Best Water Parks in Brisbane

Things to do in Brisbane with Kids

We’ve all heard of WhiteWater World and Wet’n’Wild – but did you know that some of the best water parks in Brisbane don’t cost a thing?  That’s right – you can take the kids to some of the very best water parks Brisbane offers without spending a single cent!

These Brisbane water parks can be found all over South East Queensland – so no matter where you live, there is bound to be one close to you.  But no doubt you know about the free water parks Brisbane has close to you – so why not see what other water parks are around the place?

Before you rush off to check Google, we’ve already done the research for you and asked families what their favourite free Brisbane water park is.

In this guide, for each of the Brisbane waterparks listed, we cover not only all the awesome fun things to do there but also practical information such as whether there is food available, lifeguards on duty, and what amenities are available.

Alright – let’s get into it and find you some of the best free waterparks Brisbane has!

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Best Water Parks Brisbane Map

To make it quick and easy for you to find a free aqua park Brisbane has near you – we’ve provided the handy map below.

You can zoom in and out for a closer look.

 

Best Water Parks in Brisbane

In no particular order below, we list all the very best free water parks around Brisbane!

Streets Beach

South Bank Parklands

Perhaps one of the most popular and iconic free water play parks Brisbane has is Street Beach.  Located in the city centre at Southbank Parklands, this man made beach is the perfect place to take the kids on a hot day.

Streets Beach is stunning with its white sandy beach, crystal clear water and surrounding tropical landscape, as well as incredible views of the city across the Brisbane River – one of the perks of having waterparks in Brisbane CBD.  

Of course, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat at Southbank.  But you can also bring a picnic or use the BBQ facilities.  Other amenities include toilets, a parents’ room, free wifi, and disabled access is available.

The only problem with Streets beach – it gets super popular during the warmer months, so you may want to get there early if you want to grab a good spot at this Southbank water park Brisbane offers.

Location: 30b Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: Yes – although times change throughout the year

Boat Pool

Image Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

Also located at Southbank, just 100 metres from Streets Beach, is Boat Pool – a massive swimming pool perfect for the kids to splash about in.  Like Streets Beach, Boat Pool is in a stellar spot, just metres from the Brisbane River, with fabulous views of the cityscape.

Boat pool is patrolled by lifeguards daily, and you’ve also got access to all the wonderful Southbank facilities like cafes, toilets and more.

Location: 30b Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: Yes – although times change throughout the year

Aquativity

While Boat Pool and Streets Beach are great for swimming, Aquativity is perfect for those active kids.  More like a water playground, Aquativity features a range of educational, fun and interactive elements that reference the Brisbane River and local catchments.

This water playground Brisbane offers features shallow pools, shooting foundations and the obligatory tipping bucket – everything you need to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

Just like Boat Pool and Streets Beach, Aquativity is also patrolled by lifeguards all year round. But, of course, you’re also surrounded by all the fabulous Southbank facilities, such as cafes and toilets.

So if you’re looking for an aqua fun park Brisbane has in the CBD, check out Aquativity.

Location: 30b Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: Yes – although times change throughout the year

Orion Lagoon

Located in the heart of Springfield Central, Orion Lagoon is an expansive water park near Brisbane, around a 30-minute drive. The interconnected pools cater for all age groups and water-based activities.

There is a 50 metre lap pool for those wanting some aquatic exercise, a 0.6 metre sculpture pool for some splash time, and a beach entry lagoon going up to a depth of 1.5 metres for more competent swimmers. Finally, for the littlies, there is a water play section at a depth of 0.3 metres with stepping stones, water squirts and wading areas.

When it comes time to eat, there is an onsite cafe as well as covered BBQ pavilions with picnic tables. Or bring your own picnic and enjoy it on the grassed area under the colourful shaded umbrellas.  Your also a short walk away from the Orion Shopping Centre which has plenty of other food options.

Regarding facilities, there are public toilets, changerooms, lockers and a small shop with water based items to purchase.  If you’re after modern water parks near Brisbane, check out Orion Lagoon.

Location: 155 Southern Cross Court, Springfield

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: Yes – although times change throughout the year

Flagstone Water Park

Nestled against the exhilarating Flagstone’s Adventure Park, the Flagstone Water Park has three tree-like structures with different forms of water fun for different ages.

The central Raintree is over 10 metres tall and 10 metres wide, with multiple levels of fun to be had by older, more adventurous children. There are two intense dumping buckets, water cannons to aim at each other and a rainfall curtain surrounding the canopy.

