness.

After following the boardwalk through the rainforest to the cave entrance, visitors can venture underground to explore two caves, including a presentation cave, where an audio-visual display reveals the secrets of the cave's construction, environmental maintenance and glow-worm population.

Practical Info

The Glow Worm Caves are located at the Cedar Creek Estate in Tamborine Mountain and are open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission is AU$12 for adults or AU$6 for children.

Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Rd, North Tamborine QLD 4272, Australia

Open daily 10am-4pm

Adults: AU$12; Children: AU$6

From $ 96

Dracula's Cabaret

Arguably Queensland's most popular dinner shower, Dracula's Cabaret on the bustling Gold Coast is an evening of sexy, scary, and spectacular burlesque theater and comedy. The adventure begins the moment you enter the soaring, Gothic style castle, where gargoyles peer down from six stories up and fruit bats circle overhead. Ride the ghost train into the theater and prepare for a scare at each turn, before perusing a menu of ghoulish cocktails and settling in for the show. The entertaining wait staff, or "Draculettes," keep the humor flowing throughout dinner, and set the stage for a wild evening of scary and sexual comedy. Aside from the vaudeville cabaret and intricate, detailed costumes, the visual effects are out of this world and are accompanied by live, fast-paced music that will have you on the edge of your seat. Add in death-defying aerial performers and mind-bending optical illusions, and Dracula's Cabaret is an unforgettable evening of fun on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Practical Info

Dracula's Cabaret is an adult themed show that is suitable for guests over 16 years of age. Drinks are not included in the price of admission, though there is a fully licensed bar onsite. No beachwear or casual wear allowed, and men are required to have closed toe shoes.

1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia QLD 4218, Australia

Open Tues-Sun 6:30pm-11pm

$95-$130

From $ 70

Marina Mirage

With big-name designers, gourmet restaurants and a dramatic waterfront location, just moments from the dazzling Palazzo Versace hotel, the Marina Mirage is the Gold Coast’s most glamorous shopping complex. Extensively redeveloped in 2008, the luxurious mall is home to more than 80 boutiques, from high street favorites like French Connection and United Colors of Benetton, to designers like Guess, Calvin Klein, Hermes and Tommy Hilfiger.

As well as the clothing, accessories and jewelry boutiques, there’s a range of fine dining options overlooking the waterfront, including award-winning restaurants and cafés like Omeros Bros, Vanitas and the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. That’s not all – there’s also a day spa and beauty salon, a farmer’s market held twice a month and a scenic waterfront promenade from which to view the marina’s glitzy yachts and cruise ships.

Practical Info

Marina Mirage is located at Main Beach on the Gold Coast. The shopping mall is open from 10am-6pm daily, while restaurant opening times vary.

74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Queensland QLD 4217, Australia

Shopping mall: 10am-6pm, restaurants till late

From $ 26

Dracula's Haunted House

There's something mildly disconcerting about riding in an elevator called "Death Wish." Or encountering a bleeding, gut-stained lifeguard who's been mauled by a Great White Shark. These are just two of the spooky encounters inside Dracula's Haunted House"”a state of the art, house of horrors on Queensland's bustling Gold Coast. Beginning in the depths of "The Underworld," the path leads up to "The Phobia Level" where your biggest fears come true"”including walking through a spider's nest and crawling through pitch-black tunnels. Be sure to keep your head on a swivel for rogue, sneak attack zombies, and never has it felt so scary and unnatural to crawl through a human being. In total, this haunted house is about 20 minutes of non-stop nightmares and screams"”unless your fears get the best of you and you sprint for the nearest door. Definitely not for the faint of the heart"”and enter here if you dare.

Practical Info

Dracula's Haunted House is in Surfer's Paradise on Surfer's Paradise Boulevard. Admission is $25 for adults and $19 for children, and there's discounted entry to the haunted house if you eat at Dracula's restaurant. The haunted house is open daily, from 10am-10pm, and is like experiencing Halloween on any day of the year.

3177 Surfer's Paradise Boulevard, Surfer's Paradise QLD, Australia

Open daily 10am-10pm

Adults: $25; Children $19

From $ 96

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Take to the trees of Queensland, Australia, in a thrilling eco-walk. Set among 30 acres (12 hectares) of private rain forest next to Cedar Creek on Mt. Tamborine, the 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) Skywalk features forest-floor trails, high-tech elevated steel walkways, and a cantilever bridge 98 feet (30 meters) above the rain forest floor.

