The best Queensland waterparks for kids

While our beaches are famous, Queensland offers plenty of other ways to cool off on warmer days. Indulge in a day of play with your family in tow, splashing around the bevy of waterparks that call the Sunshine State home. While the Gold Coast is well recognised for its concentration of theme parks and the like, you’ll conveniently find Queensland’s waterparks scattered across the state. These are the best of them.

WhiteWater World, Gold Coast

Tucked into DreamWorld, one of Queensland's best theme parks, sits the water-focused affair WhiteWater World. This Gold Coast resident is home to water slides and rides of all shapes and sizes (and for all ages) - with your kin you can spend hours riding the gentle ocean-like swell of Cave of Waves or give group-favouring The Rip a whirl.

Wet n Wild, Gold Coast

Neighbour Wet n Wild may be one of the most famous Queensland waterparks and is certainly the biggest. Open seven days a week, this venue has long been a favourite for families with kids visiting the southern part of the state. And it’s not hard to see why - there are adrenaline-filled offerings available for older kids (and adults) plus plenty of fun for younger ones.

Sea World, Gold Coast

Experience life below the surface with a visit to Gold Coast institution Sea World. While there’s an impressive population of marine life that lives here, there’s no shortage of water rides for you and your younger brood. Don’t miss out on Castaway Bay, where an interactive splash zone and battleships await.

GC Aqua Park, Gold Coast

Nestled within the stunning Broadwater Parklands of the Gold Coast, the region's largest inflatable water park offers hours of laughter - perfect when you need to shake the energy off. Award-winning GC Aqua Park combines thrilling water slides, challenging obstacles, and expansive inflatable playgrounds - with a cafe onsite when you need to refuel. 

Wetside Water Park, Hervey Bay

Make way for Fraser Coast resident WetSide Water Park, which sits on the foreshore of family-friendly Hervey Bay. With a water play area for babies, and a fountain light show on Saturday nights, this fun (and free) public space provides an easy way to keep younger kids entertained while you enjoy lunch at the accompanying eateries on site.

Big4 Ingenia Cairns Coconut Resort, Cairns

Merging family accommodation with water play, Cairns Coconut Resort sits just 8 kilometres from the famed Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and offers its guests access to dual waterslides, and a splash park for juniors amongst its tropical gardens

Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach, The Whitsundays

Post-reef adventure, spend some time in the gateway town of Airlie Beach - it’s here you’ll find family-friendly holiday park Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. Combine your stay with a side of play thanks to the resort’s ample amenities spread across 10 hectares - picture a lagoon-style pool complete with waterslides, as well as poolside massages.

Coolum Aqua Park, Sunshine Coast

The best Queensland waterpark for adults or older kids lives in Coolum, and forms a part of the adrenaline-fuelled Oz Ski Resort Complex. Variety is the specialty of this largely inflatable space - a sprawling gathering of slides, trampolines, swings, challenge tracks and more, all interconnected by extensive walkways and floating trails.

Bowen Water Park, Bowen, Townsville

After making a stop to check out famous local resident the Big Mango while in Bowen, cool off with a trip to the nearby Bowen Water Park. The free offering sits on the waterfront on Santa Barbara Parade and is operated by a timer - simply press the button to begin. Spend the afternoon enjoying the slides, huge water bucket, and splash pool, not to mention the neighbouring barbecues and picnic area with your family and friends.

The Strand Water Park, Townsville

Tucked into the famed foreshore of Townsville is The Strand Water Park. A beloved part of the local community, this water-based playground has been designed with younger children in mind, and neighbours a gathering of basketball courts, barbecues and picnic areas.

Aqua Warrior Redcliffe, Brisbane

Older kids will want to make a beeline for outdoor adventure playground Aqua Warrior which permanently resides in Redcliffe Bay, within arm’s reach of Brisbane’s CBD. But it’s best to gather a crowd of friends and family - this inflatable jungle gym - and its array of trampolines and climbing challenges - is available for group bookings and parties too.

Keppel Kraken Lagoon, Yeppoon

Families with young children in tow have long flocked to the Keppel Kraken on the Yeppoon Foreshore. Nudging beautiful Keppel Bay, this interactive space is awash with sea creature sculptures, water cannons, jets, and sits within 500 metres of the 2500-metre Yeppoon Lagoon, a watering hole shallow enough to suit the smallest of family members.

Sugarworld Adventure Park, Cairns

All ages are guaranteed a good time at community water park Sugarworld in Edmonton. Spread across 17 acres of lush parkland, this family-focused enterprise contains multiple swimming pools, and 3 teen-focused water slides. But the smaller members of your family will be more enticed by the Kids Interactive Splashtown, with its 7 slides, pools, a giant water bucket, fountains, waterfalls and water jets.

Bluewater Lagoon, Mackay

Enjoy a dip in the city centre at Mackay’s Bluewater Lagoon. A trio of tiered lagoon pools offer a safe swimming environment for all ages. There’s a feature waterfall connecting the two main pools, with a third shallow wading pool for toddlers, joined by an interactive children’s water playground. Those land-bound may prefer to enjoy the barbecue and workout facilities nearby.

Oaks Oasis Waterpark, Sunshine Coast

Cementing Caloundra’s status as an aquatic paradise is the Oaks Oasis Sunshine Coast Resort. The Sunshine Coast local is considered one of the country’s most family-friendly resorts, thanks in part to its bounty of amenities, a resort-style pool, and waterpark designed for the tots included.

Big4 Breeze Holiday Park Cania Gorge, Cania, Bundaberg

After taking some time to explore Cania Gorge National Park in Brigalow Belt Country, check in to the neighbouring Big4 Breeze Cania Gorge Holiday Park. Before you hit the hay at one of the caravan sites or cabin accommodation available, enjoy the amenities within the precinct, including the waterpark with twin loop water slide.