Theme Me Up Scotty - thrills on the Gold Coast

When it comes to theme parks, the Griswalds would be green with envy! Apologies if you haven’t seen the National Lampoon movie, but there are four major ‘Wallyworlds’ on the Gold Coast, five if you include ‘Schoolie’s Week’.

‘Schoolie’s Week’ is actually a couple of weeks at the end of November when tens of thousands of school leavers flock to the Coast for healthy dollops of unsupervised excess, in moderation of course. It’s a good time to avoid Surfers Paradise unless you’re in that demographic. On the whole, considering, it is well controlled and mostly fun. Of course, television cameras are also there, eagerly awaiting the inevitable brawl, drunken disorderly behaviour, an overdose or wanton examples of teenage flirting. Some parents must be so proud to see the product of 12 years’ education when little John or Jenny is on their TV screen, comatose on a beach or being bundled into a police car – again, the joys of parenthood.

With any of the real theme parks, allow a full day. And, at the end of the day, I’m sure you will look back and see value for money.

Warner Bros. Movie World has the suspended rollercoaster Lethal Weapon, the Police Academy Stunt Show and Batman -The Ride, the Looney Tunes Village for toddlers, the Wild Wild West adventure ride for the truly daring and Harry Potter.

The award-winning marine park, Sea World is famous for its dolphins and sea lions. There’s also plenty of action with the daredevil stunts of the international ski team or a trip into the mysterious world of the Bermuda Triangle – a great adventure ride.

Dreamworld's attractions include wild (and curiously mild) Tiger Island where magnificent and rare tigers interact with a team of dedicated handlers. There’s also a Riverboat Cruise, Gold Rush Country, koala and kangaroo sanctuary, water slides and rides like Wipeout, Thunderbolt and the Tower of Terror: the world's tallest and fastest thrill ride with speeds of up to 160km per hour. And, for the ultimate thrill, hop onto the Giant Drop of 38 storeys.