The Basics

Visitors begin their adventure on an elevated walkway through the middle and upper canopies of the rain forest, then descend gradually to the lower canopy and the cantilever bridge, and finally return to the starting point along the rain forest floor. Highlights along the walk include small waterfalls, a butterfly lookout, rock pools, and spectacular views over the rain forest and creek. Comprehensive displays at the Eco Gallery describe the flora and fauna of the rain forest.

The Skywalk can be visited independently. Some visitors combine a visit to the Skywalk with a full-day tour of other attractions on Mt. Tamborine, such as a glowworm-cave tour or shopping for unique arts and crafts at Gallery Walk. Foodies and wine and beer lovers will want to try locally made cheese, chocolate, wine, and craft beers.

Things to Know Before You Go

The walk should take less than an hour at a leisurely pace, including stopping at various points of interest.
Visitors should wear comfortable flat-soled shoes.
Facilities include a café, gift shop, restrooms, and parking.
Only the first 984 feet (300 meters) of the walk is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located in the Gold Coast Hinterinutes from Brisbane airport. For those not visiting as part of a tour, from Brisbane, take the Beenleigh North exit (exit 34) on the M1 highway; from the Gold Coast, take the Oxenford exit (exit 57).land, the Skywalk is about 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 60 m

When to Get There

The Skywalk is open daily year-round. Visit during the summer (January to March) to see the rain forest at its most lush. Visit between October and March for the butterfly season.

Mt. Tamborine Hikes

For those that can’t get enough of the rain forest, there are a number of hikes to suit different fitness abilities. Try the easy hikes to Curtis Falls, Cedar Falls Lookout, or the MacDonald Circuit. Those who are moderately fit should set their sights on Witches Chase Track, Witches Fall Circuit, or the Cameron Falls Circuit. Hikers looking for a challenge should try the Joalah Circuit.

333 Geissmann Drive, North Tamborine, Australia

Varies

From $ 80

Workshops Rail Museum

History comes alive at the Workshops Rail Museum"”affectionately known as The Workshops in Ipswich, Queensland. The site from which the state's very first train ran over 145 years ago, The Workshops celebrates its heritage with a living museum.

Opening as a rail museum in 2002, The Workshops combines hands-on exhibits with the experience of witnessing the oldest continually running railway workshop in Australia. The museum features 15 permanent exhibits, depicting subjects from the introduction of diesel trains, to the great Australian rail journeys, to a children's interactive railway, and more. The Workshops boasts such drawcards as the largest model railway in Australia, the Vice Regal Carriage"”the most expensive built in its time"”and the country's oldest working steam locomotive.

Practical Info

The Workshops Rail Museum is located in Ipswich, itself a historic town. It's located about a 40-minute drive from Brisbane and just over an hour by train. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily but is closed on Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. Entry costs $20 for adults and $11.50 for children up to the age of 15.

North Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

$20 for adults, $11.50 for children up to the age of 15.

From $ 96

Dreamworld

Dreamworld on the Gold Coast is home to the most thrilling rides on Australia's east coast!

Adventure and excitement can be found at every turn. Thrill-seekers can get their hearts racing with any of the Big 9 Thrill Rides including Pandamonium, Tower of Terror II, The Claw and Tailspin. Little ones will enjoy fun-filled rides like Escape from Madagascar, Big Red Boat Ride or Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride.

Those on a quest for adventure will also find great attractions from DreamWorks Experience: Shrek's Faire Faire Away, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, Madagascar Madness and Madagascar Live!

Dreamworld is also home to Australian wildlife, including a huge population of koalas, while Bengal and Sumatran tigers rule at Tiger Island. And if you get hungry at any time during your exciting day, stop at any one of restaurants and cafes located throughout the park for a bite to eat!

Practical Info

Dreamworld is 17 km (10.5 miles) north of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Buses run here from Brisbane, 48 km (30 miles) away. You could also catch the train from Brisbane to Coomera, then catch the connecting bus.

Pacific Highway, Coomera 4209, Australia

Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day & ANZAC Day.

Adults: AU$99.99, Children (3-13yrs): AU$79.99

From $ 70