Weird, Wonderful & Totally Worth It: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Gold Coast

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As well as visiting Hello Kitty Café for my birthday, we also ticked another attraction off my bucket list—Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is one of the Gold Coast's most unique indoor attractions. Known as the "Odditorium," it's home to hundreds of fascinating exhibits that celebrate the strange, unusual and extraordinary from around the world.

As you make your way through the attraction, you'll encounter everything from incredible world records and rare artefacts to bizarre animal displays, interactive exhibits, optical illusions and artwork created from the most unexpected materials. Every room offers something different, making it a fun experience for those who enjoy discovering weird and wonderful facts—just like me!

The Weird & Wonderful Exhibits

Most people spend around 1½ to 2 hours exploring, although you could easily spend longer if you enjoy reading the information panels and trying out the interactive displays. It's an excellent attraction for families, couples, groups of friends and anyone looking for a fun indoor activity on the Gold Coast—especially on rainy days or when you need a break from the beach.

Some of my favourite exhibits were the incredible artworks created from unusual materials, including The Last Supper, crafted entirely from pieces of toast and the impressive Heath Ledger word portrait. There are also plenty of bizarre displays, such as the two-headed baby, fascinating artefacts and unbelievable world records that will have you stopping in your tracks—including the chance to stand next to the world's tallest man!

The Interactive Exhibits

There are plenty of fun exhibits to interact with, including the Mirror Maze and the Vortex Tunnel.  I spent most of the Mirror Maze with my hands stretched out in front of me so I didn't walk into the glass—or leave red lipstick marks everywhere... haha! As for the Vortex Tunnel, I wanted out almost as soon as I walked in!

You can also test your strength on the punching bag machine, have your fortune read or purchase group photo prints, although these experiences all come at an additional cost. 

I think we saved the best until last—the 7D Moving Theatre! Considering I already have severe anxiety, I chose one of the less scary experiences and went with the robot-themed adventure. We definitely got our money's worth, spending the whole ride shooting, screaming and laughing. I'm also terrified of heights, so the sensation of dropping, combined with robot jump scares, had my heart racing. Even though I knew I was perfectly safe, it was an absolute blast!

⭐ My Top 5 

  • 7D Moving theatre
  • Mirror Maze
  • Interactive Motion-Tracking Mirror
  • New Guinea Ramboramb Figure (it's so creepy!)
  • Heath Ledger Word Portrait

💡Tips Before You Visit

  • Allow around 1.5-2 hours to explore the exhibits at a comfortable pace.
  • Bring your camera or phone.
  • Take your time.
  • Visit during quieter times if you can.
  • Pair it with other Surfers Paradise attractions.
  • Look beyond the headline attractions.
  • Check for combination tickets.

Accessibility Information

🎟️ Cost

  • Adult: $32.90
  • Child 4-12: $24.90
  • VIP Combo online Adult: $47.90
  • VIP Combo online Child 4-12: $37.90

See the Ripley's website for package pricing.

🗓️ When

Sunday to Thursday: 9am-10pm

Friday & Saturday: 9am-11pm

📍 Where

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

♿ Companion Card

Accepted. Your support person receives free entry when you purchase an eligible ticket.

Ease of use: Simply present your paid ticket at the front counter to receive a Companion Card ticket, which can then be scanned for entry.

😊 Customer Service

Awesome! The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful throughout our visit. 

🧑‍🦽 Wheelchair Access

The attraction is wheelchair accessible, with ramp access available to many of the exhibits. 

🚗 Parking & Transport

Paid parking is available at the Soul Boardwalk Car Park, which is where we parked. Bruce Bishop Car Park and nearby Esplanade street parking are also convenient options.

🔒 Security

As a daytime, family-friendly attraction, we felt safe and comfortable throughout our visit.

🐾 Pet Policy

According to the website:

"Guide dogs for the blind, service dogs (as defined in the ADA) for people with disabilities and working service dogs in training are permitted inside the attraction. Pets are not allowed. Emotional support animals are not permitted."

🧘 Quiet Spaces

N/A.

🍔 Food Options

There are plenty of food options nearby, including the Paradise Centre shopping precinct and the many restaurants and cafés along Cavill Avenue.

👥 Crowds

We honestly felt like we had the place almost to ourselves, which was amazing—especially considering we visited on a Sunday! I imagine it would be much busier during school holidays.

Information correct at the time of our visit on 31 May 2026.

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