The Australian Outback Spectacular is one of the Gold Coast’s most distinctive dinner theatre experiences. Located in Oxenford, just off the Pacific Motorway, it pairs a slick live performance with a three-course Australian BBQ meal, offering visitors and locals a genuinely Australian night out that stands apart from theme parks and restaurants.
The current production, Heartland, tells the story of two farmers, Reg and Marge, fighting a five-year drought on their station. What unfolds is a high-energy 1 hour 50 minute blend of live equestrian stunts, acrobatics, immersive projection, special effects, and real animals. The show is engaging and visually impressive. New scenes for 2024-2025 include horse versus quad competitions and an audience participation challenge called Pass the Hat.
What You Get
Your ticket includes:
- Three-course Australian BBQ dinner with your choice of eye fillet steak, tender chicken breast, or vegetarian option
- Complimentary drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) throughout the show
- A complimentary stockman’s hat to take home
- Admission to the full Heartland production
The meal is served in two courses during the performance. It’s a working dinner setup: you’ll eat, watch, drink, and soak in the atmosphere all at once. That said, there are some practicalities worth knowing upfront. The arena uses bench seating, which is snug if you’re sitting with a group. Once the lights dim for the show, eating can be a bit fiddly, and the food doesn’t always come piping hot. Not a deal-breaker for most visitors, but good to know if you like your steak perfectly warm. Bring a sense of humour and settle in.
Pricing and Bookings
Adult tickets range from $84.55 to $129 depending on demand and how far ahead you book. Kids’ pricing is available at lower rates. Book online at outbackspectacular.com.au or call 13 33 86.
If you’re coming as a group of 20 or more, ask about group rates. Smaller groups of 10-19 can call 1300 935 532 for options. Corporate packages and a private function space called The Drovers Lounge (up to 12 guests) are also available for special events.
Show Times and When to Arrive
Evening shows run Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30pm. Sunday matinee performances happen at 12:30pm on the last Sunday of each month only. Check the website for holiday variations, as times can shift around public holidays.
Doors open 1 hour 15 minutes before showtime. For the evening show at 7:30pm, check-in is at 6:15pm. For the matinee at 12:30pm, arrive by 11:15am. This buffer gives you time to settle at your table, order drinks, and soak in the pre-show energy.
Dietary Requirements and Accessibility
The venue caters to vegetarian, vegan, low-gluten, dairy-free, and nut-free diets. Contact them at least 48 hours before your visit on 13 33 86 to arrange. Note that gluten-free is offered as a low-gluten option, not fully gluten-free, so if you have coeliac disease, confirm the details directly.
Wheelchair accessibility is excellent. The arena has dedicated accessible seating with excellent views, step-free entry, and reserved disability parking. Call 13 33 86 when you book to arrange your spot.
Dress Code and What to Bring
Smart casual is the dress code, but don’t stress. Comfortable clothing is fine. The venue can cool down during the show, so bring a light jacket or cardigan. You’ll be given the complimentary stockman’s hat, which adds to the fun and gives you something to take home.
Location and Getting There
The Australian Outback Spectacular sits on Entertainment Road in Oxenford, directly on the Pacific Motorway at Exit 60. It’s sandwiched between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World, making it perfect as part of a bigger Gold Coast day out.
By car: Free parking is available at the front of the venue. It’s about 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise, 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD, and roughly 42 minutes from Brisbane Airport (BNE).
Public transport: If you’re staying without a car, ConXion runs direct shuttle services from Gold Coast accommodation for around $22 per adult. Alternatively, catch the G:link light rail to Helensvale and arrange ground transport from there, or take Bus Line 705 from Surfers Paradise.
Why Visit?
If you’re looking for a dinner theatre experience that’s genuinely Australian without being touristy or over-the-top, this delivers. The production quality is high, the performers are skilled, and the concept of live equestrian performance in an intimate arena is unusual on the Gold Coast. It’s equally good for families, couples, groups, or solo travellers wanting a unique night out.
The pairing with adjacent theme parks (Movie World and Wet’n’Wild) makes it easy to build a full day around a visit. Finish your morning at a theme park, grab lunch nearby, and come back for the evening show with fresh energy.
Practical Information
Address: Entertainment Road, Oxenford QLD 4210
Phone: (07) 5573 3999 or 13 33 86
Website: outbackspectacular.com.au
Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:15pm check-in (7:30pm show). Sunday matinee 11:15am check-in (12:30pm show, last Sunday of month only). Closed Mondays.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,410 Google reviews)
Book ahead, especially on weekends. The venue regularly sells out, and you’ll have a far better experience if you arrive without rushing through check-in. Bring an appetite, a sense of humour about the bench seating, and an openness to enjoying live performance Australian-style.