Our top theme parks to visit

Australia is a dream destination for family holidays, especially when you add fun-filled theme parks to mix. From epic water slides and roller coasters to enchanting castles and wildlife encounters, theme parks cater to the young and young at heart, promising unforgettable outdoor adventures. Buckle up for the ride as we round up some of the top Australian theme parks for kids - including some of the lesser known fun spots.

In the coastal suburb of Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Aussie World theme park is a smaller but classic theme park that focuses on family-friendly fun. This park is great for younger children and its laid-back atmosphere and manageable size make it perfect for families after a less hectic theme park experience. 

Highlights for kids include the Bug Run, a gentle roller coaster perfect for tiny tots experiencing their first thrill ride, and Leak’n Logs, a water play area with fountains, sprays, and mini slides. There are a few thrills for older kids too, with the SX360, Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum ride and Dingo Racer, a spinning roller coaster that will get the heart pumping.

Where to stay

Enjoy superb beachside accommodation at the Bokarina Beach Apartments, whether it’s a cosy apartment for two or something spacious for the whole family.

Adventure World – Perth

With more than 25 rides and attractions, Perth’s premier water and theme park packs in the fun. First opening its doors back in 1982, the iconic theme park is one of a kind in Perth, with both water slides and heart pounding rides. Set in landscaped botanical gardens next to Bibra Lake, 25 minutes from the city, Adventure World also has plenty of shaded grassy areas for picnics, where you can relax and recharge between thrills. 

Adrenaline seekers will love the giant pendulum swing Goliath, that takes you on heartstopping swings and 360 degree spins, or riding a raft down the world’s longest and steepest funnel water slide, Kraken. Younger kids will have a ball at the Hawaiian-themed Kahuna Falls water playground with tipping buckets, sprays and slides, while the Dragon’s Kingdom has pint-sized roller coasters, carousels, and climbing towers.

Where to stay

After a big day out at the Adventure World theme park, relax in the modern and chic Ingot Hotel, close to Perth attractions and the CBD.

No list of Melbourne theme parks would be complete without mentioning Luna Park, with its iconic, giant smiling face at the entrance. Both Melbourne and Sydney have their own, but Melbourne’s Luna Park was the first, opening in the bayside suburb of St Kilda in 1912. Brimming with vintage charm and modern rides and attractions to suit all ages, Luna Park is a guaranteed fun day out. 

Highlights include the Great Scenic Railway, the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster, with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne city skyline, and the heritage-listed carousel, a beautifully restored ride straight out of Mary Poppins that delights young and old alike. Kids will also love the classic Luna Park Ghost Train, with spooky jump scares and old-school thrills.

Where to stay

Stay in superb apartment accommodation close to St Kilda at the Clarion Apartments South Melbourne, within walking distance of cafes and restaurants.

Transport yourself back to medieval times at Kryal Castle, Australia’s only medieval adventure park. A replica of a 700-year old castle, 1.5 hours’ west of Melbourne near historic Ballarat, this unique attraction draws you into a world of knights, damsels, and fire breathing dragons. Try your hand at axe-throwing, hit a bullseye in archery, or watch the spectacle of a potions-making workshop led by a pointy-eared elf. 

Kryal Castle also features a range of craft and wizard workshops, and scavenger hunts, with puppet shows and daily jousting tournaments between ‘resident knights’. The kids can become knights in training as they learn the art of swordplay and learn the legend of Kryal in the interactive Dragon’s Labyrinth.

Where to stay

The Quality Inn & Suites The Menzies offers contemporary styled rooms in the city centre of Ballarat, while the Quality Inn Heritage, a boutique hotel nestled on historic Lydiard Street, is close to a range of great restaurants, shops, bars and cafes.

When it comes to theme parks, Gumbya World has it all. As Victoria’s only water, wildlife, and theme park, Gumbuya World delivers a trifecta of fun that appeals to kids and adults of all ages. A 50-minute drive south-east from Melbourne, it’s a great destination for families with eight waterslides, two kids splash zones, and an impressive family wave pool. Keep an eye out for Big Bruno the giant pheasant at the entrance, which has been there since the park’s inception in 1978.

Get ready to scream your heart out on the suspended family rollercoaster TNT and feel the G-forces on the mighty Rebel, the park’s biggest ride that swings you two ways at once. For some quieter low-key action, say hello to Banjo the baby koala, the newest addition to the wildlife park, along with kangaroos, dingoes, pythons and more.

Where to stay

After a big day out at Gumbuya World Theme Park, head to Comfort Inn & Suites Warragul, close to local restaurants, cafes and bars.

The matching pair to the park in Melbourne, Sydney’s Luna Park is one of the top Sydney theme parks. With a stunning harbourside location that’s unparalleled, this heritage theme park, built in 1935, packs in the nostalgia with modern heart-pounding thrills. Featuring fantasy architecture in the Art Deco style of the 1930s, it’s modelled off the original Luna Park on Coney Island in New York in 1903.

The majestic Ferris Wheel offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour as you float high above the park, while the four different roller coasters cater for all ages, including the new Big Dipper and the classic Wild Mouse. Screaming thrillseekers will love the Sledgehammer, while the younger kids will enjoy the Coney Island slides. You’ll also find plenty of carnival games and treats like fairy floss and churros for the complete theme park experience.

Sydney’s largest water park, Raging Waters Sydney, is a cool haven for aquatic fun and escaping the summer heat. Located just outside the CBD in Western Sydney, it’s the perfect spot to cool off during the warmer months. Formerly Wet’n’Wild Sydney, the park has over 40 slides and attractions spread across 25 hectares, including Raging Waters Junior, Australia's largest kid-friendly water area.

For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Beach Wave pool, with white sandy shores and gentle waves rolling in or float in a tube around the Dinosaur Lagoon. There’s also a splash pad and water playground designed for younger children. Older kids will love the high-octane attractions like the H2Go Racers and 360Rush, which deliver heart-pounding excitement. You’ll also find plenty of dining options and shaded relaxation areas.

Where to stay

Enjoy guest rooms and serviced apartments at the heritage Comfort Inn & Suites Burwood, ideally located for access to Sydney’s best theme parks and attractions. 

Originally one of Australia’s first iconic roadside ‘Big Things’, the Big Banana has evolved into a must-visit destination on the northern New South Wales coast. Its giant yellow walk-through banana, built in 1964, and quirky banana theme has long made it a much-loved hit with families on summer holiday road trips. 

Boasting the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast, over four storeys high,  the Big Banana Fun Park is packed with attractions including The Racer, a six-lane giant slide, a 600m toboggan ride, mini golf and laser tag. Zip down the water slides at speeds of up to 60 k/ph. You can also enjoy a self-guided stroll through the lower half of the banana plantation and don’t forget to grab a classic selfie with the Big Banana before you go.

Where to stay

Base yourself at the award-winning Quality Hotel City Centre in beautiful Coffs Harbour, a short walk to nearby shops, cafes, restaurants and a range of local attractions.

Header image credit: Destination NSW