Queensland’s best waterparks
Summer is here! You know what that means? Waterpark season is splashing down, wahoo!
Waterparks mean slides, pools, splash zones, wave pools, inflatables and lagoons. What’s the appeal? Sometimes it’s fun, excitement or simply some chill time.
Not sure if the kids or you for that matter are ready to hit the waterparks? Here are some considerations to think about.
Inflatables
- Must be able to swim
- Most have minimum age of 6 years with adults required to accompany children under 10-12 years – this does vary.
- Most sessions last 50 minutes which for the younger ones may be enough. For tweens and teens, a double session with friends is highly recommended!
- You’ll be required to sign a waiver before participating.
- Arrive 20 minutes before session start time to setup your spot, get your life jacket and for safety briefing.
Water Theme Parks
- Minimum height for particular slides or rides
- Adult supervision in areas or if under certain ages
- Age restrictions based on level of excitement suitable to the age group.
Besides being a fun and active way to cool off, there are developmental benefits too, such as motor and social skills to cognitive development.
For us local Queenslanders, we are spoilt with plenty of warm summer days and clear skies, which make for the perfect conditions to get outside and onto the water. To help you find the best places to cool off and have some fun this summer, we’ve created this top 9 Queensland waterpark list.
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1. GC Aqua Park
The epitome of a water playground, you’ll find GC Aqua Park in one of the most iconic locations in Australia – the sparkling Gold Coast Broadwater. Here you’ll uncover a world of inflatable fun!
Run, jump, slide on the floats, climb and wriggle across different beams and frames, and slide down some of the highest slides into the cool of the Broadwater. Race your friends or challenge yourself to a personal best as you take on the tailor-made circuit. The younger ones aren’t forgotten with a giant jumping castle.
Grab a bite to eat, a coffee or a cool drink from their café while you enjoy the spectacular view. Bonus… you can bring your fur baby to the grounds.
If you’re looking for something closer to Brisbane or the highway, try the Oxenford location beside the GC Wake Park. Did you know they’ve just won an award at the prestigious Queensland Tourism Awards for Major Tourist Attraction category?! Congratulations team!!!
2. Wet’n’Wild
Dive into the ultimate water adventure at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, home to Australia’s biggest and most extreme waterslides. Whether you seek relaxation by Calypso Beach or crave mega thrills on slides like Double Barrel, Flow Rider, Super 8 Racer, Kaboom, and Kamikaze, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the Dive n Movies at the Giant Wave Pool starting December 27! 🌊🎬 #WetnWildGoldCoast #WaterAdventure
Book the ultimate escape pass here.
3. The Big Wedgie
Dare to meet The Big Wedgie, the world’s tallest and most extreme inflatable waterslide! Standing at 18.2 meters tall and stretching 82 meters long, this adrenaline-packed experience is perfect for thrill-seekers.
Located at the southernmost point of Broadwater Parklands, it’s a limited-season gem. From a daring 14.5-meter plunge to a stunt-man landing pad to reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h, it’s the ultimate adventure. Families and friends, there are options for everyone, including the ‘Just Right Wedgie’ for primary age kids. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
4. Bli Bli Watersports
With over 30 years of expertise, this destination, originally a cable ski park, has evolved to include inflatables and barramundi fishing. Just 5 minutes from the beach and north of the Maroochydore River, it’s the perfect family weekend or holiday spot. Enjoy a full day or a half day of excitement, with the Aqua Park offering 50-minute sessions filled with inflatable slides, blast bags, runways, and bouncers. Parents, you can relax on the deck while the little ones explore the playground.
5. Aqua Warrior
Escape to Aqua Warrior, just 30 minutes north of Brisbane’s CBD, for refreshing bay breezes and thrilling fun! Enjoy a new custom slide and exciting obstacles for slip-sliding joy. A great way to squeeze some incidental exercise in with this one working all those hidden muscles!
Pack a picnic or bring your barbecue essentials to sizzle on one of the 4 BBQs along the waterfront. It’s a perfect spot for birthday parties with a playground, Clontarf Beach Park, coffee shops, and facilities nearby.
6. Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone
Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone is the perfect place to cool off when you’re visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast. You can relax and watch as the kids enjoy climbing and exploring the spider-webs obstacles and adventure-play space while being surrounded by the stunning sub-tropical surrounds. This splash park is for children up to 12 years of age.
7. Southbank Aquativity & Streets Beach
A free water play area celebrating the city’s connection with the Brisbane River. Designed for all ages, it offers educational elements referencing the river and promoting an early understanding of the water cycle. If you need a break, head to Streets Beach next door for bigger kids, and enjoy a short stroll to picnic grounds, cafes, and kiosks for a delightful refuel.
8. Rocks Riverside Park
This is one of those gems you wish you heard about sooner. Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Seventeen Mile Rocks just 11 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD is where you’ll find a junior playground, flying fox, climbing nets, jumping pillow, plus a water play and splash zone. Based around a man-made rock pool, the kids will enjoy exploring the space, as well as the lawn, and half basketball court.
9. Wetside Water Park, Hervey Bay
Located at the scenic junction of Main Street and the Esplanade in Hervey Bay. This vibrant public asset offers a range of attractions for all ages, including thrilling waterslides, an Aqua Ninja adventure course, a water play area, and TotSide for the little ones. Adjacent to the excitement, enjoy a convenient coffee shop, fish and chip shop, and restaurant.
For more splashing good fun, take a look here!
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