Best Queensland Waterparks for Kids
Planning a trip to Queensland with the kids? You’re in for a treat! Queensland is not just about beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife—it's also home to some of the best waterparks in Australia that your little ones will absolutely love. In this blog, We're going to share the top Queensland waterparks that are perfect for families, with tips on how to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re thinking about a fun road trip and looking for activities to keep the kids occupied or looking to add some splashy water park stops to your travel itinerary, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure. But first...
What’s Queensland known for?
Is it your first time exploring Queensland and wondering what to expect? Well, Queensland is like a dream come true for families who love a bit of adventure mixed with nature’s wonders. In Far North Queensland, you’ve got the Great Barrier Reef—yes, that massive coral reef everyone talks about—and the Daintree Rainforest, which is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. But that’s just the start.
Queensland’s tropical weather means it’s sunny almost all the time, making it perfect for beach days and outdoor fun. Whether you’re wandering through Brisbane’s lively streets, soaking up the vibes on the Gold Coast or whale watching in Hervey Bay, there’s always something exciting to do.
With all the fine weather, it is little wonder why this sunny state is the setting for some of the best waterparks you’ll find in Australia! From tipping buckets and water spouts for the younger kids to epic water parks or the older thrill-seekers, there is really something for the whole family. If you’re planning an Australia road trip with the kids, Queensland has to be on your list.
What’s the best way to explore the waterparks in Queensland?
So, you’re considering visiting some of Queensland’s water parks? Doing it in a campervan is a game-changer. With a camper, you’ve got the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want—no need to rush to check out of hotels or pack and unpack a million times. You can wake up right near the beach, have breakfast with a view, and then head off to your next waterpark adventure.
Plus, with a campervan hire, you can easily explore beyond the big parks like Wet n Wild. And the best part? You’ve got all your stuff with you—snacks, towels, extra clothes—so you’re always prepared. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a longer road trip around Queensland, a motorhome gives you the flexibility to make the journey as fun as the destination. Once you’ve done it this way, you’ll never want to travel any other way with the family in the summer sunshine!
Looking for more ideas on exploring Queensland in a campervan with the family? Check out our top guides to family-friendly QLD experiences below:
The best Queensland waterparks for kids
Queensland is packed with fantastic waterparks that are perfect for families looking to beat the heat and have some fun. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top waterparks across the state, highlighting what makes each one special, how to get there, and the best places to park your campervan. From the thrill rides at Wet’n’Wild to the family-friendly splash zones at Aquativity, there’s something for every little water lover.
1. Wet'n'Wild - Gold Coast
Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast is one of the most popular waterparks in Australia, and for good reason. Located in Oxenford, just a short drive from Brisbane, this park offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, waterslides and kid-friendly areas, making it a must-visit for families. The Wet'n'Wild Junior section is also perfect for the little adventurers, with scaled-down versions of the park's biggest attractions, ensuring they can join in the fun safely.
But it’s not just about the kids—Wet'n'Wild is an epic water park for the whole family. The park features a variety of attractions, including high-speed waterslides, a massive wave pool, and the Calypso Beach lazy river, where you can relax and float along at your own pace. And for thrill-seekers, there are the Tornado and Kamikaze slides!
2. WhiteWater World - Gold Coast
Situated in Coomera, WhiteWater World is part of the Dreamworld theme parks complex and offers a fantastic day out for families, especially those with younger children. This park is designed with families in mind, featuring attractions like Wiggle Bay, a dedicated area for toddlers and small children with gentle slides and splash zones.
WhiteWater World also offers a mix of thrilling rides and relaxing pools. The Triple Vortex and The Wedgie are among the park's standout slides for older kids and adults, while the Pipeline Plunge is an all-ages favourite with its mix of water cannons, slides, and tipping pails.
3. The Rockpools at Broadwater Parklands - Gold Coast
Located in Southport, The Rockpools at Broadwater Parklands offers a fantastic, free water play area for families. The Rockpools feature shallow pools, water jets, and a sandy beach area, all designed with younger children in mind. It’s an ideal spot for little ones to splash around safely while parents can relax nearby.
