Australia’s popular tourist attraction: Sea World

The Newspoll study surveyed Australian adults from across the country and found 56% had been to Sea World, pipping Dreamworld (51%). According to the study, Sea World has been elected as Australia’s top tourist attraction of all-time, with the Gold Coast claiming three of the top four spots.

Sea World’s win over fierce competitors Dreamworld can be tempered by the fact the aquatic-themed park has been operating for ten years longer than its cross-town competitor.

The Sunshine Coast’s Australia Zoo positioned 12th in a top 20 featuring such Aussie icons as Sydney’s Luna Park and Sea Life Aquarium.

It is an important achievement for both theme parks, with the Newspoll survey coinciding with the release of new tourism statistics showing international visitors to the Gold Coast increased by 10% last year — more than double any other region in Queensland.

According to Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Ben Pole the Newspoll result showed the Tourist Strip was justified to claim the mantle as Australia’s holiday capital.

“The Gold Coast is Australia’s most popular holiday destination, and it is thanks quality attractions like these that we continue to entice nearly 12 million visitors every year. This is the best kind of recognition as it comes straight from the people who are investing their money, their time, and their hopes in the Gold Coast as their holiday destination of choice,” he said.