Who said theme parks are just for kids? lastminute lad Neal gives us the lowdown on an adults-only trip to the Gold Coast’s Wet’n’Wild and Seaworld.
When you’ve got a date with the famous theme parks of the Gold Coast, most people would be happy or perhaps relieved to wake up to a sunny day (yep, despite rumours to the contrary it is still the Sunshine State).
Me? Not so much.
You see, surely sunshine on a Saturday will equal crowds, queues and waiting, waiting and more waiting. I’m pleased to report my fears were unfounded and my weekend of being a big kid at two of the GC’s biggest attractions was actually frustration-free.
Day one: Wet‘n’Wild
On arriving at Wet‘n’Wild just before opening time I immediately realise just how big it is. I had envisaged a few hours would be all we’d need to cover it off but it’s immediately clear that only a whole day would do this place justice.
Checking out Wet’n’Wild
Top five best rides
1. Mach 5 rider – The tallest slide in the park (and the country apparently!) seems like the best place to start. If you suffer from vertigo, don’t look down, just cross your legs, close your eyes and be prepared to scream. This ride lasts about five seconds and even the squirmiest of ride-goers will want to head straight back up there and do it again and again.
Mach 5 rider
2. Mammoth Falls – Best described as sitting inside a giant inflatable frisbee. Grab up to five mates and go white-water rafting, theme park style.
3. The Constrictor – Hold on tight as you take on the 360 degree coils of the massive snake. As one of the fastest slides in the park, the lines are slightly longer but having said that the maximum we queued for any of the rides was 10 minutes and some of them there were no queues at all so you could go on as many times as you like.
4. Super 8 Racer – Perfect for the competitive type (there’s one in every group). Plunge head first down the 86 metre long slides where you’ll reach speeds of up to 40km/h on one of the most advanced racing slides in the world. The finish line calculates who was 1st down to 6th.
Super 8 Racer
| Top tip: If you’re in it to win it (okay, I admit I might be the competitive type), position your feet against the start of the ride to give yourself an extra boost when the light goes green, it’ll give you an advantage against your mates. Keep that little gem to yourself. |
5. Aqualoop – Climb 100 steps and climb into a vertical coffin (it’s fun, I promise), cross your legs and pray. A voice will count down ‘3…2….1… zero’ and the floor beneath you will give way. You’ll go from zero to 60km per hour and it’s impossible not to let out a scream. This one lasts for 8 seconds and judging by watching everyone else on it, you’re guaranteed to come out the other end with a MASSIVE smile on your face.
Aqualoop
Day two: Seaworld
Why have one day of theme park action when you can have two?
We arrive at Seaworld on Sunday morning just as the Sponge Bob Square Pants parade starts which seems to have attracted every family in the park. Happy days! We take this opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals, sans crowds.
Top five best attractions
1. Polar Bear Shores – At first look there are no polar bears to be seen, but then one appears from nowhere and gracefully jumps in the pool. We quickly head downstairs to the underwater viewing gallery and get a good close-up look at the polar bear in all his swimming glory. The water looked FREEZING cold, which is probably why he looks so happy.
A bit of the North Pole in QLD…
2. Ray Reef – When I think sting rays, I think Steve Irwin so I’m a little cautious to get too close but at Seaworld you can feed and stroke these creatures, safety assured.
Ray reef
3. Shark Bay – The shark enclosure is pretty spectacular with hundreds of different varieties of sharks, fish and rays, all living in harmony. I’m pretty happy there’s solid glass between us and them though!
4. Fish Detectives – The highlight of the morning is the Fish Detectives Sea Lion Show. It sounds daggy but it’s actually quite hilarious.
Fish detectives
5. Meet the Dolphin – Swimming with the dolphins is a seasonal activity Seaworld is renowned for (it also makes a great gift!). Check out lastminute lovely Kirsty’s recent experience complete with video action.
Top tips for theme park success
• Start early – Despite getting to Wet’n’Wild at opening time, we still found ourselves rushing around the park up until closing time to squeeze in as many rides as we could. Don’t have theme park regret.
• Look out for combo deals – A Warner Bros Super Pass gives you unlimited entry to Wet‘n’Wild, Seaworld and Dreamworld for 28 days for $125 per person which is great value.
• Think ahead for food – If a burger and chips type fare will keep you going, you’ll be set (healthy options are a little harder to come by). If you’re going with a group, consider setting yourselves up for the day at one of the BBQ spots if you want to cook for yourselves.
• Book your tickets online – Save yourself the hassle and save a few dollars by booking your tickets online. Click here to get booking.