The 8 most exciting swimming pools on the Gold Coast for family fun
Swimming pools serve as more than just a way to cool yourself off or burn some calories with a few laps back and forth. They’re really a great avenue for people to bond: couples, families with children, friend groups, and even corporate teams.
Ever since we were all kids, we already knew that splashing each other with a handful of water or riding down a waterslide together is an unbeatable way to bond.
No matter our age, we can always return to that one little slice of youth. And as it turns out, swimming pools come in more than one style. We’ll be taking a look at all the different types of swimming pools around the Gold Coast.
Overview of Gold Coast swimming spots
Fittingly enough for its name, the Gold Coast offers a ton of different options for swimming and water-based activities.
Whether you like artificial pools and waterslides or you’re a nature lover who goes for natural bodies of water, there’s something for you in the city.
Are you going solo, or with your partner, or with your whole family and kids? No problem there either. Need a place to relax in the water, or a swimming pool with lanes for serious training? Check and check.
Take a look at your choices with our detailed list.
Public aquatic centres and pools
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Media credit: nick.roberts
Address: Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
Contact details: +61755828282
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm (Up to 4:00 pm from June to Aug)
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (8:00 am – 3:00 pm from June to Aug)
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, located in Southport, is centred around multiple swimming pools, but offers lots of other amenities as well.
The venue has 3 main swimming pools (two 50-metre pools for training and competition, and one 25-metre pool used for various programs). There’s also a heated indoor pool for the colder months, plus an outdoor dive pool for refining your diving technique.
If you’re a beginner in the water, don’t feel intimidated. The Centre also hosts learn-to-swim classes for anyone from 6 months old to adults. Instructors are qualified by national organisations, so you and your little ones will be in good hands.
Other amenities include a kid-friendly splash area, changing rooms, toilets, and lifeguard support; these make the Aquatic Centre a great choice for family trips with children. It’s equally good for competitive swimmers looking to train seriously.
Apart from the pools, there’s also an indoor fitness centre with medicine balls, weights, and other strength-training equipment. As such, any fitness fanatic (I’m guilty) will appreciate the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre as well.
Palm Beach Aquatic Centre
Address: Thrower Dr, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Contact details: +61755828200
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm (Up to 4:00 pm from June to Aug)
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (8:00 am – 3:00 pm from June to Aug)
The Palm Beach Aquatic Centre features a 50-metre pool as well as a 25-metre pool, both outdoors in case you like to feel the sun on your back as you swim. For those learning to swim, or who like their water warm, there’s also an indoor heated pool.
This Aquatic Centre also comes with a lifeguard on duty, changing rooms and storage lockers, and a cafe for refreshments. There’s also a fitness centre available, and even better, the centre staff can look after your kids for you while you work out (up to 2 hours).
The venue is also designed for maximum inclusivity and accessibility, with underground and accessible parking, automatic doors, specialised toilets, ramps, and more. Hence, the Palm
Beach Aquatic Centre is a fantastic option for families, casual swimmers, fitness enthusiasts, and people of mobility levels.
Lots of membership options are available for the pools, fitness centre, and other features. Note that the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre only accepts cashless payments, so prepare your debit or credit card.
Family-friendly and free swimming spots
Broadwater Parklands Rockpools
Media credit: poppy.penguin
Address: Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
Contact details: +61755811615
Operating hours:
- January and February: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- March: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- April: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Tuesdays open at 11:00 am and Anzac Day open at 12:00 pm)
- May to August: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (Tuesdays open at 11:00 am)
- September and October: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tuesdays open at 11:00 am)
- November: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Tuesdays open at 11:00 am)
- December: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Christmas Day opens at 12:00 pm)
The Rockpools, which is one of many attractions in the Broadwater Parklands in Southport, is more like a marine-themed playground than just a simple swimming centre.
The central feature of the Rockpools is the sculptural water playground. This area is dotted with cool-water fountains, which are not only refreshing but also a source of amusement for children (and childlike adults).
To round out the marine theme, there’s also a creek bed and some tidal pools to explore and wade around in.
The playful features and theme make the Rockpools an ideal choice for families with toddlers and young children, or anyone who wants some interesting visuals while they take a swim.
The Broadwater Parklands as a whole include many accessible amenities, such as specialised parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible barbecue areas, and appropriate toilet facilities.
More than five kilometres of footpaths wind through the whole region, making it a great venue to get some exercise in as well.
Home of the Arts (HOTA) Swimming Lagoon
Media credit: https://hota.com.au/visit-and-explore/explore-and-play/evandale-lake
Website: https://hota.com.au/visit-and-explore/explore-and-play/evandale-lake
Address: Ouyan St, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Contact details: (07) 5588 4000
Operating hours: 24/7 (HOTA Parklands)
Home of the Arts is a cultural centre in the Gold Coast that hosts workshops, entertainment performances, cinema experiences, exhibitions, and other similar attractions.
Located behind the centre is the HOTA Parklands, one area of which is the swimming lagoon called Evandale Lake.
The lake provides a wide-open swimming environment surrounded by trees that provide natural shade as well as some visually pleasing scenery. The skyline of Surfers Paradise in the background completes the picture of a man-made yet beautiful beach.
There are toilets and shower areas nearby, plus picnic and barbecue facilities with seating available for anyone to use. A kids’ playground is also present, along with free workout equipment stations dotted around the area.
