Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stroll through a winter wonderland of softly falling snow, a cup of mulled wine warming your hands whilst enjoying all the sights, sounds and tastes of a European winter? Well, get ready to immerse yourself in a traditional European “Christmas card” scene when Dreamworld Winterfest brings the festive magic of a European winter to the Gold Coast every June-July school holidays!
The park is transformed for Dreamworld Winterfest
Want to feel like you’re travelling and having a cold northern Christmas? From the illusion of snow throughout the park, to tobogganing, ice skating and themed entertainment, let the magical theming at Winterfest take you away to a cooler climate.
>> Watch our video review to learn more about Dreamworld Winterfest!
The park is decorated in a snowy wonderland theme, bringing a new magic to the rides and attractions that you love and new wintery experiences that you won’t want to miss! Here’s a taste of what you and your family will love about Winterfest…
Tobogganing
Grab the kids and a sled and get set to feel the winter breeze in your face as you fly down the toboggan slide. Who can make it to the bottom first? Two can slide side-by-side so the race is on!
A fun new addition just for Winterfest, the Toboggan slide is sure to be popular with all ages. It’s an avalanche of fun!
Ice Maze
Dreamworld’s Ice Maze is designed especially for younger children to enjoy. It’s created from fake ice so you’ve no need to worry and frostbitten noses and fingers, but the kids will have an icey blast finding their way back out!
Winterville – a foodie haven!
No European-style winter would be complete without a winter market filled with festive food and drink stalls; the aroma of freshly baked pretzels mingling with sizzling bratwurst and mulled wine. The new winter food market at Dreamworld is so big it needed its own name – Winterville!
Just like the traditional Christmas markets in Europe, Winterville offers a feast of delicious delights including cheese kranskies, Italian doughnuts, freshly roasted nuts, Belgian waffles, and cinnamon apple wedges. These delicious food items are only available during Winterfest, so if you don’t want to miss out you’d better get your skates on! Speaking of skates…
Ice skating is back!
For two weeks only the pop-up ice skating rink is back in the Dreamworld Exhibition Centre. This is your opportunity to wrap up in your cute winter woolly jumper and scarf and chill out with some quality time on the ice. Bumps and falls are all part of the fun. Our tip: wrap that woolly jumper and scarf around your hips for extra cushioning!
Ice skating is an additional-cost activity but annual pass holders receive one free ice-skating ticket each!
Amazing photo opportunities
Get ready to ‘shake up’ your Insta game as you create the illusion of being a pro snowboarder, of ice-fishing in the far north or of jumping on a ski lift!
Special displays throughout the park will provide lots of other wintery photo opportunities, and you will still find your favourite Dreamworks and ABC Kids characters popping in to pose for a photo with a friendly wave.
Winterfest at night
Winterfest is open every day throughout the school holidays, from June 26 to July 11 plus a special BONUS weekend on Sat 17 and Sunday 18 July, and this year the park has added two special Winterfest night-time events. These ticketed events take place on June 26 and July 3 only, providing thrill seekers the opportunity to witness the ‘Park After Dark’.
Park After Dark is all about turning things up when the sun goes down. Your favourite rides will be colourfully lit up and unique entertainment with music and performances will be on throughout the evening. You can guarantee that a Winterfest Park After Dark will be a fully festive, entertaining, and memorable experience!
The best way to enjoy Dreamworld Winterfest is…
…with an annual pass!
After attending Winterfest once your kids are probably going to want to spend EVERY day of the holiday there. For just a little more than the cost of a one-day entry the Locals Annual Pass allows you to visit as often as you want over a 12-month period, with entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and SkyPoint Observation Deck (Surfer’s Paradise) included.
Locals Annual Pass Bonuses
Each local annual pass also includes one ice-skating entry at Winterfest (day event), entry to Dreamworld’s Happy Halloween event, plus a free digital photo pass and discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise purchases.
Click here to get your annual pass!
We have all your Dreamworld information in our guides:
- Head to the Dreamworld Winterfest website for more information on dates and activities.
- Dreamworld for Toddlers & Pres-Schoolers guide.
- Find out more about Dreamworld for Primary Aged Children here.
- Dreamworld for Teenagers and Tweens guide.
- Find more family friendly Brisbane Festivals here or festivals by month here.
If you are looking for accommodation near Dreamworld, we have reviewed the top 10 hotels nearby so you can make and informed choice!
This article was featured in Issue 46 of our printed magazine, published June 2021.
