The Gold Coastâs wonderland of ocean-themed fun, Sea World is one of Gold Coast's top attractions, with its main drawcards being serene dolphins, super-cute penguins, sensational sharks, and surprising sea jellies. Thereâs keeper talks and interactive presentations. Shows, including the sublime Affinity Dolphin presentation, the hilarious Seal Guardians and the astounding Thunder Lake Stunt Show.
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But, what would a theme park be without the thrill of a roller coaster or other heart-leaping rush?
Some people assume Sea World is less of a mecca for rides than some of the other Gold Coast theme parks, but you wonât think that after reading our list of the Top 10 rides at Sea World.
They range from roller coasters to swings-in-the-sky. Some rides are perfectly designed to send your adrenaline levels soaring and others for those who prefer more gentle enjoyment. Kids are well catered for, as are those who are young at heart.
Are you ready to find out more? Hold on tight, itâs time to rideâŠ
Weâre going to count down the 10 top rides in order of scariest to least scary. But, hey, what do we know? You ride them all and let us know what order youâd put them in!
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Vortex: The ultimate spin
After opening in 2020, The Vortex has become a much-loved Sea World ride. Seated in back-to-back rows, youâll twist, turn and spin just like you would within colossal currents of a real-life vortex.
Located in Sea Worldâs New Atlantis precinct, the Vortex sends you flying 15 metres high. Sure, thereâll be great views but will your eyes be open to see them? One of the thrills of this max-thrill level ride is the unpredictability; you never know whether youâre about to head up or down, or spin forwards or backwards.
Each side offers different views. So, once youâve ridden the Vortex? Time to ride again.
Storm Coaster: A serious splash
Youâll start to get into the imaginary vibe of Sea Worldâs Storm Coaster as you approach this max-level thrill ride. A strong storm has scattered debris and wrecked boats with dire weather predictions as your board. Itâs time to escape but somehow you know itâs not going to be smooth sailing ahead.
The ride starts innocently enough as your rescue boat heads high enough to give you some great views over the park. The serenity is short lived, however. A few twists and turns are your warm-up before the main event: a 20-metre plunge down and through a wave of water.
âYou will get wet, you might get soakedâ is the apt motto of this ride. Are you brave enough to coast the storm?
Jet Rescue Coaster
If acceleration is your game, make Jet Rescue Coaster your aim!
A sea lion is trapped and needs your help, so itâs time to hop aboard a jet-ski. Youâll appreciate thereâs no time to waste, so Iâm sure you wonât mind pulling 2.5Gs in order to speed that rescue mission.
The Jet Rescue Coaster does not offer the sort of thrill that comes from falling from great height. Instead, the max-thrill rating comes from the powerful acceleration at the start (take the instructions seriously to hold on tight!) and the ride reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometers an hour. That might not feel fast in a car but it sure does when youâre riding a jet-ski on rails!
Leviathan: All-new rollercoaster fun
Coming Soon
Who doesnât love a good old fashioned roller coaster? Youâll love it even more when itâs brand new! In fact, the Leviathan, another of Sea Worldâs new rides, is the best of both worlds. The wooden structure means it carries the vibes of classic roller coasters as well as making history as the tallest, fastest and longest wooden roller coaster in Australia.
The Leviathan will rise from the depths of Atlantis to take you on a thundering ride. Ninety seconds might not sound like long but thatâs more than enough time for a whole lot of dips, turns, near 90-degree banks and, of course, stomach-lurching drops.
Even if you donât ride, the Leviathan is an impressive structure. But we recommend you do more than spectate. Get on board to ride over nearly 1 kilometre of track and enjoy the nearly 30 metre drop!
Trident: Views from on high
Coming Soon
The Trident is the Gold Coastâs newest landmark. It tops out at 42 metres, a height not far short of the Arc de Triomphe and the Statue of Liberty!
The views from this height are spectacular. What can you see inland over the Southport Spit and the hustle of the Gold Coast? How far can you see across the vastness of the Pacific Ocean? Once this mild-thrill level ride opens later in 2022, thereâll be no need to choose which direction to look, as the ride will spin you around the central golden trident.
