What are the top US roller coasters for Australian visitors?

Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure, Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Fury 325 at Carowinds, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Which theme parks are they in and where are they located?

Kingda Ka is in Jackson, New Jersey. Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force are at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Fury 325 is at Carowinds on the NC-SC border. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is at Universal Orlando, Florida.

How much does park entry cost?

Expect about US$50–US$80 for most regional parks like Six Flags, Cedar Point, and Carowinds, and from about US$125 for Universal Orlando. Prices vary by date and deals.

Why are these coasters considered the best?

They set records for height, speed, airtime, or innovation, deliver long and intense ride cycles, and receive top rankings from enthusiasts year after year.

When should I visit to avoid long queues?

Go midweek outside US school holidays. Arrive at opening. Use park apps for live wait times. Consider skip-the-line passes on peak days.

Are there height or health restrictions?

Yes. Each ride lists height and safety requirements. Check the park site or app before you queue.

5 US Roller Coasters Australians Need to Try

If you’re heading to the United States and love thrill rides, you’ll want to add these roller coasters to your bucket list. From record-breaking drops to insane speeds, these are the rides that keep theme park fans lining up year after year.

1. Kingda Ka – Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

Why it’s famous: The tallest roller coaster in the world at 139 metres. It launches you from 0 to 206 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
Location: Jackson, New Jersey (about an hour from New York City).
Park entry: Tickets from about US$50–US$80.
Why it’s the best: Pure adrenaline. The vertical climb and plummeting drop make it a must-ride for speed junkies.

2. Steel Vengeance – Cedar Point, Ohio

Why it’s famous: Widely regarded as one of the best roller coasters on the planet. It’s a hybrid wood-and-steel coaster with four inversions, huge airtime hills, and a 61-metre drop.
Location: Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Known as “America’s Roller Coast” with over 17 coasters.
Park entry: Tickets from about US$50–US$75.
Why it’s the best: Long ride time, smooth track, and non-stop thrills. Fans consistently rate it number one worldwide.

3. Fury 325 – Carowinds, North Carolina

Why it’s famous: One of the tallest and fastest giga-coasters in the world, standing at 99 metres and reaching 153 km/h.
Location: Carowinds, on the border of North and South Carolina.
Park entry: Tickets from about US$50–US$70.
Why it’s the best: The ride feels endless. Sweeping curves, airtime hills, and high-speed dives keep adrenaline pumping from start to finish.

4. Millennium Force – Cedar Point, Ohio

Why it’s famous: The first “giga coaster” in the world, debuting in 2000. It still ranks as one of the best thanks to its 94-metre height and 150 km/h speed.
Location: Cedar Point, Ohio (same park as Steel Vengeance).
Park entry: Included in Cedar Point admission (US$50–US$75).
Why it’s the best: Smooth ride, breathtaking views of Lake Erie, and relentless speed. A true classic.

5. The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida

Why it’s famous: Launches you from 0 to 64 km/h in just two seconds, right into a heart-pounding inversion. Packed with loops, twists, and turns.
Location: Universal Orlando Resort, Florida.
Park entry: Day tickets start at about US$125.
Why it’s the best: A mix of intensity and fun. Fans love the launch tunnel, roaring soundtrack, and comic-book theme.

Tips for Australians Visiting

Plan ahead: US theme parks can be expensive. Look for multi-day or combo tickets if you’re visiting more than one park.
Download park apps: Most parks have apps that show real-time wait times and allow mobile food ordering.
Visit mid-week: Crowds are smaller, and wait times shorter outside weekends.
Stay hydrated: Summer park days can be hot, especially in Florida.

Final Word

The USA is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping roller coasters. Whether you want record-breaking speed, towering drops, or endless airtime, these five coasters deliver. If you’re an Aussie thrill-seeker, make sure they’re on your itinerary. Grab a USA eSIM (or physical SIM) with unlimited data so you can share the thrills with family and friends!