Winter: The Ultimate Theme Park Season
It’s Winter, the days are shorter but there’s still enough time for us to hit play on fun mode!
If you’re looking for things to do on the weekend or this school holidays, don’t overlook a visit to the theme parks this winter. These times are perfect for a stress-free day filled with magic moments, thanks to fewer crowds.
Theme parks are always a treat! But there are some convincing reasons to consider visiting them in the winter months. We love to visit theme parks because of the:
- Mild Climate
- Reduced Crowds
- Special Events & Promotions
- Year-round Attractions
With Australia’s mild climate, winter in states like Queensland and New South Wales, the days tend to be mild at 15 to 25 degrees. Less heat means less fatigue for outdoor activities, which means less stoppages, and more time for fun!
Peak times for theme parks tend to be the summer holidays when international and interstate visitors are flooding the gates. So, for families with children of varying ages with some littles in the mix, now is an ideal time to visit if you prefer a relaxed pace and the opportunity to move through the rides and shows a little quicker.
Check out the great deals on and special winter themed activities and events that can make getting out of the house a little more appealing! Ice skating rinks, snow, Christmas in July themed activities, and entertainment. You might also find many will offer special packages and discounts during the off-peak season.
When it comes to the attractions, most have all year around rides, shows and exhibits. Discover the animals, give the rides a workout, and soak up the shows like Movie World’s DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains or Luna Park Sydney’s Dream Circus.
QUEENSLAND
1. Warner Brothers Movie World
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Winter Trading Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Perfect for: 7 to 12 year olds (tweens)
Roxy Theatre, Hollywood Stunt Driver 2, Star Parade and all the rides! Did you know you can check Move World’s maintenance schedule to see which rides and attractions are operational or under maintenance. Get your pass now.
2. Sea World
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Winter Trading Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best for: 0-6 year olds
Take the time to explore the animal exhibits including Shark Bay, Sea Jellies Illuminated, Sandy Shores Lagoon to see the dolphins, Polar Bear Shores, and Penguin Encounter. There’s also 10 shows or presentations you can catch throughout the day with Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Thunder Lake Stunt Show, plus the animal talks and presentations.
3. Dreamworld
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Winter Trading Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best for: 0-6 year olds
Look out for their Winterfest for European food, ice skating, tobogganing and much more each winter school holidays.
NEW SOUTH WALES
1. Luna Park Sydney
- Location: Sydney, NSW
- Winter Trading Hours: Open daily with times varying, check the website.
- Best for: 0-6 year olds
It’s free to enter Luna Park, with rides to sideshow alley there’s a whole world of fun waiting for you. You can pre-purchase your unlimited ride pass and save, Coney Island Pass to get lost in the magic of yesteryear, or catch one of their latest shows and experiences. Discover and book here.
VICTORIA
1. Luna Park Melbourne
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Winter Trading Hours: Open daily during school holidays and weekends from 11-6pm
- Best for: 6-12 year olds
Whether you’re looking to take the kids out for an adventure or a wild day out with the family, school holidays at Luna Park are where it’s at! Turn winter into the most exciting season of the year with our real-life animal encounters, thrilling rides, carnival-crazy food and winter fun. Book now for thrilling fun!
2. Gumbuya World
- Location: South East Melbourne, VIC
- Winter Trading Hours: Open daily 11-4pm.
- Perfect for: 0-6 year olds for the Wild Life zone
Just 50 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, Gumbuya World offers four worlds in one ensuring there is always fun to be had! During the winter months you can discover their latest experience ‘Gumbuya Dreaming’, a mesmerising digital light display created and produced by Yarnology. Installations and soundscapes provide opportunities to explore natural beauty and mysteries of our land, animals and the elements. Gumbuya’s Aboriginal meaning, ‘meeting place’ is where you’ll not only discover Gumbuya Dreaming, but also Wildlife Trail during the week and on weekends the rollercoasters, rides and shows as well!
3. Adventure Park
- Location: Geelong, VIC
- Winter Trading Hours: Open for Winter Glow only, 3.30-8.30pm
Geelong’s Adventure Park turns into a colourful winter wonderland with its Winter Glow during the school holiday period (22 June-21 July 2024). Thanks to overwhelming popularity Winter Glow is being extended for a further two nights 27 July and 3 August. Build a snowman, take a 2km stroll along a dazzling light trail, you can even celebrate your child’s birthday at the winter festival with a full party package available for just $48 per child with minimum 10 guests.
So, don’t let the cooler weather keep you cooped up inside. Embrace the magic of winter at these incredible theme parks, where every day is an adventure waiting to unfold. Grab your jackets, rally the family, and dive into a season of unforgettable fun! Does your child celebrate a birthday during the winter months, why not consider a theme park birthday party?