The two smaller Raintrees provide gentler water play for toddlers and those kids who prefer quieter play. In addition, there are small cherry inspired tipping buckets and over 20 ground sprays.

Onsite facilities include toilets and a kiosk serving drinks and snacks. There are shade sails over the play area where you can enjoy your snacks. Otherwise, the adventure playground next door has picnic gazebos and BBQ areas.

As this is one of the Brisbane parks with water play – you’re getting the best of both worlds, with both ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ parks to keep kids entertained for hours.

Location: Flagstone Regional Rec Park, Flagstonian Drive, Undullah

Opening Hours: Daily 7.30 am to 7.30 pm – closed over the colder months

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

Splash ‘n’ Play Water Park

The Brisbane splash park, Splash’n’Play Water Park, is butted up next to the Adventure Park Ripley with huge slides, skywalks and flying foxes. So once you’ve finished getting the adrenaline pumping at the adventure park, walk a few steps and cool down at this splash park Brisbane offers.

For the younger kids, there are wiggly sprayers they can aim at each other, and older kids are taken care of with larger water shooters.

You can use one of the BBQs for lunch or pick up some food from a nearby cafe and enjoy under the sun shelters.

For a day of wet and dry adventure, head to this Splash Water Park Brisbane has.

Location: 6 Amity Way, South Ripley

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: No lifeguards

Settlement Cove Lagoon

Water parks in the Brisbane area don’t get much better than Settlement Cove Lagoon.

This 95 metre long pool comprises multiple areas suitable for different age ranges. There is a fenced-off pool area that is well shaded for littlies and contains mushroom fountains and squirting lizards. As the kids get a little older there are sandy bays along the lagoon’s edges, perfect for building sandcastles and wading in the shallow water.

More adventurous kids and competent swimmers will enjoy the island in the centre of the lagoon with inlets and rocks to play an epic game of marco polo or hide and seek. There is also a mini river at the end of the lagoon for the kids to splash around in.

You can cook a BBQ or grab a snack from the kiosk next door for lunch. Alternatively, there are plenty of takeaway options on Redcliffe Parade, located just in front of the Lagoon.

When you’re ready to leave, toilets and showers are available to freshen up.

Location: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: Yes – during the Summer months

Wynnum Water Park

The Wynnum Water Park is located amongst many family fun activities.

First of all, there is the water-spouting pod of whales. Kids can climb on and off their backs as water bursts out of their spouts and gives them a soaking. More adventurous kids will love the large tipping bucket, which dumps water on top of the excitable children below. And there is a small water feature for littlies to watch and splash their hands in.

This splash zone is part of the family activities, with the Wynnum wading pool located next to the water park. This pool fills with seawater at high tide and is great for kids to splash around in or zip down the slide.

In addition, you’ll find Wynnum Jetty and Pandanus Beach, bike trails and fish and chip shops in the same vicinity. There are sheltered picnic tables to enjoy lunch and toilet facilities for convenience.

The water area is unfenced, and there are no lifeguards, so you’ll have to keep on high alert. 

Location: Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum

Opening Hours: Daily during Summer 

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

Logan Gardens Water Park

Logan Gardens Water Park features a level splash area that is accessible for all ages and abilities. Within this splash area are totem pools with nozzle sprays, a pop jet plaza with fountains, the prerequisite dumping bucket, a 50mm splash pool and an interactive water table.

The great thing about this water park is that it is mostly undercover, so kids can play and splash all day. And when it gets dark, the park illuminates an incredible light show experience.

You can use the electric BBQ and picnic facilities in the adjoining playground for lunch or an early dinner at the water park. There are also toilets for convenience.

Location: 12 Civic Parade, Logan

Opening Hours: Daily – times change throughout the year

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

Ferny Grove Aqua Park

Ferny Grove Aqua Park is a new water park Brisbane offers. This water themed playground features a wheelchair accessible splash pad with loads of water play activities. There is a spray tunnel, a giant waterfall bucket, misting ground sprayers and spurting lady beetles.

Once the kids have had enough water play, there is a playground next door with slides and swings. And when hunger strikes, why not take advantage of the electric BBQs and picnic facilities. There are also toilets onsite.

Location: Corner of Samford Road and Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove

Opening Hours: Daily 8 am to 5 pm

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

Darlington Parklands

Darlington Parklands is known as a ‘super park’ – and it is certainly pretty super. With an awesome water play area filled with fountains and shallow pools, the littlies will love having a splash and playing with the flow of the streams to create different currents.

