Attraction
SkyPoint Observation Deck
Observation deck on levels 77 and 78 of the Q1 tower in Surfers Paradise, with 360-degree views from the hinterland to the Pacific and an external…
Sea World
Marine theme park on The Spit at Main Beach, open since 1971, combining dolphin, seal, penguin and polar bear exhibits with coasters and a Nickelodeon area for younger children.
At a glance
- Type
- Marine theme park
- Area
- Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
- Official site
- seaworld.com.au
Good to know
- Animal presentations
- Rides
- Cashless
- Wheelchair hire
Why we recommend it
Sea World opened on The Spit at Main Beach in October 1971 and is one of the Gold Coast's longest-running attractions. It is operated by Village Roadshow Theme Parks, which also runs Warner Bros. Movie World, and it mixes marine animal exhibits and presentations with rides, so a day here feels quite different from the other parks.
Animal exhibits are the core of the visit. The park has dolphins, seals, penguins and polar bears, along with ray and shark habitats, and its programme of presentations and educational talks covers the dolphins, seals, little penguins and polar bears. For a closer experience, paid Animal Adventures include a tropical reef snorkel, dolphin and seal encounters, and a behind-the-scenes visit to Polar Bear Shores. These have limited places and can be booked in advance.
The rides range widely. Leviathan, a wooden roller coaster that opened in 2022, is the headline thrill ride, alongside the Storm Coaster water coaster and the Jet Rescue launched coaster. Nickelodeon Land is aimed at younger children, with gentle rides and a PAW Patrol stage show. In the warmer months the water play areas are popular, so pack swimwear for children.
Sea World suits families with children of most ages, especially those who prefer animals to big drops. Allow a full day to see the main presentations and do a few rides. Check the presentation times when you arrive and plan the day around them, and look at the maintenance schedule on the website before you go, as some rides close periodically. The park is cashless, so bring a card or phone payment. Queue lines can close before the park's closing time. The park information pages also cover accessibility, frequently asked questions and the maintenance schedule, which are worth reading before you buy tickets.
On-site parking is available. By public transport, bus route 705 runs directly to Sea World from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach about every 20 minutes, and you can also take the G:link tram to Southport and change to the 705. Multi-day, multi-park passes are sold on the official website if you plan to visit the other Village Roadshow parks as well, and annual passes are available for repeat visitors.
Sea World FAQs
When did Sea World open?
Sea World opened on 30 October 1971.
Where is Sea World?
On Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, on The Spit north of Surfers Paradise.
How do you get there by public transport?
Bus route 705 runs directly from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach about every 20 minutes. From the G:link, change at Southport station to the 705.
Is there parking?
Yes. On-site parking is available for guests.
Can you pay with cash?
No. Sea World is cashless and accepts card and digital payments only.
What are Animal Adventures?
Paid add-on experiences such as a tropical reef snorkel, dolphin and seal encounters and a behind-the-scenes visit to Polar Bear Shores.
Is there anything for small children?
Yes. Nickelodeon Land has rides for younger children and a PAW Patrol stage show.
What is the contact number?
The Village Roadshow Theme Parks call centre is on 13 33 86.