Australians love water, whether it’s the beach, pool, wave park or water.
Australia’s water parks are no surprise, given our sandy beaches and reputation for adventure. We look at the best of Australia’s water parks, from long-established cultural landmarks to exciting new attractions.
Queensland
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast
A trip to Queensland’s Wet’n’Wild, which is located on the eastern coast of Australia, was and is still a rite-of-passage for anyone who grew up in Australia’s east. This old-fashioned Australian theme park continues to be a favourite of Australians. It has a wide range of attractions for everyone.
The Tornado, Kaboom! Blackhole and Kamikaze Slides will make the hearts of adrenaline junkies pound. Families and little children can relax in the Calypso Beach Lazy River and enjoy the Giant Wave Pool, which also has a relaxing lazy river. There are also many other slides and splash areas.
The Whirlpool hot springs offer a relaxing break from the action. If you prefer to relax, there are lounges and cabanas available for rent. Surfers and bodyboarders who live by the motto’ life is a beach‘ can have a blast all day long on the FlowRider artificial wave.
WhiteWater
WhiteWater World, a family favourite, is located on the Gold Coast. Tickets for Dreamworld and WhiteWater World can be purchased separately, or you can buy both parks in one ticket. Be aware that each year, the water park will close during the cooler months. (from late April to September).
There are various options for all age groups, including family-friendly slides and the popular Green Room (20m high), which is suitable for both adults and children. Wiggle Bay has mini slides, interactive sprays, and music all day for the little ones.
Cabanas can be hired throughout the park to allow you to relax and take a breather when the excitement becomes too much.
Victoria
URBNSURF Melbourne
URBNSURF, Australia’s only (and first) surf park, is located within spitting distance from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport. Sydney’s offshoot is set to open in April 2024, and there are a number of parks in the pipeline across Australia (both from this operator and others) that have been approved for development.
The park has perfect waves that are programmed seven days a week, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm during the summer, and 7:00 am to 6:00 pm during winter. The website lists the details of the wave sessions, including the face height, the wave length, and other characteristics. This allows you to choose the right session for you. You’re not going to be crowded, unlike a local holiday in the peak of summer.
Everyone gets to run, as there are also designated times for swimming and boogie-boarding. Surfskate and the onsite Surfskate academy are both available to provide you with all the necessary instruction. The facility also offers equipment hire, grassed areas, kids’ playgrounds, lockers, food and beverage amenities on site, hot tubs, a retail shop, and lockers.
Oasis Spring, Gumbuya World Theme Park
Gumbuya World’s Oasis Springs is located in Tynong North, about 50 minutes south-southwest of Melbourne. It has all the usual attractions that you would expect in a waterpark. Before you go, check the website to confirm that the water slides and other attractions are open. Days and times can change all year round.
The park offers a variety of attractions, from a relaxing and heated rock pool to soaring slides and gravity-defying climbs.
New South Wales
Raging Waters Sydney
Raging Waters offers over 40 water attractions in Sydney’s western suburbs for both locals and tourists. The rides and slides are rated as soft,‘ moderate,‘ or ‘intense.‘ Minimum heights ensure that everyone is safe.
Thrill seekers can try the T5, a multiperson slide. Or they can hit the 360Rush, which climbs six stories in a 360-degree loop at speeds up to 60km/h. There are splash pads, half-pipes, and many options for kids.
Coming Soon: URBNSURF in Sydney
URBNSURF is about to open its next park in Sydney’s heart at Homebush. The park will use the same advanced technology as its Melbourne counterpart to provide a real surfing experience for all levels of surfers. It offers a variety of wave types from gentle beginner waves up to challenging barrels.
Western Australia
Adventure World, Perth
Perth’s Adventure World offers an adrenaline-filled day out with attractions such as the massive Kraken water funnel slides (not to mention the tallest and steepest inclined tornado water slide in the world).
The Kahuna Falls, with its water slides, water jets and tipping buckets, is a great place for families. Or, you can take the Rocky Mountain Rapids through bumps and curves. Wahoo speed slides can reach speeds of up to 66km/h. They are not for the faint-hearted. Adventure World offers thrills for all ages and interests.
Queensland is the home to Australia’s most popular theme parks and waterparks. The warm climate all year round may have played a role in this, but it also has the old favourites that we all remember. As the tide changes on aquatic entertainment, a new player is on the scene, bringing the coastal experience to the inland. Surf parks are planned at multiple locations throughout Australia. Some will be stand-alone attractions while others will be tied into larger developments, including resorts and golf courses. It will be fascinating to see what happens…one wave at a time.