Older kids will love the ‘dry’ playground with a huge climbing dome, double flying fox and 6-seat multi-swing. And for kids aged in between, there is a small fort, musical wall and sand pit.

The super park also includes an oval, basketball court, cricket wicket and an outdoor gym – as you can see, there is something for everyone.

The onsite facilities include bathrooms, picnic shelters and BBQs, and when the sun begins to set, you can enjoy the daily light show via the LED light poles dotted throughout the park.

This super park is just perfect for families to enjoy all year round.

Location: 47 – 125 Yarrabilba Drive, Yarrabilba

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

River Heart Parklands

On the bank of Bremmer River in Ipswich, you’ll find the River Heart Parklands, encompassing 1.5 hectares of land; this is a fantastic leisure facility with loads to keep the whole family entertained.

There is a ‘zero depth water park’, discovery forest, flying fox and BBQ facilities with seating. The water park takes advantage of the slope it’s set on, with streams headed down the hill through troughs and water wheels, allowing kids to play with the water flow. At the bottom of the slope is the zero depth splash area with jets firing water in all directions.

Adults can take advantage of the numerous bench seats surrounding the water play area, with most of the area under shade sails.

Amenities on site include bathrooms, showers and BBQ areas with tables – and when it gets dark, the lights turn on so you can enjoy dinner as well as lunch.

Location: 20 Bremer Street, Ipswich

Opening Hours: Daily – sunrise to 10 pm

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

Rocks Riverside Park

You wouldn’t normally think of an industrial estate filled with warehouses to be the home of a huge playground with water play, a splash zone and play equipment… but the Rocks Riverside Park has set up this huge district park in the south-west of Brisbane as the perfect escape for a family day full of fun.

The water play area is filled with human-made rock pools, fountains and a watercourse – enough to keep the kids entertained for hours. And with most of the water play area covered in shade sails, the kids are protected from the sun. 

When you’ve had enough of the water, the park is filled with two dry playgrounds, a half-size basketball court, walkways along the riverside promenade, industrial artefacts throughout the park to discover and loads more.

You’ll want to bring a picnic or food for the BBQ as there are no retail outlets or eateries near the park, although there is free wifi – so you’re not completely isolated.

Location: 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

The Mill Water Park

Opening in late 2020, Mill Water Park occupies the former Petrie Paper Mill site. You may notice some of the equipment depicting rolls of paper in a nod to the former Paper Mill – check out the giant tipping bucket!

The water play area is set all on one level with key areas, including spraying fountains, water channels with gates to control the flow of water, water jets that sporadically go off – so you never know when you’re going to get a soaking, and of course the huge tipping bucket.

There are shade sails and bench seats throughout the water play area to watch the kids play. Within the water park, there are other playgrounds with general equipment, including swings, a flying fox and forts.

Onsite amenities include electric BBQs, picnic tables with shelters, filtered water stations, toilets with baby change facilities and an outdoor shower.

Location: 1 Moreton Parade, Petrie

Opening Hours: Daily

Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty

Best Brisbane Water Parks with a Fee

And if you’re feeling like having a bit of a splurge, here are some more awesome Brisbane water parks with an admission fee – although some are only a few dollars, they are still well worth checking out!

WhiteWater World

Dreamworld Review

One of the best water slide parks Brisbane has on offer is WhiteWater World – well, it is actually a 40-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, but close enough. And it is conveniently located next to Dreamworld.

There is a slide for the whole family, with thrilling rides for the adventurous that have you speeding down steep inclines and landing with a huge splash in a pool of water, to the ‘cave of waves’, which has an ocean-like swell for the whole family to ride waves into shore and kick back on the beach. 

And for the littlies, there is ‘Wiggle Bay’, which has mini slides and a whole heap of water play equipment such as interactive sprays, colourful water cannons and giant instruments.

Being a theme park, you’ll find loads of modern, clean bathroom facilities onsite with baby changing areas. And if you would like a dedicated place to sit and store all your belongings, you can hire a cabana for the day. These come with seating, lockers, and a range of additional amenities, pending on which style you pick. Super convenient not to have to lug around your belongings all day.

Location: 1 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Opening Hours: Open in the warmer months – see opening hours here

Price: $109 per adult | $99 per child (3-13) | Children under 3 are free – Click here to book discounted tickets online

Wet’n’Wild

Wet n Wild

If you’re visiting the Gold Coast during the peak of Summer, visiting Wet’n’Wild is an absolute must! This Gold Coast water park is suitable for families with children of all ages. Here you will find some of the tallest and fastest waterslides as well as the Wet’n’Wild Junior area and family favourites such as the Wave Pool and Calypso Beach.

Gold Coast activities for families don’t get more fun than this! You’ll be shrieking down the Double Barrel, finding your competitive spirit on the Super 8 Aqua Racer and having a splash-fantastic time at the Junior Splash Zone. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at Wet’n’Wild whilst on Gold Coast holidays.

And when it comes to dining options, you’re spoilt for choice with burgers, pizza and cafe style food – including barista made coffee for the parents, plus DIY soft serve for the kids.

Location: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Opening Hours: Daily – check opening hours here

Price: $109 per adult | $99 per child (3-13) | Children under 3 are free – Click here to book multi-pass discounted tickets online

Chermside Aquatic Centre

During the warmer months, the Chermside Aquatic Centre opens its Water Park. The water park features over 200 metres of twisting water slides, including the Jungle Adventure taking you through the treetops, the Serpent with its twists and turns in the dark, the Flume of Doom with your partner on a tube and the Shotgun, which shoots you into deep water at max speed.

But it’s not all water slides; there is a kid’s area with smaller slides, dump baskets and mushroom features with soft cascading water. This area is quieter and gentler and suitable for younger children, along with the wading lagoon pool.

This is an aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor lap pools and a fitness centre. The onsite facilities include bathrooms and a cafe.

Location: 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside

Opening Hours: September to April – Weekends 10 am to 5 pm | Weekdays Closed (except school holidays, when it’s open 7 days)

Price: $17.50 per adult | $14.90 per child (6-14) | $7 per child (2-5) | $53.50 per family (2A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

Albany Creek Leisure Centre

The Albany Creek Leisure Centre is home to the usual lap pools and fitness centre. Still in addition, they have some fun aquatic attractions to keep families entertained over the warmer months.

There is a leisure pool for fun only – no laps allowed here. And there is a Rapid River with water jets creating a current to float on. Kids will love the water slides, and for the littlies, there is a water wonderland with mushroom fountains and water spouts, ensuring you’re soaked through – if you’re not already.

Onsite, there is a cafe serving up healthy snacks and barista made coffee, and there are bathrooms for convenience.

Location: Corner Old Northern Road and Explorer Drive, Albany Creek

Opening Hours: September school holidays to Easter holidays on Weekends 10 am to 4 pm 

Price: Casual swim fee: $5.95 per adult | $5.45 per child | $19 per family (4 people) | Children under 3 are free | Water slide pass: $7 per person

Aqua Warrior

Aqua Warrior is the newest inflatable water park Brisbane has opened. This floating water park has a variety of obstacles and slides connected together, forming circuits – so you can choose a different path each time. The obstacles are designed to test different abilities and fitness levels and ensure healthy competition between siblings and friends.

There are full time lifeguards to ensure the whole family remains safe whilst slipping, sliding and swimming at this Brisbane inflatable water park; however, keep in mind you must be 5 years or older and at least 120 centimetres tall to use the park. And if you’re 5 to 9 years old, you’ll need to be accompanied by an adult – so parents get ready for some water action.

Location: Pelican Park, Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf Redcliffe

Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 4 pm

Price: $25 per person for 50 minutes | $35 per person for 100 minutes

Runcorn Pool and Water Park

On the smaller side, Runcorn Pool and Water Park has everything you need for a family day out. There is a 25 metre heated outdoor lap pool, a smaller indoor pool and a fully fenced water park for the children.

The water park is located behind the main pool, away from serious swimmers, it has smaller slides and fountains suitable for younger children, and older ones could get bored quite easily. The mini slides drop kids into a 30 centimetre deep splash pool with gentle fountains spraying water near the slides.

Next to the slides is a splash pad with decorative shells, aquatic creatures and fountains to splash around in.

Sun shades cover this water park area, and there are loads of seats you can pull up close to keep an eye on the little ones, and lifeguards are patrolling the area as an extra peace of mind.

There’s a cafe onsite with snacks, coffee and ice cream to enjoy on a warm day.

