There is no doubting it gets hot in Ipswich. So, as the weather warms up, take a moment to cool down at these fun and ‘cool’ waterparks. There are a range of free waterparks, which are usually coupled with a great playground, but also some paid options, which can be found at public pools.
No matter which option you choose to enjoy with your family this summer, make sure you have fun, create lasting memories and be safe.
Best Waterparks in Ipswich (free)
Orion Lagoon
Location: Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
Touted as one of the largest public lagoons in the Southern Hemisphere, Orion Lagoon is a popular place to bring the family when you are in Ipswich, to cool off on a warm day.
The sprawling Orion Lagoon features a 600mm deep sculpture pool, a 50m lap swimming area, beach entry and pool depth of up to 1.5m in areas. The toddlers and small children haven’t been forgotten either, with a section of the Lagoon designed with them in mind.
Brisbane Kids will enjoy hours of splashing, paddling, and frolicking in the water at this safe, family-friendly outdoor environment. The Orion Lagoon is supervised daily by lifeguards during the opening hours.
The lagoon is surrounded by grassed areas, BBQ’s, picnic facilities, permanent umbrellas, a café, accessible toilet facilities and change rooms, which makes it easy to spend a whole day here with family and friends.
Read our detailed review of Orion Lagoon.
River Heart Parklands
Location: King Edward Parade, Ipswich
You are spoilt for choice when you visit River Heart Parklands. Not only is there a mega playground and a charming nature-based discovery park but there are also two water play zones.
The upper section of the water play area contains a series of blocks and boulders where Brisbane Kids can control the flow and direction of the water. Down in the lower section, powerful fountains spurt out water inviting children to dodge the water (or perhaps head straight for it).
Additionally, the surrounding parklands feature everything you need for a fun day out including picnic shelters, BBQ’s, boardwalks, accessible toilets and outdoor showers.
Read our detailed review of River Heart Parklands.
Robelle Domain
Location: Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
Robelle Domain is one of those places where families can comfortably spend many hours with a variety of activities and play spaces on offer. Set on 24 hectares and containing more than 11km of boardwalks, there are sporting fields, walking tracks and playgrounds for Brisbane Kids to enjoy.
If you are looking to get wet, the zero-depth water park is jam-packed full of watery fun with a large tipping bucket, spouts and jet sprays. Games of tricking your friends into standing under the tipping bucket as it dumps 700 litres of water on them never gets tired.
To finish off a day of family fun, Robelle Domain has some lovely, shaded picnic spots, art features, treetop walks, beautiful gardens, a lake and waterfalls.
The hugely popular Orion Lagoon is also located with the parklands and is a ‘must visit’ destination in Ipswich for water-based fun.
Read our detailed review of Robelle Domain.
Splash ‘n’ Play Adventure Park
Location: Off Harmony Crescent, South Ripley
Take family fun to new heights at Splash ‘n’ Play Adventure Park in South Ripley. Not only is there a playground which boasts a netted skywalk, epic slides and a flying fox, but there is also a substantial water play zone. A café, plenty of green space and picnic facilities are also nearby, making this a brilliant destination for hours of outdoor fun.
The Splash ‘n’ Play area is located not too far from the playground and includes lots of watery fun including movable sprayers, button-controlled jets, water fountains and waterfall arches.
The water play area is mostly shaded, which is a blessing in the height of summer and a non-slip rubber base helps to keep things safe. As always, close supervision around any water source is recommended.
Don’t forget to check out the adventure playground which boasts towering sky cabins which stand an impressive 7.5m from the ground. A small, garden-themed seesaw, a butterfly climbing structure, and much more will see kids climbing, slipping and sliding their days away.
Read our detailed review of Splash ‘n’ Play Adventure Park.
Whiterock Adventure Playground and Splash Pad
Location: Northridge Road, White Rock
Unique play structure – tick. Natural exploration zones – tick. Free water play – tick. Whiterock Adventure Playground and Splash Pad has it all and will no doubt be super popular among families at any time of the year, especially in the warmer months.
The bright and colourful zero-depth, water play zone is bound to be a hit with the kids. Featuring a variety of interactive elements including fountains, kid-controlled water cannons and step on sprinkler pads, there is plenty of opportunities to get wet and have fun.
The adventure playground not only looks amazing, it is amazing! Brisbane Kids can run, jump, climb, crawl and twist their way around the play equipment. While the drawcard may be the 16m long play curl, the other play elements, such as swings, slides, seesaw and play panels will be just as entertaining for adventurous kids.
Picnic facilities and accessible toilets mean spending a few hours here is definitely doable and a great choice for a playdate, party or school holiday outing.
Read our detailed review of Whiterock Adventure Playground and Splash Pad.
Other Waterparks in Ipswich (Paid Admission)
Bundamba Swim and Gym Centre
The Bundamba Swim and Gym Centre features a small splash park, along with two heated pools, a learn to swim program and a 24/7 gym.
Goodna Aquatic Centre
If you visit the Goodna Aquatic Centre you will find a splash pool especially for the kids in addition to two heated pools.
Leichhardt Community Pool
A 25m heated pool and splash pool is awaiting families who want to cool down at the Leichhardt Community Pool.
Rosewood Aquatic Centre
For those looking to splash and swim at Rosewood Aquatic Centre you can plunge into one of two heated pools or the splash pool.
Waterpark Top Tips
- Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply as necessary.
- Pack lots of food and water (having fun in the water is bound to create large appetites).
- Bring a pair of waterproof shoes to use in case the ground gets too hot.
- Don’t forget the towels and a wet bag.
- Protect delicate young skin with sensible swimwear, rashies, and hats.
- Leave precious, non-waterproof items at home.
Water Safety
As with any area which contains water, please make sure children are always closely supervised by a responsible adult. For very small children an adult should be in arms reach of the child at all times.
Join the conversation