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The northern suburbs of the Gold Coast may be perhaps the most residential, but they are the most wild ones, containing many of the Gold Coast's theme parks.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By car
[edit | edit source]| Going to the theme parks? Don't take Exit 62 If you decided to rather follow your unreliable GPS and you are heading northbound on the M1 to get to Wet'n'Wild or Movie World and your GPS tells you to take Exit 62, ignore it and use Exit 60 instead. Exit 62 can get you to the theme parks, but the interchange is poorly signed, and to get to the parks, signage only appears a few metres before Entertainment Road, which is easy to miss if you're on the wrong lane. Otherwise, you'll end up back on the motorway. |
The primary means of entry via car is via the M1 Pacific Motorway which extends down from Coffs Harbour in NSW to the state capital of Brisbane and the primary exits are exits between (and including) 54 to 62.
From the suburbs of Surfers Paradise, Southport or Broadbeach, use the Godl Coast Highway (SR 2) to reach the western parts of the north, and use Oxley Drive (SR 4) to reach the east.
By light rail
[edit | edit source]From Surfers Paradise, the G:link heads north passing Main Beach, Southport, and stops at three places in the region; Parkwood East, Parkwood, and Helensvale where the line terminates.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Gold Coast Motor Museum, 107 Kriedeman Rd, Upper Coomera, ☏ +61 452 076 292, info@gcmm.com.au. Wed Thu 9AM–4PM, Fri–Sun 8AM–5PM. A large shed that houses 75 motor vehicles and bikes from the late 20th century. Some vehicles, such as some of the electric vehicles, span all the way to 1900. The precinct also includes a restaurant and a shop (that has some car cleaning products). $20 per adult, $15 per senior citizen, children under 15 free.
- 2 Garage 25, 1 Boatworks Drive, ☏ +61 7 5500 0000. Mon-Fri 8:30AM–2PM, Sat 8:30AM–11AM. Parts of the personal car collection of Tony Longhurst, two-time Bathurst 1000 winner. Includes vehicles from as early as 1910, assorted motorbikes, even mowers and outboards. Longhurst was also a co-founder of the nearby Dreamworld and owns the Boatworks Marina. Donation Box.$.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Warner Bros. Movie World, Helensvale Rd., Oxenford, ☏ +61 13 33 86. Daily 9:30AM–5PM. Australia's only movie-based theme park which contains several film studios, shows, and perhaps most importantly, rides. As the park's name is called "Warner Bros. Movie World" (and that can also be backed up as the park advertises itself as the Hollywood of the Gold Coast), you may be able to spot several Marvel, Warner Bros. and DC Comics characters walking around the park.
- 2 Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, Entertainment Rd., Oxenford, ☏ +61 13 33 86. Daily 10AM–5PM. The prime water park located in South-East Queensland or even Australia and one of the many Wet'n'Wild's found worldwide. Most of the park is comprised of water-based rides, but there are some land-based rides too.
- 3 Dreamworld, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera, ☏ +61 7 5588 1111. Daily 10AM–5PM. Australia's largest theme park which contains about 40 rides, and even a zoo. The theme park contains a mix of land and water rides, but beware, the park has a poor safety reputation, and in 2016, four people were killed on a ride. Since then, several rides have closed and have been demolished.
- 4 Australian Outback Spectacular.
- 5 WhiteWater World, 1 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera, ☏ +61 7 5588 1111. Considered the sister park of Dreamworld, this water park contains many water slides, and is perhaps convenient for visitors visiting Dreamworld without having to come all the way south to Wet'n'Wild. There are fewer rides than Wet'n'Wild though, but nevertheless an experience in its own right.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 The Neighbours Hope Island, 126 North Quay Cct, Hope Island, ☏ +61 423 732 722. A small cafe located on Hope Island next to the sales centre. Food here tends to be a bit more expensive than other cafes in the area though.
- Hope Island Deli, Shop 15, Hope Island Shopping Village, 10 Santa Barbara Rd, Hope Island, ☏ +61 488 789 078. Daily 6:30AM–4PM.
