Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shark feeding, and an array of rides. A monorail gets you around the grounds,
and there's a free water-slide playground. Water-sports are available for an extra
fee. Adults (14 and over) can snorkel with seals or dolphins for A$80 or A$115
(US$52-US$75), including a souvenir photo. An hour-long Dolphin Dive
Encounter uses “ocean-walker” technology to allow guests without dive qualifi-
cations to have a divelike encounter with dolphins. It costs A$165 (US$107) per
person (you must be 14 or older). Younger kids can attend a 30-minute dolphin
talk, pat one, and have their photo taken with it for A$50 (US$33).
Sea World Dr. (3km/1
3
⁄
4
miles north of Surfers Paradise), The Spit, Main Beach.
&
07/5588 2222,
or 07/5588
2205 (24-hr. info line). Fax: 07/5591 1056. www.seaworld.com.au. Admission (all-inclusive except dolphin
experiences, helicopter rides, and powered watersports) A$56 (US$36) adults, A$36 (US$23) children 4-13.
AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 10am-5pm; Anzac Day (Apr 25) 1:30-6:30pm. Closed Christmas. Free parking.
Warner Bros. Movie World
Australia's answer to Universal Studios
just about matches its U.S. counterpart for thrills and spills. The park is based
around working studios where
Scooby Doo
starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and
Freddie Prinze Jr.;
The Phantom,
starring Billy Zane;
20,000 Leagues Under the
Sea,
with Michael Caine; and
Streetfighter,
with Jean-Claude Van Damme, were
filmed. If you already know how Superman flies across skyscrapers and you've
heard a Foley sound studio in action before, the train ride around the sets might
not interest you, but it's a great introduction to cinema tricks for first-timers.
The latest hair-raising tummy-turning ride is the A$13 million indoor Scooby-
Doo Spooky Coaster roller coaster, which joins the Lethal Weapon roller coaster
and the simulated high-speed chase of Batman—The Ride in keeping thrill-
seekers happy. Don't miss the hilarious Police Academy Stunt Show. Young kids
can take rides and see stage shows by Yosemite Sam and Porky Pig in the Looney
Tunes Village, and there's a Looney Tunes Parade through the streets each day.
Most parades and shows take place between 11am and 4pm.
Pacific Hwy. (21km/13 miles north of Surfers Paradise), Oxenford.
&
07/5573 3999,
or 07/5573 8485 for
recorded information. www.movieworld.com.au. Admission (all-inclusive) A$56 (US$36) adults, A$36 (US$23)
children 4-13. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 9:30am-5:30pm; rides and attractions operate 10am-5pm. Closed Christ-
mas and until 1:30pm Apr 25. Free parking.
Wet 'n' Wild Water World
Hurtling down a seven-story piece of fiber-
glass at 70kmph (43 mph) is just one of many water-slide options at this aquatic
fun park. The rides have names like Double Screamer, Mammoth Falls, The
Twister, Terror Canyon, and White Water Mountain. That just about says it all.
Scaredy-cats can stick to the four regular white-water flumes, float gently past
palm-studded “islands” at Calypso Beach, swim in the artificial breakers in the
Wave Pool or in the regular pool, or soak in a spa at Whirlpool Springs. There's
also a water playground for young kids. Every night in January, and Saturday
night September through April, is Dive-In Movie night, during which film fans
can recline on a rubber tube in the pool while watching the flick on a giant
screen.
Warning:
It is very popular and very crowded, and to get a tube or a seat
you have to get there early. A stunt show plays at 2:30pm (5pm on movie nights).
The water is heated to 79°F (26°C) April to September, there are lifeguards on
duty, you can rent towels and lockers, and you can use the hot showers.
Pacific Hwy. (next to Warner Bros. Movie World), Oxenford.
&
07/5556 1610
(administration), or 07/5573
2255 for 24-hr. recorded information. www.wetnwild.com.au. Admission A$35 (US$23) adults, A$22 (US$14)
children 4-13. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily Jan 10am-9pm; Feb 10am-5pm; Mar-Apr 10am-4:30pm; May-Aug
10am-4pm; Sept-Oct 10am-4:30pm; Nov-Dec 10am-5pm. Open to 9pm on Dive-In Movie nights. Closed
Christmas and open from 1:30pm Anzac Day (Apr 25).
Kids
Kids
