The Best Waterparks in Adelaide

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When the heat gets turned up, heading to a waterpark in Adelaide is one of the best ways to cool right back down again! From waterslides to splash parks, there’s a good choice of dedicated indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as splash zones hidden within holiday parks that are accessible to the general public. All of the indoor waterparks are open all year round, whereas the outdoor waterparks are often open from October to April each year.

Adelaide Waterparks

1. Waterworld Aquatic Centre (Outdoor)

South Australia’s very own Waterworld! Not quite as big as Whitewater World on the Gold Coast but the best that Waterworld Adelaide has to offer. Located in Ridgehaven, northwest of the CBD, this council-run outdoor waterpark is a great day out for all the family. Take on the challenge with their racing water slides, get dizzy with the curly water slide, bounce around on inflatables, enjoy the heated pools, paddle in the learners’ pool or get serious in the 50m pool. The little ones can also go crazy on the splash pad.

There is also an abundance of shaded areas, picnic tables, a cafe and BBQ facilities to make the most of your time there. Toilets, showers and lockers are also available, as well as being wheelchair friendly. From our visits to the waterpark, each time the team have been super friendly and the facilities have been clean and tidy to use.

Waterworld Adelaide offers learn-to-swim programs, birthday parties, group bookings and fitness activities for all ages and abilities. Keep an eye on their Facebook pages for special entry offers, as well as event nights such as ‘Dive In Movies’!

If you are wanting to top up your Vitamin D levels and enjoy the sun, head to Waterworld this summer. The season runs from early October to April each year – check out their website for more details.

2. The Big Wedgie (Outdoor)

This is Adelaide’s favourite outdoor summer waterpark and is a popular choice for inflatable water fun in the heat, running from early December to the end of February each year.

The Big Wedgie is home to giant inflatable water fun during the summer months and is located at West Beach, just 20 minutes west of the CBD. You cannot miss these waterslides from the roadside; they are a definite invitation to come and have a go!

This pop-up park seems to get bigger and better each year, with a choice of waterslides available. Depending on how daring you want to be, take on the Big Wedgie (no further explanation needed!) or take the little ones onto the Little Skidda, an inflatable slip ‘n’ slide experience. Two of the other waterslides available are the Just Right Wedgie for those aged 3 and up and the Little Wedgie, perfect for 3-5 year olds.

The waterpark also includes plenty of shaded seating areas and a small kiosk for refreshments. Entry is free, so spectators can come along for the splashdowns, and tickets are offered as unlimited rides for specific time periods, or as limited slides on your chosen inflatable.

Find out more here about what we thought when we visited last summer!

3. Marion Outdoor Pool (Outdoor)

Marion Outdoor Pool, located just 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD opens at the end of September each year. It’s a great choice for the three pools, two large waterslides and a super-fun water park feature with a “Big Bucket”. Entry is really good value for money too.

With plenty of grassed and shaded areas, it’s not just all about the water either. Perfect to take a picnic and catch up with friends and family. Swim schools and birthday parties are available, with aqua aerobics being popular in the summer sun. There is also now a new kiosk serving some yummy delights to make you want to stay even longer!

4. SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre (Indoor)

This popular aquatic centre is massive! Located close to the CBD in Marion, it offers a whole host of facilities. The Leisure Pool features the splash park with the “Big Bucket” for extra fun, and two smaller water slides, ideal for those under 10 years of age. For those looking for a bit more adventure, take on the WIBIT which is a giant floating inflatable obstacle course. Putting anyone over the age of 6 to the test, try out your balancing, climbing, jumping and sliding skills to the test; much easier when you’re not actually wet! Often available at weekends, check out their website for session times and availability.

There are also different pools available, 25m and 50m, diving, rehabilitation lanes, swimming lessons, aqua fitness, sauna and steam rooms, so there really is something for everyone. And that’s not mentioning the large gym facilities they also provide and host to a number of world watersport championships. These facilities really are some of the best.