- 2 Plant Based Eatz, 1/2 Grice Ave, Paradise Point, ☏ +61 7 5529 5247. 11AM–7PM (closed Mondays).
- Jonez on Ephraim. A seafood restaurant
Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Hope Island Tavern, 87-97 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island, QLD 4212, ☏ +61 7 3558 3308, info@hopeislandtavern.com.au. A welcoming, family-friendly venue boasting a sprawling open-air beer garden. The kitchen features a massive wood-fired pizza oven alongside fresh local seafood options and a dedicated artisan gelato bar. Perfect for families due to its massive built-in children's playground. The vibrant sports bar is fully equipped with massive screens, full TAB facilities, and live gaming room configurations open until late.
- 2 The Boathouse Tavern, 101 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, QLD 4209, ☏ +61 7 5502 9800. Daily 10:00am–4:00am. A highly unique waterfront-themed venue that serves as a fantastic halfway meeting point between Brisbane and the southern Gold Coast. Features the striking "Waterfire Restaurant," which comes alive at night with fire burning directly out of the surrounding water features. The signature "Boat Bar" is built entirely out of a full-scale 40-foot luxury motor cruiser. Includes indoor and outdoor kid-friendly zones, timber cabana huts, an action-packed sports bar, and full TAB configurations. Main meals from A$22.
- 3 HarbourVue Tavern (Coomera Waters Tavern), L1/941 Harbour Village Parade, Coomera, QLD 4209, ☏ +61 7 5501 9351. Daily 11:00am–11:00pm. A beautiful local tavern that functions as a hidden gem offering sweeping, panoramic views straight over the boats moored at Coomera Waters Marina. Serves up high-quality tavern food spanning woodfired steaks, classic parmis, burgers, and loaded fries. Great local selection of draft beers, boutique wines, and custom cocktails. Offers a convenient local courtesy bus service for patrons looking for a seamless trip back to their accommodation. Pub meals from A$24.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Coomera Motor Inn, 11 Whitewater Way, Coomera, QLD 4209, ☏ +61 7 5573 2311, peng@coomeramotorinn.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. An unpretentious, highly functional 3-star low-rise inn that represents the ultimate base camp for theme park travelers. Located a mere 300-metre walk from the gates of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, entirely bypassing theme park parking fees. The property consists of 31 spacious motel rooms configured to sleep up to five guests. Amenities include reverse-cycle air conditioning, a saltwater swimming pool, mini-kitchen configurations, and a massive on-site secure parking zone capable of handling large trade vehicles or trailers. From A$118.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 2 BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park and Motel (BIG4 Gold Coast Caravan Park), 66-86 Siganto Drive, Helensvale, QLD 4212, ☏ +61 7 5514 4400, toll-free: +61 1300 789 189, stay@gcpark.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. An expansive family resort featuring its own massive monster water park, a tropical heated resort-style pool and spa, and an eco-friendly playground. Accommodation options are vast, bridging budget campsites to 4-star family motel rooms and luxury 3-bedroom retreats. Highly accessible with supportive amenities for guests with mobility needs, and exceptional dog-friendly amenities including a dog wash and day-care. Campsites from A$80, cabins from A$145.
- 3 Coomera Holiday Village, 2 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera, QLD 4209, ☏ +61 7 5573 1665. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A friendly, budget-friendly holiday and caravan park situated just minutes away from the northern Gold Coast's main theme parks. Offers a clean, relaxed community feel with grass and crusher-dust powered sites designed to comfortably accommodate tents, campervans, motorhomes, and large caravans. On-site amenities are exceptionally clean and well-maintained, featuring flush toilets, hot showers, an outdoor swimming pool, and secure vehicle/caravan storage options. Notably dog-friendly (with conditions). Campsites from A$66.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 4 InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove, QLD 4212, ☏ +61 7 5530 1234, toll-free: +61 7 5530 1234, info.sanctuarycove@ihg.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A grand, 5-star homestead-style resort nestled within the peaceful, gated Sanctuary Cove community. Boasting classic Queensland architecture, the property features a magnificent one-acre saltwater beach lagoon pool and offers direct access to two championship golf courses alongside a vibrant retail and dining marina village. From A$240.