What sets The Rockpools apart is its natural setting within the broader Broadwater Parklands. The park offers plenty of open space for picnics and additional playgrounds to explore. The area also includes BBQ facilities and other amenities, so you can easily make a day of it.
4. H2Oasis Waterpark - Gold Coast
H2Oasis Waterpark is nestled within the famous SeaWorld on the Gold Coast, offering an entertaining water play area specifically designed for kids. This waterpark is a paradise for younger children, with gentle slides, water sprays, and those ever-popular tipping buckets that kids can’t get enough of.
Unlike some of the bigger waterparks, H2Oasis is more focused on providing a safe, enjoyable experience for little ones, making it a perfect spot for families with younger children who might find larger waterparks overwhelming.
One of the standout features of H2Oasis is its location within Sea World, allowing families to combine a day of marine life exploration with some water play. The park's proximity to other attractions in SeaWorld means you can easily hop between rides, shows, and the waterpark without having to leave the complex.
5. Aquativity at South Bank Parklands - Brisbane
Aquativity at South Bank is a free, interactive water playground located right in the heart of Brisbane. This spot is perfect for families with young children, offering a variety of water features designed to entertain and cool off.
From fountains that spray water high into the air to shallow wading pools ideal for toddlers, Aquativity provides hours of fun without the hefty price tag of many of the other water parks. What makes Aquativity special is its location within the South Bank Parklands, giving you the option to combine a day at the water playground with a picnic or a stroll along the Brisbane River.
6. Water Play Aqua Park at Robelle Domain - Brisbane
Situated in Springfield Central, the Water Play Park at Robelle Domain is another fantastic aqua park for families in the Brisbane area. This park features interactive water play elements that will keep the kids entertained for hours. From tipping buckets to water cannons and fountains, the Water Play Park offers a wide range of activities designed to delight children of all ages.
What makes Robelle Domain special is its integration into the larger parkland area, which includes walking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. The entire area is beautifully landscaped, offering a relaxing environment where parents can unwind while the kids have fun in the sunshine. The park is free to enter, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking for a day of fun without spending a fortune.
7. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon water park - Cairns
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a must-visit spot for families in Cairns. This free public swimming area is a tropical oasis right in the heart of the city, offering shallow waters and sandy edges perfect for young children to enjoy. What makes the Esplanade Lagoon truly special is its location along the stunning Cairns Esplanade, providing beautiful views of the ocean while you and your family cool off.
The lagoon is equipped with lifeguard supervision, adding an extra layer of safety for peace of mind while the kids play. It’s also surrounded by grassy areas, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds, making it easy to spend an entire day here. The lagoon’s design also helps protect swimmers from marine stingers, which can be a concern in Far North Queensland.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
8. Sugarworld Adventure Park - Cairns
Located in Edmonton, just a short drive from Cairns, Sugarworld Adventure Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for a mix of water fun and relaxation. This park offers a range of attractions, including water slides, pools, and a splash pad designed for children of all ages. The park is set within beautiful tropical gardens, providing a serene backdrop as the kids enjoy the water activities.
One of the great things about Sugarworld is its variety. There are options for both thrill-seekers and those looking for something a bit more relaxed. The park also features shaded picnic areas and BBQ facilities, making it a great spot for a family day out on your Australia road trip.
Ready to hit the splash park and water slides on your next campervan adventure?
Queensland’s waterparks offer something for every family, whether you’re seeking thrilling rides or laid-back splash zones. From the bustling Wet’n’Wild on the Gold Coast to the serene Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, there’s no shortage of places for your little ones to make a splash on your Australia road trip itinerary.
And when you’re travelling in an Apollo campervan, you’ve got the freedom to explore them all at your own pace. Ready to start your adventure? You can book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from any Apollo branch. Pack up the family, hit the road, and dive into the best waterparks Queensland has to offer!