Gold Coast Aqua Park is the ultimate in affordable summer fun
Have you visited Gold Coast Aqua Park, an inflatable water park on the Gold Coast yet? Well, if you haven’t, you should! It’s the ultimate in summer fun, and I think it’s even better than the theme parks. I know that’s a big call but hear me out.
The reason I enjoy Aqua Park Gold Coast so much more than the theme parks is that it doesn’t go all day. I often find myself exhausted and over it at a theme park long before we’ve gotten through everything. Also, a huge bonus is that it’s significantly kinder to your waller.
And when I say significantly, I’m talking hundreds of dollars more affordable for a family compared to a day at a theme park.
What is Aqua Park Gold Coast?
Well basically, it’s a really fun inflatable water park in Southport on the Gold Coast.
Aqua Park Gold Coast looks like this:
Lifejackets are provided as part of your entry fee and you won’t be allowed on without one. It seems silly at first, particularly if you’re a good swimmer. But honestly, they don’t restrict your movement and are a blessing when you find yourself in the deep water with exhausted arms and legs after climbing up one of the obstacle course slides. Those with younger kids will appreciate the extra safety measures.
If you don’t have anyone to watch your belongings on the beach, you can hire a locker for $5 upon arrival.
Who can go on it and who is it not suitable for?
Anyone aged five years and over can join in the fun at Aqua Park Gold Coast. All children under ten must have an adult on this Gold Coast inflatable water park. And if you have more than two children under ten, you’ll need to bring along another adult. The ratio is one adult per two children at a minimum.
Regardless of your age, you need to be able to swim in a salt-water tidal environment. The water depth varies from one metre to three metres (hence the life jackets). You don’t need to be super fit, but a reasonable level of fitness is required, particularly if you want to climb up the various obstacles and go down the slides.
Once you have landed in the water, you’ll need to be able to pull your own weight back up and onto the floating platforms.
How much are Aqua Park Gold Coast tickets and how do I get some?
Tickets cost $25 for a 50-minute session, $35 for 100 minutes and $55 for an all-day pass. I think 100 minutes is the sweet spot, as it really is exhausting after two sessions. Season passes and party packages are also available.
Purchased your tickets online directly from the Aqua Park Gold Coast website. You can show up and purchase them in person on the day but there is no guarantee of availability. Also, there is a fast-track check-in for those who book online.
How do the sessions work?
The sessions run every hour and last for 50 minutes. If you book a 100-minute ticket, you will come out halfway and go back in with the next group. The park is open from:
- Weekdays: 10 am – 4 pm
- Weekends: 9 am to 4 pm
- Summer holidays: 9 am – 5 pm.
You’ll need to arrive early to sign a waiver (if you haven’t done it online already) and to grab your wristband and life jacket.
What about lifeguards at Aqua Park Gold Coast?
Fully trained and qualified Surf Lifesaving lifeguards are on duty when the park is open. You can spot them easily in their red and yellow uniforms, and you’ll find them at various points around the inflatable water park on the Gold Coast.
Where is Aqua Park Gold Coast?
Find Aqua Park Gold Coast at Broadwater Parklands, opposite Australia Fair Shopping Centre.
What happens if the weather is not fun?
Rainy days are still a lot of fun at Aqua Park Gold Coast. I mean, it’s an inflatable water park, so you were going to get wet on the Gold Coast anyway.
Sessions are cancelled in the event of heavy wind and lightning. Keep an eye on your emails as this is how you will be notified if sessions have to be cancelled.
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Gold Coast family holiday resources
Best time to visit the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is really an all-year-round holiday destination. However, it gets pretty busy during the summer school holidays.
December to February sees tropical weather with more chance of rain. Many tout April and May as a great time to visit due to lower rainfall, but I personally find the ocean a bit too chilly at this time.
Where to stay
If staying in Burleigh Heads, Swell Resort is a fantastic option for families with roomy apartment-style offerings. The resort is set close to restaurants, only 100 metres from the beach. This is my top pick for the Gold Coast.
If staying in the Gold Coast Hinterlands, you can’t go past Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Both offer a range of accommodations.
If you’re looking for a family resort with everything to occupy the kids, NRMA Treasure Island and Paradise Resort are top choices.
Those seeking luxury will love the Gold Coast Marriott or The Star.
Getting to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is located one hour south of Brisbane on the East Coast of Australia.
Both domestic and international flights service the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta. Find a great deal on Trip.com
The Gold Coast is connected by rail to Brisbane’s Roma Street and Central stations. There is also an AirTrain that runs a regular rail service taking around 90 minutes.
Getting around the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has an extensive bus service with over 60 routes within the city. If venturing to the Gold Coast Hinterlands, hiring a car is an excellent option if you don’t have your own.
