Chris AshtonWe may be in the depths of winter down under but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream about sunnier times. Warm breezes, melting ice creams, the feeling when you’re whizzing down a water slide with the sun on your back… the folks at TripAdvisor agree, revealing the winners of its Travellers’ Choice Awards for the top amusement/water parks around the country.
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. The usual suspects are all there, but there are a few surprises.
1. WetSide Water Park – Hervey Bay, Queensland
Located on the foreshore at Hervey Bay, the WetSide Water Park is family-friendly water park with variety of slides and pools for kids of all ages. A great spot to cool the kids down, the free entry water park includes both complimentary and reasonably priced rides.
One-day admission: Free (pay for $5 for 10 times on Water Slides and $6 for FlipSide Board Rider)
2. Aqua Fun Park – Twin Waters, Queensland
Stretching on a runway of over 200 metres, Aqua Fun Park is an inflatable water park situated within Novotel Twin Waters. The water park, known for its floating slides and obstacle courses, is great fun for kids and adults alike. Reviewers highly praised the attentive and helpful staff and well-maintained equipment.
One-day admission: All – $17 for a single session, $28 for a double session and $12 for every extra session (one session is 50-minute long)
3. Adventure World Perth Australia – Bibra Lake, Western Australia
Adventure World is Perth’s only amusement and water park with over 25 exhilarating rides and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Nestled within beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and lawns, the neat and well cared for park includes a Hawaiian resort themed Kahuna Falls, an Aussie Wildlife experience and a Dragon’s Kingdom.
One-day admission: Adult – $129, Child (3-9) – $123
4. Aussie World – Caloundra, Queensland
Aussie World is a popular amusement park among families with younger children thanks to simple classics such as the chair swing, log ride, pirate ship, Ferris wheel and more. Travellers especially love the smaller crowd and value for money entrance fees. Travellers can buy Aussie World Theme Park General Admission Ticket on TripAdvisor for access to access to over 30 rides and attractions.
One-day admission: All – $40
5. WhiteWater World – Coomera, Queensland
Co-located with Dreamworld, WhiteWater World has been delivering serious splashes since it first opened in 2006. Open all-year round, the water park features 12 slides, including dedicated pools for toddlers to thrill rides for the adventurous. Visitors had “great fun” especially on the Green Room, the Hydrocoaster and the Wiggle Bay.
One-day admission: Adult – $95, Child (3-13) – $85
6. Magic Mountain – Merimbula, New South Wales
Situated on the Sapphire Coast a short distance away from the town of Merimbula, Magic Mountain is the area’s most highly recommended family activity. The park is surrounded by greenery, and comes with a tree climb, barbecue and picnic facilities which adds to the family fun. While admission is free, visitors can opt to pay per ride or to purchase and unlimited pass.
One-day admission: Free (pay per ride) or All-Day Passes: Child (4-5) – $25, Youth (6-11) – $38, Adults (12+) – $45
7. Dreamworld – Coomera, Queensland
Dreamworld, Australia’s largest theme park, is made up of several themed lands such as Ocean Parade, DreamWorks Experience, Wiggles World, and Tiger Island. Dreamworld is also a wildlife conservation park, supporting the protection and conservation of more than 500 animals including tigers, koalas and tree kangaroos.
One-day admission: Adult – $95, Child (3-13) – $85
8. Jamberoo Action Park – Jamberoo, New South Wales
Set amongst 40 hectares of landscaped gardens and parklands, Jamberoo Action Park offers a wide range of water rides, slides and attractions offered. The park is recommended for a great family day out as the rides appeal to both kids and adults. Visitors especially love The Rock, Funnel Web, Taipan and the Toboggan.
9. Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World – Oxenford, Queensland
One of Gold Coast’s top water parks, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World has “plenty of selection of slides and water fun for all ages”. Visitors can sail through Mammoth Falls in a six-person tube, take a wild ride on Terror Canyon, enter the adventure playground of Buccaneer Bay and more. The water park is open all year round as pools and rides are kept heated during winter months. Travellers can purchase a Gold Coast Theme Park Pass on TripAdvisor from $119 for a 3, 7 or 14 day access to Wet ‘n’ Wild and nearby theme parks such as Movie World and Sea World.
One-day admission: Adult – $74, Child (3-13) – $69
10. Warner Bros. Movie World – Oxenford, Queensland
Visitors can get a taste of “Hollywood on the Gold Coast” at the Warner Bros. Movie World. Attractions includes favourite superheroes and stars themed rides such as Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Harry Potter–themed sets and a Green Lantern Coaster. Visitors can also look forward to entertaining performances from the Looney Toons crew and an action packed car stunt show.
One-day admission: Adult – $89, Child (3-9) – $79
Do you agree with the winners?