Location: 37 Bonemill Rd, Runcorn

Opening Hours: Daily

Price: $6.20 per adult | $4.60 per child | $18.90 per family (2A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

Sandgate Aquatic Centre

Located on the Sandgate Foreshore, this waterfront aquatic centre caters to families with children of all ages. It includes an Olympic sized outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool and a leisure pool with a water park.

The water park has slides, a dumping water bucket, twisty water spouts, loads of water jets, mushroom fountains and more… enough to keep kids entertained whilst the adults sit on the sun loungers for a break and keep watch. And for additional safety, lifeguards are patrolling the area.

When it’s time to dry off, but the kids still want to play, there is a small playground to keep them amused whilst you cook lunch at the BBQ facilities or grab a bite from the kiosk.

Location: 231 Flinders Parade, Sandgate

Opening Hours: Daily – hours vary; check opening times here

Price: $6.20 per adult | $4.60 per child (2-14) | $13.30 per family (1A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

Newmarket Pool

Newmarket Pool is a family friendly water activity facility with a 50 metre pool, 25 metre pool; indoor learn to swim pool, indoor hydro pool and what the kids are really after… water play areas and a giant 30 metre loopy-twisty slide.

The splash pad has a giant tipping bucket sure to drench even those furthest away; there are water jets, a water arch, and water fountains – basically loads of water sprays and spouts to ensure everyone has a splash-tastic time.

When the kids want some pool time, there is a shaded toddler wading pool, or for those a little older, the children’s leisure pool has some small slides.

The facilities onsite include BBQs, picnic tables, bathrooms with showers and change rooms and a kiosk serving up summer essentials, including slushees, ice creams, hot chips and coffee.

Location: 71 Alderson St, Newmarket

Opening Hours: Daily (currently, some facilities are not open due to construction) – click here for detailed hours

Price: $6.20 per adult | $4.60 per child (2-14) | $13.30 per family (1A+2C) | $18.90 per family (2A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool

Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool was opened over 60 years ago, but the sparkling pools have been updated with the times and provide a fun day out for the family.

Onsite, you’ll find a 50-metre outdoor heated pool, an indoor 15-metre heated pool and a wading pool with slides perfect for the kids. Whilst not so much a water park, the wading pool is a great size for littlies, and if you bring some buckets and toys, they will be happy to splash about whilst older kids enjoy the slides.

If you decide to enjoy lunch, there are electric BBQ facilities and shaded picnic areas, or you can grab something from the kiosk.

Location: 794 Oxley Rd, Corinda

Opening Hours: Daily – wading pool closed during winter – check opening hours here

Price: $6.20 per adult | $4.60 per child (2-14) | $13.30 per family (1A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

Langlands Park Memorial Pool

Langlands Park Memorial Pool has a 50-metre heated Olympic outdoor swimming pool to get your laps in, a 25-metre pool and an 18-metre enclosed heated teaching pool. But what the littlies will love the most is the wading pool.

The wading pool is simple enough for little ones to splash in or slide down the slippery dip into the shallow depths. The pool is semi-shaded with brightly coloured sunshades in the shapes of leaves, giving off an Alice in Wonderland vibe.

If you’re hungry, there’s a simple onsite kiosk, and you can eat at the seating outside. Otherwise, when you leave, there is a Leagues Club located next door or loads of other eateries within a short distance.

Location: 5 Panitya St, Stones Corner

Opening Hours: Daily – opening hours vary; check online here

Price: $6.20 per adult | $4.60 per child (2-14) | $13.30 per family (1A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

Manly Pool

Manly Pool is located on the foreshore next to the Marina and around a 30-minute drive from Brisbane CBD. The outdoor 25-metre pool has 8 lanes and is heated year round. The kid’s pool and wading pool are perfect in summer for younger children to cool off and have a splash – it’s closed in winter.

Older kids who love a bit of a thrill, or adults who enjoy some fun, will shriek with delight at the double looped water slide splashing down into a pool.

Onsite you’ll find the Poolside Manly Cafe serving up barista made coffees, delicious smoothies and cakes and toasties to keep your energy up.

Location: 1 Fairlead Cres, Manly

Opening Hours: Daily – opening hours vary, check online here – wading area and kids pool are closed during winter

Price: $6.20 per adult | $4.60 per child (2-14) | $13.30 per family (1A+2C) | Children under 2 are free

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We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best water parks around Brisbane.  Some other guides you may like are things to do in Southbank with kids, things to do in Brisbane with kids or even our guide on the best Christmas lunch venues in Brisbane.

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