Australia’s best water parks

Wet’n’Wild Water World, Gold Coast, Qld

Australia’s biggest and most popular water park has something for everyone.

Thrill seekers can get their hearts pounding on Australia’s first Constrictor waterslide, or the 86-metre Super 8 Aqua Racer. Take the family on a four-person whitewater raft to experience the rapids on Mammoth Falls.

The park’s latest addition, Wet’n’Wild Junior, features kid-friendly water slides and miniature versions of the larger thrill rides.

Situated on Qld’s famous Gold Coast, only 60km south of Brisbane, this theme park can be easily accessed via road or rail.

Tickets are $63 per person and can be bought online.

Adventure Park, Geelong, Vic

Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Victoria’s biggest theme park has everything a kid can dream of.

The Tiny Tots Splash Zone is great for little ones, while the 110-metre Gold Rush Rapids and the six-lane Aqua Racer will thrill anyone not scared of getting wet. Don’t miss out on racing through the Wild West Canyon on an inflatable two-seater raft.

Other attractions include the Grand Carousel, the Wave Swing, mini golf and the Giant Jumping Pillow.

Tickets are $29 for kids under 1.2m tall and $39 for anyone taller.

The Beachouse, Glenelg, SA

Located on the foreshore of Glenelg Beach, just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, this family entertainment centre has plenty of attractions.

Three fully enclosed and heated water slides provide fun for the whole family, or you can jump on a bumper boat to man your own water cannon — but be ready to be blasted!

Have a ride on the Ferris Wheel, the only single-armed one of its kind in Australia. Kids of all ages will love the 120-year-old carousel, which has been restored to its former glory, while the Old West-themed mini golf course is bound to be a family favourite.

There’s no entry fee; instead you buy credits with your Fun Card (initial purchase $2).

Mandalay Holiday Resort, Busselton, WA

A popular summer holiday destination in WA’s south-west, this resort is situated in the Margaret River wine region, 2.5 hours’ drive from Perth. Beautiful Geographe Bay is only a hop and a step from the park.

Cool off in one of the three heated pools and experience the giant water slide. Or simply relax on the shaded pool deck while the kids burn off their energy in one of the three adventure playgrounds. The jumping pillow is a never-fail entertainer, too.

Powered sites start at $49 per night for two adults (children $13 per night).

Big 4 North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point, NSW

Some parks have it all, and North Star is one of those. You’ll have no trouble keeping the kids entertained at Sammy’s Adventure Lagoon, a two-storey aqua-play structure with four waterslides and Australia’s first water piano. For dry fun, head to Neptune’s Castle kids’ club or the Little Treasures play corner for littlies.

There’s plenty for the parents too — head to the Seascape Leisure Centre for a relaxing massage, hair or beauty treatment or swim some laps in the 25-metre pool.

The park is located 20 minutes south of Tweed Heads and 35 minutes north of Byron Bay.

Powered sites start at $45 per night for two adults ($12 per child per night).

Palmerston Waterslide and Skate Park, Darwin, NT

It’s not often you get to enjoy a park loaded with entertainment but without the price tag attached.

A 20-minute drive from Darwin’s city centre, the Palmerston Waterslide and Skate Park is home to a 14-metre-high, six-lane Aqua Racer with electronic displays to time each descent.

It is also a fantastic place for the littlies — splash pools and playgrounds will keep them cool and happy for hours, and the tipping bucket is often the favourite.

The skate park is the place to go for the older kids, while the shaded kiosk area is the perfect place for a snack.

Entry is free.

Check out the full feature in issue #83 December 2014 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.