Adventure Park Geelong Tsunami waterslide
Photograph: Adventure Park Geelong/Supplied
Photograph: Adventure Park Geelong/Supplied

The 8 most incredible waterparks in Australia

Scared of sharks but want to cool off in a spectacular kinda way? Look no further

Maya Skidmore
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It's a universally acknowledged truth that sliding down a really epic waterslide on a hot day is a delightful rush that hits the same regardless of how old you are. 

In Australia, for all those who are scared of sharks, sand or having a piece of freaky seaweed graze their feet in murky water, but still crave a swim (with some non-scary adrenaline thrown in the mix), you can't look past the humble waterpark. These little slices of contained, chlorinated paradise promise great times, classic hits and unforgettable family memories for everyone, no matter if you're 6 or 76. 

Here is our pick of the eight biggest, most incredible and thrillingly fun waterparks for you and your family to splash around in Down Under.

So, next time you're suffering through a scorcher and don't feel like hitting up the beach – you know exactly where to go. 

Want to experience the thrill while staying dry? Here are the best theme parks in Australia.

The best waterparks in Australia

Unlike other water parks, Wet’N’Wild is accessible year-round, even during the winter months – courtesy of Queensland’s famously mild climate. It has water play areas perfect for little kids to slides so extreme that even the bravest of thrill seekers would be wise to pack a second pair of trunks. But don't worry if you prefer your dips a little more relaxing. Between its four pools, 17 slides and two dedicated children’s areas, visitors of every age are well-catered for at Wet'N'Wild.

Good for: Year-round splashing for all ages, from little kids to thrill-seeking adults. 

If you're from NSW, you can't look at this name without sing-screaming ‘where you control the action’ in your head. Located an hour and 40 minutes from Sydney's CBD, Jamberoo is an iconic waterpark beloved by locals. You can race down the pitch black tunnel of the Taipan, or hold on for dear life on the Perfect Storm’s wild twists and turns – but you can also lazily drift in a donut around the Rapid River, or hop on the chairlift that offers some spectacular views of the vibrant green landscape this little gem is tucked in.

Good for: Big kids, little kids and any member of the family who likes big thrills and even bigger waterslides.

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Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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A longtime staple of Victoria, Gumbuya Park had a $50 million facelift and rebranded as Gumbuya World – and there is a lot more fun to be had. Gumbuya World comprises four discrete areas: Oasis Springs, Wildlife Trail, Oz Adventures and Outback Explorers. The Oasis Springs water park features fast slides with steep drops and exciting twists and turns. You can also hang ten at Surf's Up, a surfing section to teach you how to kneel or stand on a board. Or for those who want to take it a bit slower, the 300-metre Lazy River might be more your speed.

Good for: All ages, adrenaline junkies and those who want to try surfing without actually being in the ocean. 

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Cassidy Knowlton
Editorial Director, Time Out Australia

Formerly known as Wet 'N' Wild in Western Sydney, Raging Waters is the perfect respite from a searing hot day in the city. From its bright blue, sand-lined wave pool, to its complex, curving complex of rainbow waterslides, this huge waterpark has something for everyone. There are more than 30 rides to explore, but the latest slippery adventure at the park is the Whirlwind. It’s a 206-metre journey through enclosed passageways, open spirals and zippy drops that’ll have you flying up to 25km per hour.

Good for: All ages, and for people keen to cool off in Sydney's western suburbs. 

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Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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Located on the immense grounds of Dreamworld on Queensland's Gold Coast, Whitewater World is widely lauded as one of the most impressive waterparks in Australia. Open seasonally in the summer months, Whitewater World offers up a dizzying array of waterslides and spectacular water rides that are built for the littlest of kids to the most daring of adults. Waterslides are really the main event here though, with you getting the choice of dozens of jaw-dropping slippery dips that are guaranteed to cool you off in a major kind of way. Combine a trip to Whitewater World with your Dreamworld day out, and sleep very well that night.

Good for: Kids, big kids and adults who want adrenaline-fuelled waterslide adventures.

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Maya Skidmore
Contributor

Funfields is, as its name suggests, a good time. Located an hour from Melbourne, this institution opened in 1985 and has long been one of Melbourne's most beloved summer attractions. You can ride a bunch of rides with your day pass ticket, kids can frolic in special kid-friendly watery areas, and thrill-seekers can let loose on a range of enormous and adrenaline-pumping waterslides and activities that aren't for the faint-hearted. Another highlight includes the humungous 26-metre Gravity Wave waterslide that shoots you off a nine-storey launch pad and gives you zero g-forces. Seriously.

Good for: All ages, particularly thrill-seeking adults. 

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Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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It gets hot in Victoria, which is why this watery thrill park in Geelong is so bloody good. Adults and big kids can expect massive immersive water rides and waterslides, including the 7.5-storey Tsnuami, Victoria's only triple-funnel waterslide that sweeps you down super steep dark tunnels at crazy speeds. You can also hop on the Tornado, its big sister ride that'll drop you down a 24-metre tower on an extremely long, snaking slide. If that's all a bit much, you can laze on the tropical-themed Lazy River, and kids will have plenty of opportunities for age-appropriate fun. 

Good for: Adrenaline junkies, kids and people wanting a fun and refreshing day out in the Victorian summer. 

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Maya Skidmore
Contributor

Get the best of both worlds with a park that has everything from the twistiest of rollercoasters to the wettest of waterslides. Board the Goliath for a pendulum ride that not only swings up and down but spins in full 360 mode as well. To cool off, change into your togs and battle friends and family on the Sea Serpents waterslide to see who can escape the tunnel the fastest. When it's time for a break, you can rent out one of the Hawaiian-inspired cabanas by the pool and order food and drink right to you, while the little ones burn off their energy in the water.

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Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
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