The Rockpools Water Playground

Local reviewer, Teena headed out to The Rockpools Water Playground, Broadwater Parklands  to find the facts so you know what to expect when you visit.

Park Location

Facilities

Barbeques, Bicycle track, BMX, Boardwalk, Boat ramp, Disability toilet, Dog off leash, Dog on leash, Drinking Fountain, Electricity, Fenced Playground, No dogs allowed, Picinc Shelter, Picnic tables, Playground, Scooter facility, Senic View point, Showers, Sports Field, Swimming, Toilets, Walking Track, Water Activities, Water tap

Closest Food Outlet or Take Away

There is a cafe located within the parklands, within 40m of the rockpools, called Rockpool Cafe. There is also a huge shopping centre, Australia Fair, located across the Gold Coast Highway, which houses many fast food and takeaway outlets within the food court.

Best Feature for kids under 5 years

The Rockpools water park feature is fantastic for kids under 5 years old, especially with all the water jets and animal statues that the kids can climb on and the water is not that deep. The playground down the southern end of the parklands is also great, featuring a huge jumping pillow and ride on pedal trains.

Best Feature for kids over 5 years

The Rockpools water feature is also a winner for kids over 5 years old. There is also a scooter/bike racing track at the very southern end of the parklands, and a playground at the northern end with a huge climbing apparatus for the older kids. Furthermore, there is a swimming lagoon area on the beach, offering a safe haven for swimming in the ocean.

Parking Available

Yes. There is a huge carpark within the Broadwater parklands which would hold approximately 200 cars. This is located centrally to the rockpools. There is also numerous car parks along the side of the road along the Gold Coast Highway. The parking is not free though, and has a 2hr parking limit. The cost for parking is $1.50 per hour. You are required to pay (coins or card only) at the parking machines and display the ticket on your dashboard. Parking inspectors patrol the area regularly and issue fines to those without a valid ticket.

Other Observations

  • After being revamped recently, all the facilities are new and modern. The BBQ’s have electricity outlets and there are plenty of picnic shelters and tables for families to enjoy. There are lots of drinking fountains and taps throughout the parklands. The amenities blocks are all new and cater for men, women and disabled persons, and there are also showers to rinse off after a swim.
  • There is a jetty that offers spectacular views of the waterway and all the boats and yachts that cruise through.
  • The parklands also feature an information centre, “The Porch” which is a stage where shows can be performed in front of a large open grassy area, an aquatic centre and there is also a Liberty Swing, which ensures disabled children can also have a ride.
  • The rockpool area is strictly a no dog area, however, dogs on leashes are permitted around the rest of the parklands. No smoking is permitted within the rockpool area or within 10 metres of the playgrounds.
  • There is a locker hire facility next to the cafe, so that your valuables can be protected whilst you are out swimming or playing.
  • Walking tracks are a nice little feature around the parklands which lead you between the two playgrounds, bmx/scooter track, rockpools, along the beach front and also through a man made pond where nature noises are played to give you a feeling of serenity.

Notes

  • There is also a lifeguard on duty (during certain hours, depending on the season) within the rockpools, and in the lagoon area.
  • This is a fabulous park which caters for all ages with a wide variety of different activities. However, the rockpools and parklands are very popular, and therefore it can get quite busy and hard to find a park during peak times, such as school holidays and weekends. All in all this park offers a fantastic day out for the whole family with next to nothing cost.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *