When you drive along Port Road, you really can’t miss the Water Wonderland world that has landed this January in Adelaide. It is apparently the world’s largest inflatable water theme park, so it was definitely worth checking out. What is it like? Check out our pics and videos below for a little taste.
It’s really quite impressive when you see the size of these round inflatable pools that are 25 metres wide. They are huge, and as such, we did not find it crowded when we visited at a 2pm to 5pm session.
There are two of these side by side, linked by this tall waterslide below that drops you into either pool.
All around the pool are smaller waterslides or bouncy areas, all in a marine theme. The depth of the water is no more than 40cm, so fine for many kids. Of course, close supervision is necessary as in any pool.
Over the other side of the park is another huge pool (pictured below). As well as the big waterslide, this one has some cool inflatable pool toys to play with. A giant sea creature that many people can ride, and individual tubes to lounge around on, is especially popular with the older kids. This pool also has music blasting over it for a party atmosphere.
There are many shade tents set up in the central area between the pools. Some with tables and chairs, others where you can sit or lie on the grass.
The tents add a carnival atmosphere to the park and are fabulous for keeping out of the sun when you’re not on the waterslides or pools.
There is a huge inflatable maze. We had a race to see which team could find their way out first, entering via the two separate entries. Be careful not to bump into someone coming the other way though!
For the little ones, there are these cute paddle boats for those under around 1 metre tall.
Kids move the boats along by turning the rotating handles on each side.
There is a toddler pool with pool toys, and little slide area too, which is shaded.
A huge bouncy castle below is great for a break from the pools. However the surface can get quite hot in the sun. They do hose it down to help keep it cool. Be careful getting off this – the sloped entry area is slippery.
The Hippo slide is a whopping 18 metres high and not for those scared of heights or faint-hearted.
You’ll get plenty of exercise just climbing your way to the top, up this long row of steps.
It’s the one thing that had a line-up which was about a 15 to 20 minute wait when we were there. You must be 1.4 metres tall to go on the Hippo slide.
Play & Go Tips & Info
- There is a food van for snacks, food, drinks and coffee as well as a stall with slushies. You are welcome to bring in a picnic with your own food and drinks, however, please be aware that it is an alcohol and glass free zone.
- The session times are 3 hours, however, once you are there and receive a wrist band you can pretty much stay as long as you like as you don’t get kicked out. The session times just help to spread out the numbers of people and entry line ups.
- It’s free for spectators to enter and watch, so if only the kids are going in the pools, you don’t need to buy a ticket for yourself.
- It can get a bit muddy around the pools – be aware of this if you are spectating and don’t wear any shoes that you don’t want to get muddy.
- For families with older kids that don’t need full supervision, it’s easy for parents. You can sit back under a shade tent and relax. If you have younger kids that do need supervision, you will probably end up running around from one thing to another.
- It would help to spot your child if they wear a colourful rashie or swimming hat.
- If you are there for a long time remember to re-apply sunscreen.
- There is plenty of free car parking at Bonython Park, off Port Road (do a U-turn at the traffic lights if you are coming from the city, – the car park entrance is on your left and just down the road a little)
- You can go for a play at the wonderful Bonython Park Adventure Playground too if the kids are not too tired.
This map below shows you the layout of the theme park. There are the public toilets there to use but no showers or change rooms. We left our bags just at one of the tables in a shade tent.
Water Wonderland is a great day out for water fun and is not like anything we already normally have here in Adelaide. The huge pools with so many waterslides and inflatable play areas will keep kids (and adults) cool and happy for a long time. It’s a great idea for some active outdoor fun this Summer.
See our original post about Water Wonderland here
For other water fun options around Adelaide this Summer check out our Water Fun category here.
There’s so much on these holidays for South Australian families to enjoy!
Check out our Summer School Holiday Guide here:
All photos by Play & Go Adelaide
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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