Travel sickness on theme park rides, boats and road trips

Health advice ·Published 10 October 2026 ·Reviewed 10 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.

The best travel sickness tips are simple: keep your eyes on the horizon, stay near the front of whatever you’re travelling in, get fresh air, eat lightly, and plan ahead if you know you’re prone to it. If that’s not enough, a pharmacist can talk you through medicine options that suit your age and health. Here’s how to put those tips to work in real Gold Coast situations, and our travel health advice at Pacific Fair can help before your next outing.

Why does motion sickness happen?

According to healthdirect, motion sickness is thought to happen when your senses get confused: what your eyes see doesn’t match the movement your inner ear balance system feels. It’s a normal response to certain kinds of movement, not a sign that anything is wrong with you.

You can get it in cars, buses, boats, trains and planes, on amusement park rides, and even from virtual reality games and simulations. Common symptoms include:

• nausea, which is the main symptom;
• vomiting and dizziness;
• cold sweats and feeling clammy;
• headache and drowsiness;
• loss of appetite, and a dry mouth or extra saliva.

Who’s most likely to get it?

healthdirect notes it’s most common in children aged between 7 and 12. You’re also more likely to get it if other people in your family do, or if you already have a condition that causes nausea, such as migraines or morning sickness. Symptoms usually ease once the movement stops, though you might feel the after-effects for a few hours or longer.

Scenario 1: A day at the theme parks

Spinning rides, drop towers and simulator rides are a classic trigger, especially for kids in that 7 to 12 age group. Add a hot, humid Gold Coast day, and queues in the sun, and it’s easy to feel off.

Tips for theme park days

• Eat a light meal before you go, and avoid a big, greasy lunch straight before a big ride.
• Space out the rides that spin. Alternate them with gentler attractions, shows or a break in the shade.
• Keep your eyes forward and your head still against the headrest where you can.
• Be careful with simulators and VR rides. If they’ve upset you before, give them a miss.
• Drink water regularly. Heat and vomiting can both lead to dehydration, and healthdirect notes dehydration is especially risky for young children.
• Sit it out if you feel queasy. Find a cool, shady spot, close your eyes and breathe slowly until it passes.

Scenario 2: Whale-watching and boat tours

Whale-watching trips, fishing charters and boat tours around the Broadwater are some of the best things to do on the Coast, but open water can be tough on anyone prone to sea sickness.

Tips for time on the water

• Stay on deck and watch the horizon. Reading, scrolling or looking through a camera screen can make it worse.
• Get fresh air. Avoid stuffy cabins and strong smells like fuel or food. healthdirect says people prone to motion sickness can be more sensitive to smells.
• Choose a steady spot. The middle of the boat, closer to the waterline, often moves less.
• Eat lightly and avoid alcohol before and during the trip.
• Plan any medicine early. If you’re considering a travel sickness medicine, speak to your pharmacist a day or two before, not on the morning of the tour.

Scenario 3: Winding roads to the hinterland

The drive up to the Gold Coast hinterland is beautiful, but the bends are notorious for car sickness, especially for kids in the back seat.

Tips for road trips

• Sit near the front. healthdirect suggests sitting close to the front of a car, bus or train. For adults, the front passenger seat is usually best.
• Look out the front window, not down at a phone, tablet or book.
• Keep the air flowing. Open a window or turn on the air vents.
• Try music or an audiobook instead of screens. healthdirect suggests listening to music and breathing mindfully.
• Take breaks. Stop at a lookout, get out and stretch, and give everyone a few minutes of stillness.
• Keep it calm for kids. Pack a bag, wipes, water and a change of clothes, just in case.

Non-medicine options worth trying first

For many people, simple habits are enough. The healthdirect tips include:

• looking outside and focusing on the horizon;
• sitting or lying still and closing your eyes;
• sitting near the front;
• listening to music and breathing mindfully;
• opening a window or air vent;
• eating lightly and avoiding alcohol.

On longer sea trips, healthdirect notes most people adapt after a couple of days. Some people also like to try non-medicine products, such as acupressure wristbands. Ask your pharmacist whether they’re worth a try for you.

What about travel sickness medicines?

There are travel sickness medicines available from pharmacies that may help ease symptoms for some people. They’re not all the same, and the right choice depends on who’s taking them and when.

• Some aren’t suitable for young children. Always ask a pharmacist before giving a travel sickness medicine to a child.
• Some can cause drowsiness. That matters if you’re driving, operating a boat, or supervising kids at a theme park.
• Some aren’t suitable for people with certain health conditions, or for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medicines.
• Timing matters. Many need to be taken before you set off. Follow the label or your pharmacist’s advice.

Ask your pharmacist which option suits you. Tell them your age (or your child’s age), any medicines you take, any health conditions, and what kind of trip you’re planning.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

Travel sickness usually settles once you stop moving. See a GP if:

• you get symptoms of motion sickness when you don’t usually, as healthdirect advises checking for another cause;
• you often feel dizzy or nauseous at other times, not just when travelling;
• vomiting continues after the trip, or you or your child can’t keep fluids down;
• there are signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dizziness, dark urine, weeing less than usual, or fewer wet nappies in babies.

If you’re planning a bigger trip and want advice before you go, you can also see a GP at Help Medical inside our store.

Call 000 in an emergency, for example if someone has a knock to the head (on a ride or anywhere else) and then vomits more than once, has a seizure, becomes confused or drowsy, or has other signs of a serious head injury. healthdirect advises seeking emergency care in these situations. Also call 000 for severe dehydration, such as fast breathing, a fast heartbeat, confusion, cold hands and feet, or sunken eyes.

Got a theme park day, boat tour or hinterland drive coming up? Contact our pharmacists to ask which travel sickness options suit your family.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.