Got a child’s birthday coming up soon? You’ll be the best parent around with their Birthday Party package available! Other children’s facilities include creche and Aqua Sensory Play, great for babies and toddlers to explore, interact and enjoy new experiences.

We love coming here and definitely recommend it as one of the best indoor waterparks in Adelaide. And the best bit is, it’s available all year round!

5. Adelaide Aquatic Centre (Indoor)

Similar to the above SA Aquatic Centre, Adelaide Aquatic Centre is another one of the big waterparks in Adelaide. Open all year and located minutes north of the city, this place was made for swimming, playing and relaxing!

With 3 pools heated to a minimum of 29 degrees, there is the main pool, dive pool and leisure pool. The leisure pool is a shallow pool, set up with waterslides (check website for availability) and shapes for the little ones to splash around with. The other two pools are generally used for lap and casual swimming.

With gym facilities, cafe, swim shop, swimming lessons, sauna and steam rooms available, this is a great choice to spend a morning or afternoon.

6. The Beachouse (Indoor)

The Beachouse has the smile factor all over it! As part of a larger leisure complex in Glenelg, The Beachouse is home to 3 impressive waterslides. Take the Speed Slide as you catapult down the 130m slide, enjoy the Chilla Slide for a more relaxing water soaking or rocket down the Raft Slide on this inflatable ride in the pitch dark!

All waterslides are heated during the winter, with opening times varying but often consisting of weekends, school and public holidays.

The Beachouse has a range of other fun activities including Bumper Boats, Dodgem Cars, a Play Castle, a Carousel, a mini Train, Mini Golf, plenty of Arcade Games and a cafe. Just don’t forget the swimming gear when you plan to go!

Adelaide Waterpark Hotels and Holiday Parks

Waterparks and accommodation have become popular joint choices over the last few years and thankfully Adelaide can provide both! Don’t think you’ll have to miss out by not being a staying resident though… these holiday parks offer non-staying guests day passes to still enjoy their water fun facilities. Just get in touch with them, and for a small entrance fee, you can enjoy everything on offer, including showers, changing facilities, use of the grounds and their cafes on-site.

Heading to Glenelg? Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to this part of South Australia for Water Lovers!

7. Marion Holiday Park (Outdoor)

A firm favourite in South Australia, Marion Holiday Park is becoming more and more popular each year. And it’s not hard to see why. They are constantly upgrading their facilities, making them bigger and better each time, and their water park is no exception!

8. The Big4 Holiday Park, West Beach (Outdoor)

With 1.2kms of stunning coastline as the backdrop, The Big4 Holiday Park in West Beach offers a great way to stay cool this summer. The zero-depth Splashzone water play area with its Big Bucket guarantees lots of smiles and laughter! Along with the heated swimming pool and shower and changing facilities available, it’s ideal to spend some quality family time here.

And don’t worry, you don’t need to actually stay overnight at the park to enjoy these facilities. Just contact the park and ask them about a day pass and they’ll be happy to help.

Waterparks in South Australia

Heading further around South Australia? Don’t miss the huge Jungle themed waterpark at Beachside Holiday Park, Normanville. This massive splashpark is the biggest of its kind in South Australia. With 7 waterslides, fountains, a Big Bucket, a collection of jungle animals, a shaded toddler splashzone and plenty of shaded tables and chairs, this area has been made for hours of water fun! Currently only open to residents, but get in touch with the park to check for updates.

Take a trip north to find Splash Town – Copper Coast in Moonta Bay. This free to use community waterpark with a splashzone and waterslides is perfect for that hot summer’s day.

Check out their website for opening times.

Discovery Parks in the Barossa Valley is also well-known for its impressive splashzone with waterslides (Day passes available)…

…and Renmark will give you a treat with their own splashpark and swimming pool at the popular Big4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park.

Do you have a favourite waterpark in Adelaide or South Australia? Have you visited somewhere like Waterworld Adelaide? We’d love to know in the comments below!