Party, party, party!! With the official all-ages organised beach parties to fill every evening your nights are sorted, but how are you going to fill those long days of sunshine? This article lists some of the best things to at schoolies on the Gold Coast. Keep your phone charged because the photo ops are on point!
Theme Parks
Gather your friends or school cohort, and head to one of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks.
Village Roadshow
A Village Roadshow pass gives you access to Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Sea World and Paradise Country.
Warner Bros. Movie World has all the thrill rides, plus shows and entertainment and heaps of memory-making photo opportunities.
Sea World also has thrill rides and offers animal encounters, shows, and displays.
Paradise Country is more about a relaxing day amongst farm animals and wildlife – a great “chill” day when you need to unwind.
Wet’n’Wild, Australia’s biggest water park, has thrilling water slides, including one in total darkness! Fun Fact: The infamous “poo slide” scene from teen favourite “The Inbetweeners 2” was filmed at Wet’n’Wild on the Gold Coast!
A Village Roadshow Super Pass will give you week-long access to all four parks. SE QLD and Northern NSW locals can get an annual pass to all four parks for just a few dollars more.
Dreamworld
You can choose from a variety of Dreamworld entry passes, including single day, multi-day, and annual passes to Dreamworld, White Water World, and SkyPoint Observation Tower.
DreamWorld has thrill rides, a zoo, and shows and demonstrations.
White Water World is attached to DreamWorld and is a perfect place to splash around and have fun on the slides (operates on a seasonal opening schedule).
SkyPoint is at the top of the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. Get a 360°view of all the schoolies action on the beaches 230 metres below and see all the way to the NSW border and Gold Coast Hinterland. The more adventurous amongst you can even take part in an EXTERNAL climb to a platform 270 metres above sea level. Now there’s a challenge to mark the end of your school years! Note: the external climb is not included in your pass. Additional charges apply.
A locals annual pass will get you a full year’s access to all the Dreamworld banner attractions, or choose a 7-day Gold Coast Fun Pass that will get you entry to Dreamworld, SkyPoint, Aquaduck Gold Coast, and Infinity Attraction.
Infinity Attraction Gold Coast
Infinity Attraction is a walk-through experience where you are challenged to discover clues to find your way from one intriguing maze-like environment to the next. It’s a world of lights, lasers, and incredible mind-bending illusions. Get a group of friends together and experience something totally different!
Aquaduck City and River Cruise
The Aquaduck is an iconic must-do Gold Coast experience. The hour-long bus tour takes you sightseeing through the city AND along the river – yes, this bus is also a boat! Aquaduck is Australia’s first and finest amphibious adventure, departing from Surfers Paradise.
iFly Gold Coast
Discover the thrill of skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. Your instructor will take you through some twists, turns and spins, and if you are brave enough, you’ll soar to the top of the tunnel before cruising back down.
Flyers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Check out our review of iFly Chermside to get an idea of what to expect.
Tandem parasailing
Soar up to 115 metres above the Gold Coast with panoramic views over the Gold Coast Skyline, the Hinterland, and Stradbroke Island. Two people can fly together, with a minimum of four people per booking for the boat to go out. You might even spot some dolphins or late migratory whales playing!
Jet Ski tour of the waterways
No experience or licence needed! Price is per ski, so ride on your own (minimum age 16) or with a passenger (one person on the ski must be 18 for tandem riders). Cruise the Gold Coast waterways and out towards South Stradbroke Island on a thrilling adventure, taking in the sights of all the luxury mansions along the way.
Luxury sunset cruise
Take a break from partying and relax on a luxury sunset cruise with your friends. The tri-deck catamaran is built for comfort, so sit back and watch the sun go down with a soft drink, wine, or beer in your hand, and a platter of gourmet cheeses by your side.
Jet Boat Ride
If you suffer from sea sickness – or have a hangover – sit this one out! Gold Coast Jet X will take you on a 55-minute high speed ride through the Gold Coast Broadwater. You’ll whiz along the sandbanks of the Gold Coast Seaway to Wavebreak, and out to South Stradbroke Island. The rides include a set of stunts, power brake stops, sweeping fish tails and wave riding.
Kayak & snorkel tour
No experience is required as your guides have thought of everything. Kayak through spectacularly clear waters, where you might spot dolphins and stingrays, to the northern side of Wave Break Island, and a scenic spot called Dolphin Bay.
After a short bush-walk, you will arrive to Wave Break Island’s eastern side. The background here is picture perfect – a combination of natural and created beauty. Spend time snorkelling and swimming with your friends before heading back for snacks and a drink.
Ripley’s Surfers Paradise
It’s definitely worth getting the combo ticket to explore all the experiences here. Your combo ticket will give you access to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – over 300 oddities and artifacts that are hard to believe, Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre – a virtual reality multi-dimensional immersive movie experience, Ripley’s Impossible Laserace. Ripley’s Mirror Maze is coming soon, look out for the opening date announcement!
Explore the Gold Coast Hinterlands
There are lots of organised Hinterland tours that your hotel reception can help you organise. If you have your own transport, take a drive out there yourself.
The Hinterlands offer spectacular views and scenery, plus a host of attractions of their own. Around Mount Tamborine you will find, the Sky Walk, Treetops Challenge, Glow Worm Caves, horse riding in Thunderbird Park. Check out the our suggestions for things to do in Mount Tamborine here.
More to do at Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise is the perfect schoolies 2023 destination. It’s packed with things to do at schoolies. If none of these ideas float your boat, you can find more ideas here.
