The 8 most incredible 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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.