Family Passes For Gold Coast Theme Parks Explained

Family Passes & Options for Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint

Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint are owned by the same group - Ardent Leisure. As you can see this is different from the other Gold Coast theme parks. Because of this, there are no combination deals or packages that include all 5 theme parks (but there are great ways to combine them).

There are usually some family pass options for Dreamworld, WhiteWater World &/or SkyPoint which offer greater savings for families or groups of 2 Adults + 2 Children (3 to 13 years).

If available (these things change quite a bit) family options can be based around either the 1 day entry to both Dreamworld & WhiteWater World or the 3 & 7 Day Holiday World Passes which have unlimited entry to the 2 theme parks and SkyPoint for either 3 or 7 days from first entry. In addition to the great value the passes offer, where there are sometimes family pass options you can save an extra $40 per family (2 Adults + 2 Children) rather than purchasing the passes individually.

Whilst family passes are better value than purchasing the passes individually, I suggest looking at some of the other combination deals, that offer extra activities for just a little more.

Also, for Locals there is a discounted Locals Annual Pass but only valid for those who can prove they live in QLD or Northern NSW (post codes 2450-2490). Proof of residency required upon entry.

What are the best options for families at Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint?

If you are looking at including Dreamworld and/or WhiteWater World and SkyPoint Observation Deck on the top of Q1 in Surfers Paradise in your itinerary, then there are other options that may suit you better, but they just don't have a family pass. You may be able to get more value from a pass that includes extra activities.

What are the best options for families at Dreamworld & WhiteWater World theme parks?

As with the Village Roadshow theme parks, the first thing is to work out which theme parks you want to visit, what other activities you want to do, and what attractions you might want to visit. The Gold Coast Travel Planning Guide & Worksheets has resources to help you.

Once you have worked out what you want to do, it should be easier to find the tickets, passes or combination deals that suit you best and that may or may not include the Family Pass mentioned above.

Below are the current Top 3 Deals for the Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint, you can find full details of all theme park passes and options plus explanations of where they are best used on our theme park passes page.

Family Passes & Options for Movie World, Sea World & Wet n Wild

The 3 theme parks (Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World & Wet n Wild) are owned by the same group - Village Roadshow (VRL Theme Parks). Whilst you can use combination tickets, there are NO family pass or family package option. Group discounts don't start until you are a party of 20 or more.

What are the best options for families at Sea World, Movie World & Wet n Wild Theme Parks?

The first thing is to work out which theme parks you want to visit, what other activities you want to do, and what attractions you might want to visit. You can find a more detailed description and resources to help you do this in my Gold Coast Travel Planning Guide & Worksheets.

Once you have worked out what you want to do, it should be easier to find the tickets, passes or combination deals that suit you best. Below are the current Top Deals for the Village Roadshow Theme Parks, you can find full details of all theme park passes and options plus explanations of where they are best used on our theme park passes page.

Locals can also find great value in the Locals One Pass Deal, which is only available to be activated before 30 June 2018, but offers 12 months unlimited entry to 4 theme parks plus bonus single entry to White Christmas and Carnivale special events. This locals deal provides a huge saving for Queensland resident families or families living in Northern New South Wales (Postcodes 2450 to 2490 only).

Family Activities On Gold Coast With Family Passes

There are many other activities on the Gold Coast, but there are few that have family passes. Below are some of the top recommended activities that are suitable for families and are a great complement to theme park passes.

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Family Pass available
• Paradise Country Aussie Farm Tour - No family deal, but great half or full day adventure for all members of the family.
• Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show - No family deal as such, but from time to time they have specials such as Adults @ Kids prices (check the link above for the latest offers). A great family friendly experience. Must see Show.
  

  Dinner & Show Options For Gold Coast
  Australian Outback Spectacular and Dinner & Show Options.

Transport For Families For Gold Coast Theme Parks

Another consideration for families is getting to and from the Gold Coast theme parks, especially if you don't want to hire a car.

I usually recommend families and groups consider hiring a car, because it does offer the greatest flexibility and can work out to be reasonable value. And many of our overseas visitors can drive easily, because we drive on the same side of the road as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and UK to name a few.

As a family, it can not only be expensive, but time consuming, trying to catch public transport or waiting for specific shuttles and transfers - brings a whole new meaning to "Are We There Yet?"

However, when on holiday, you might just want to sit back and have someone else worry about getting you to the theme parks and attractions.

One of the best deals around for transfers to and from the theme parks, also packages in transfers to and from the airports - both Gold Coast and Brisbane. It also offers a big saving for families. Airport & Theme Park Transfers For Families

General Information For Families Visiting Theme Parks In Gold Coast Australia

There are a few common questions I get from families about theme parks when planning their holidays in the Gold Coast, so I thought I would cover a few of them here.

Should I Book Online Before I Arrive Or Buy When I Get To Gold Coast?

There are several reasons why I recommend booking your tickets and passes before you arrive on your holiday, but in the end it is personal choice.

One of the main reasons why I prefer to do this before I leave home, is that I can print off all the vouchers and organise myself along with all my other travel documents. When I am on holiday, I want to enjoy it, and not have to worry about buying tickets or passes on the spot. I like it all planned out :-)

Booking online, you will often save money rather than paying higher prices at the gate and there are no credit card fees or booking fees through the ticketing agent we use.

Note: If you purchase directly from the theme park websites they will charge you booking fees and credit card fees on top of the price of the tickets and passes. Also check eligiblity for Pensioner and Student tickets before purchasing.

I have a 2 Year Old Do I Need A Ticket For The Theme Parks?

All the theme parks consider a child to be 3 years to 13 years. Some other attractions in the Gold Coast have different ages for children, so always check this in the details when booking anything.

Children (babies and toddlers) under 3 do not need a ticket to enter the theme parks -and obviously they must be accompanied by an adult!

Once inside the theme parks, there are obviously things they cannot do and rides they cannot go on, but there is plenty to keep them occupied.

14 and overs need an Adult ticket (this catches some people out).

Can I Get A Discount Because I Won't Go On Any Of The Rides?

I totally get this question! When we first arrived on the Gold Coast my youngest was 2 years old, and I was the designated babysitter. We would go to the theme parks and I would pretty much hold all the bags, hats and sunglasses whilst my husband and older child went on the rides together.

The way the theme parks work is that pretty much when you gain entry at the front of the park, you have access to the rides and attractions inside. Some of which are suitable for most people and other have restrictions. There are a few exceptions to this, with some rides and attractions being an extra cost - but you can enjoy most of the attractions for just the cost of entry.

So, after much ado, the answer to the question is: NO!

There is no way to work out who has paid for rides and who has not, so entry is general entry and access to the included rides and attractions whether you use them or not.

And, now it's time for YOUR Questions About Family Passes For Gold Coast Theme Parks...