All in all, it’s a lovely spot for art and nature lovers (thanks to the HOTA centre nearby) as well as families or couples looking for a relaxed swimming environment.
Water parks and adventure splash zones
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast
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Website: https://wetnwild.com.au/
Address: Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210
Contact details: 133386
Operating hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Every day)
Located in Oxenford just off Entertainment Road, Wet’n’Wild has a whole store of varied attractions for your family day.
Pretty much every type of pool and water-based activity we could think of has some version present at Wet’n’Wild.
There are huge winding waterslides, two-person inner tube rides, a giant wave pool, whirlpool springs, kiddie playgrounds in the water, and much more (this list isn’t even half of what’s available!).
Once you’ve gone on several rides and built up a nice hunger, you can fill your belly at the many food stands around the park. There’s a burger bar, frozen drinks stand, and even a DIY soft serve booth where you get served your ice cream in literal buckets (still barely enough for me, though).
Tons of attractions and a super-playful atmosphere combine to make this water park a top choice for thrill-seekers, families, or any groups that include children (or adults who want to act like children for a day).
Corporate events and birthday parties would also be a blast here.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone
Media credit: currumbinsanctuary
Website: https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/visit/see-and-do/attractions/wild-island-adventure-splash-zone/
Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Contact details: 0755341266
Operating hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Every day)
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been around for more than 75 years, providing both entertainment and education for all visitors who love nature and animals. One of the sanctuary’s attractions is the Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone.
In the Splash Zone, young kids can enjoy water jets, streams, and waterfalls that they can run through to their heart’s content (this also gives parents a chance to relax for a while).
Sand, rocks, trees, and other natural elements are also present to complete the picture. There are even interactive sculptures of native animals.
It’s not exactly a full swimming pool where you can submerge completely or swim laps, but it’s still sure to be a blast for children or adults who want to cool off and get some endorphins.
While all sanctuary visitors are welcome at the Splash Zone, there are some rules to keep in mind. Children of any age are welcome, though those under 12 must be supervised at all times.
Everyone needs to wear proper bathing or swimming attire. Finally, be aware that there’s normally no lifeguard on duty.
Gold Coast natural swimming enclosures and lagoons
For swimmers who love being around natural bodies of water, or enjoy water sports like kayaking, these are your best bets.
Tallebudgera Creek
Media credit: gctouristparks
Website: https://goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/parks/tallebudgera-creek
Address: 1544 Gold Coast Hwy,Palm Beach, QLD 4221
Contact details: 1300672700
Operating hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (Every day)
The picturesque Tallebudgera Creek is a family-friendly destination that includes accommodations, swimming pools, sports courts, beachside parking, and other features.
Amenities for both adults and children are available: a tennis area, boat ramp in case you’d like to ride out on the water, camp kitchens, playgrounds, and waterfront areas where kids can run around on the sand.
You’ll have plenty of choices for accommodations, too: multi-bedroom deluxe and waterfront cabins, with showers, cooking areas, and air conditioning available.
The park gives you access to calm waters, scenic surroundings, and an overall relaxed atmosphere. In other words, it’s the perfect choice for families looking to relax and spend time together. But with enough space for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, even adrenaline junkies will find their place here.
You’ll need to make reservations before you can enjoy all of these, but booking is as simple as filling in a quick online form on the website.
Jabiru Island Park
Media credit: familyadventuresqld
Website: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Parks-gardens-reserves/Park-Finder/Jabiru-Island-Park
Address: Oxley Dr, Paradise Point QLD 4216
Contact details: 1300465326
Jabiru Island Park is a large attraction area sporting picnic tables, walkways, toilets built for accessibility, and large beautiful trees that provide a great view as well as some natural shade.
The playground is shaded so that your young ones can burn off some energy in comfort, while you and your spouse or partner whip up some food for everyone on the BBQ facilities. A swimming enclosure, boat ramp, and even a fishing platform are available as well.
When you’re done swimming and eating, you can take a short walk to reach the Phil Hill Environmental Park, or just explore the nearby mangroves.
Jabiru Island Park is a good pick for day trips with your family or special someone, for picnics, walks, and a bit of swimming as well. If you want a full day of adventuring, exploring, and relaxing with some swimming on the side, this venue fits the bill as well.
| Gold Coast Aquatic Centre | Palm Beach Aquatic Centre | Broadwater Parklands Rockpools | HOTA Swimming Lagoon | Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone | Tallebudgera Creek | Jabiru Island Park | |
| Best for | Beginners, competitive swimmers, children | Adults with children, fitness enthusiasts | Families with young children, artistic folks | Arts and culture lovers, families | Families with young children, thrill-seekers, events and parties | Families with children, artistic folks, nature lovers | Large families, couples | Couples, families of any size |
| Amenities | Heated pools, swim classes, fitness centre | Heated pool, cafe, fitness centre, childcare | Water playground, accessible toilets and food areas | Toilets, showers, picnic areas, outdoor workout equipment | Water attractions, food and drinks, ice cream | Wildlife area, splash zone | Pools, tennis courts, cooking areas, cabins | Picnic areas, accessible toilets, BBQ facilities |
| Admission fee | From $5.70 | From $5.70 | Call for pricing | Call for pricing | From $109 | From $50 | Call for pricing | Call for pricing |