By Ashleigh Howarth

Electrifying live performances, dazzling parades, global flavours, family-friendly rides, and adorable animal attractions are all on the menu when Sea World Carnivale returns to the Gold Coast from February 28 to March 28.

This vibrant and beloved event will see the park transform into a spectacular celebration of colour, culture, and music with four different precincts for families to explore – it will be like seeing the world without the lengthy flight or digging your passport out of its hiding place!

Here’s what families can expect:

Mexico

Bold, colourful, and bursting with rhythm, the Mexican precinct invites you to celebrate life in true fiesta style. Dance the night away to the sounds of a live mariachi band, indulge in seriously delicious Mexican favourites, and wander beneath glowing string lights surrounded by candles and vibrant flowers. With its festive atmosphere and infectious energy, this precinct captures the heart and soul of Mexico.

Rio

Step into the beating heart of South America and feel the heat, colour, and rhythm of Rio come alive. Watch as glittering costumes, sky-high headpieces, and high-energy samba dancers fill the streets in a dazzling parade of movement and music. Graze your way through a tempting selection of light bites, sip on zingy cocktails or ice-cold beers, then take the excitement to new heights with night-time rides on the Leviathan and Vortex.

New Orleans

Let the brassy beats and soulful rhythms of New Orleans set the tone for a night of Southern-style celebration. This vibrant precinct transports you straight to the heart of Mardi Gras, where jazz dancing, colourful masquerade performers, and infectious energy fill the streets. Swing along to live music, soak up the swagger and charm, and indulge in classic Southern flavours.

Africa

Feel the rhythm, taste the flavours, and soak up the heat in the Africa precinct. You’ll hear the thunder of drums before you even arrive, as powerful percussion pulls you into an immersive world filled with fire, movement, and infectious energy. Be mesmerised by dynamic dance performances and fiery displays, savour hearty chef-inspired street food, or embark on an after-dark family adventure on the Castaway Bay Battle Boats.

Fun around every corner

From spectacular shows to delicious food, Carnivale is packed with fun at every turn.

Better still, many of the park’s most popular rides and attractions will remain open long after the sun has set, giving guests even more time to play.

Here’s what’s open later during Carnivale:

Aqua Light Show
One Dolphin Presentation by night
Nickelodeon Dance Party and Character Meet and Greet
Night Feed at Shark Bay
The New Atlantis
Leviathan
Vortex
Penguin Point
Polar Bear Shores
Sea Jellies Illuminated
Shark Bay
Dora's Fiesta Carousel
Patrick's Jellyfish Frenzy
Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express
Boots' Banana Boogie
Jet Rescue Coaster
Storm Coaster
Castaway Bay
The Reef
Sky Fortress
Battle Boats

*Some attractions may not be operational every event night.

Book your tickets

Sea World Carnivale is returning on February 28 as well as March 7, 14, 27, and 28, running from 5.30pm-8.30pm.

Guests with day admission and Carnivale tickets can enjoy the park throughout the day - simply collect your wristband during your daytime visit to stay for the evening festivities.

If you’re attending just for Carnivale, entry begins at 5pm with a valid Carnivale ticket.

Tickets are $69 for general admission, while Village Roadshow Premium Annual Pass holders and members receive one free entry to Sea World Carnivale (pre-booking online is required to redeem).

Each ticket is date-specific, so be sure to secure your preferred night early.

Secure your tickets here and get ready for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and festival magic!

Need to know

Location: Sea World is located on Seaworld Dr, Main Beach.

Access: By car, bus, tram, or train. For timetables, or help to plan your journey, visit TransLink or call on 13 12 30.

More info is available here: Park Info

Images supplied by Sea World

Celebrate food, music and culture at Sea World Carnivale