Thirteen passengers were on the ride when it stopped at about 2.30pm.
They were suspended metres in the air until they were freed at about 4.10pm.
A cherry picker was used to try and free the stranded passengers.
They were given umbrellas and food while they waited to be rescued.
The ride was then seen being slowly returned to the ground.
A platform was brought to the side of the ride before the passengers were helped out.
Queensland Ambulance Paramedics were on standby while the Queensland Fire Department helped with the rescue.
Nobody needed hospital treatment, but some passengers complained of back-pain and one person suffered symptoms of heat stroke, Dion Marr from Queensland Ambulance said.
The Gold Coast reached 24 degrees today.
“The Vortex at Sea World is currently experiencing a standard ride stoppage,” Sea World said earlier.
“All 13 guests on-board are safe and our team are communicating with them as we prepare to exit them from the ride.”