Holding a place of honor among the capital's top summer attractions, Big Splash Waterpark is the only and largest water park in a city like Canberra. Located in the Macquarie district, this complex is considered the perfect gathering spot for families seeking cool relief and fun during the hot days for which Australia is famous.
Big Splash Waterpark. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI
Traveler photos:
Originally opened in 1969 as a municipal swimming pool, the facility has evolved over time into a modern water attraction center. Today, it combines a variety of slides, pools, and interactive zones designed specifically for visitors of all ages.
Big Splash Waterpark is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and diverse range of activities. It is a place where lap swimming harmoniously blends with extreme slides and safe play areas for the youngest guests.
Contacts
To plan your trip to Big Splash Waterpark, it is worth checking its location and contact details in advance. The complex is situated in an accessible part of the city and is well-known to local taxi services.
How to contact
Contact
Address
1 Catchpole St, Macquarie ACT 2614, Australia
What to Do
The main magnet for visitors is the 11 water slides. Adrenaline seekers should definitely head up to the observation platform to experience the extreme Kamikaze Slide or compete on the Hurricane Twins double slides. For those vacationing with the whole family, the wide and fun Family Slide is a perfect choice.
For young children, the park features a dedicated Splash Island zone—a complete water town with three slides and interactive elements. In addition to the slides, you can practice your strokes in the 50-meter pool or test your agility on the inflatable obstacle courses that are regularly set up for guests' entertainment.
Getting There
Getting to Big Splash Waterpark, located at 1 Catchpole Street in Macquarie, is quite easy. If you are traveling by car from the city center, the journey will take about 15–20 minutes. Parking is available for visitors on the park grounds.
For those who prefer public transport, city buses run regularly to the Macquarie area. The nearest stops are within walking distance of the park entrance. You can also use taxis or popular rideshare services by entering the water park's name into the app.
Nearest city: Canberra
History & Facts
The history of this entertainment center began in 1969, when it opened as the Macquarie Swimming Pool. Locals affectionately called it "Jammo Pool." The transformation from a standard pool into a full-scale water park began in the early 1980s with the installation of the first slides.
In the 1990s, the facility became the private property of the Watkins family, who undertook its active development and modernization. A significant event in the park's history was 2012, when the famous Speedcoaster and Twister attractions were installed; these had previously operated at Australia's well-known Wet’n’Wild park on the Gold Coast.
In recent years, Big Splash Waterpark has continued to evolve. The infrastructure is constantly being improved, with older structures being replaced by modern play areas for children to maintain its status as the best spot for summer recreation in the capital.
Time Needed
Visitors typically spend between 3 and 6 hours for a full day of fun at Big Splash Waterpark. This is usually enough time to try all 11 slides multiple times, swim in the pools, and take a lunch break in the rest area.
If you plan to visit on a hot weekend when the park may be busy, it is worth setting aside a full day. This will allow you to enjoy all the attractions and the lively atmosphere of the complex without any rush.
Working Hours
The park operates exclusively on a seasonal basis, welcoming guests from November to March. This period marks the summer season in Australia, which is most suitable for water activities. The complex is closed to visitors during the winter months.
Operating hours may change depending on the day of the week and weather conditions. To avoid disappointment, we recommend checking the current schedule on the official website or calling the park before your visit.
Nearby
A visit to the water park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the city. Discovering the Macquarie area and its surrounding districts will significantly enrich your experience of the capital.
Nearby, you'll find both natural recreation areas and unique cultural sites that will appeal to both adults and children.