Either way, you wonât be protected behind glass or a balcony. Instead youâll be securely seated an your own open-air swing, allowing you a true sense of what it would be like to fly.
SpongeBobâs Boating School Blast
Itâs time to go to school but, rest assured, this is the most fun school around! Let SpongeBob and Mrs Puff test your boating skills by testing you out on a rigorous course.
Believe us, this mini-roller coaster is higher on the thrill-level than you might expect. Sure, itâs perfect for younger kids but thatâs not to say it wonât spark some adrenalin for bigger people too.
Thereâs no huge drops but youâll definitely pass your boating school exam after zooming and zig-zagging around this super-fast and super-fun ride.
Donatelloâs Ninja Flyers: Get pedaling!
This ride might be in Nickelodeon Land, the kid-friendly part of Sea World, but that doesnât mean there arenât thrills to be enjoyed.
Ninja Turtles are known for their bravery and good deeds. On this moderate level thrill ride, you are in control of a pedal-powered glider in order to get you up high for surveillance duty.
Pedal to head up and glide back down as your fan-powered glider takes you on a super fun ride. With space for two on a glider, this is a perfect ride to share with a friend.
Boots Banana Boogie: Get ready to dance
A âbanana-go-roundâ? Donât worry, itâs not that youâre not âpeeling wellâ. Doraâs buddy, Boots, has designed this ride based on his favourite fruit.
Thereâs no need to get mushy, Bootsâ flying bananas make for a smooth ride and heâll be watching over you from his palm tree right in the middle.
Thereâs room for two to a banana (one sitting behind the other) and plenty of space for older-people as well as little ones.
Castaway Bay Battle Boats: Ready, aim, water!
Get in touch with your inner pirate or sea captain on this hilarious battleground that dominates the centre of Sea Worldâs Castaway Bay precinct. Board a Battle Boat and get acquainted with your cannon before itâs time to fight!
Thereâs no danger here â other than getting decidedly wet â as the cannons spray jets of water. As your boat moves around the bay, youâll come under âwaterâ (as opposed to âfireâ) from different boats. Will you be merciful or will you blast their boat to smithereens?
With over 80 water cannons in play around the bay, thereâs sure to be an equal mix of screams and laughter as you battle.
Doraâs Fiesta Carousel: Who doesnât love a merry-go-round?
We love a carousel and Doraâs Fiesta Carousel is one of the finest classics in this genre.
Thereâs everything youâd expect: horses ready to ride, complete with reigns and twisting golden poles to hold. Will you choose a brown, grey, white or even a more colourful horse?
If you prefer something closer to the ground, there are carriages big enough to fit at least two. Then, thereâs the glimmering lights and colourful mirrors to make you feel like the most special carousel rider around.
What a perfect way to wind down after a day of fun.
quick FAQs
How many rides are there at Sea World?
More than ten! In addition to our top picks above, you can also check out other rides in the Nickelodeon Land like the Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express and Patrickâs Jellyfish Frenzy.
Are the rides at Sea World free?
Once youâve bought your Sea World tickets (check out options and prices on the Sea World website), you are free to enjoy all the rides listed here as many times as you like. There are also other amazing experiences, like up close animal adventures or a ride on the Shark Bay Glass Bottom Boat and Y, that need to be booked and cost extra.
Are there any restrictions on who can ride?
Check out the Sea World website or app for details on height, age and health restrictions. Also for any temporary closures for Sea World ride maintenance.
Can I stay at Sea World?
Absolutely! The Sea World Resort is located onsite with Sea World. Staying at the resort means you can maximise your day of theme park fun. Plus, the attractions continue with a 50 metre Lagoon Pool complete with waterfall and spa, a SpongeBob Light Show, a Kids Club and, for the grown-ups, a gym and massage and beauty salon
What should I do next?
Get ready to ride! Plan your trip to Sea World as part of a great Gold Coast holiday with Virgin Australia.