The Broadwater Parklands
The Broadwater Parklands stretch across three kilometres of the Broadwater in Southport and is a much-loved community space. Packed with things to do, places to relax and opportunities to catch up with friends and family, the Broadwater Parklands are popular any day of the week.
The Rockpools
Undoubtably the most popular part of the Broadwater Parklands is The Rockpools water playground. The only one of its kind on the Gold Coast, The Rockpools is a man-made splash park with free entry. Kids can explore the shallow water with spouting water animals, waterfalls, tidal pools and fountains. Just like natural rockpools, these creek beds imitate tidal pools and fill and empty throughout the day.
The Playgrounds
There are three playgrounds across the Parklands – the Northern Park, The Adventure Park and Washington Waters. The Northern Park is the newest playground, and a multi-million dollar investment on the Gold Coast that is drawing the crowds! Everything about this playground epitomises a family day out on the Gold Coast. Gorgeous views over the Broadwater, a calm swimming spot for the kids, shady picnic spots and an EPIC playground that has some of the most amazing pieces that I haven’t seen before at any of our parks. The variety of equipment is huge, with what seems like everything that could possibly be in a playground included. While nothing is the biggest or the best, it delivers a fabulous interactive experience that caters to all ages and you could easily spend a day hanging out here. The all-abilities inclusions are so fantastic to see too – things like the roll up sand table, in floor bells for wheelchairs to roll over and musical elements at a lower level mean this playground really is for everyone. Read my full review on this playground here.
Washington Waters is located adjacent to Australia Fair at the southern most point of the Parklands. Here kids can play on the Flying Fox or ride the tandem pedal bikes around the monorail track. There is also a jumping pillow and other playground pieces suited to kids of all ages. Little cyclists will also love the mini traffic track featuring obstacles, signs and bridges. The Adventure Park is located beside the Rockpools and caters for younger children with its make-believe pirate ship and interactive learn and play equipment.
Free activities
Each weekend, the City of Gold Coast Council run free activities for families to enjoy at the Broadwater Parklands. These include train rides, a pop up playgroup, circus school and inflatable maze! Visit the City of Gold Coast Events Calendar to find out when each free activity is on next.
Need to know:
Cost: All facilities within the Broadwater Parklands are free to use. Each summer, Gold Coast Aqua Park sets up in the water near Washington Waters Playground and a cost is associated with this.
Opening hours: The park itself does not close, however access to the Rockpools and the Bouncy Pillow is restricted at times.
Rockpools opening hours:
- February: 8am to 6pm
- March: 9am to 5pm
- April: 9am to 4pm (Tuesdays open at 11am and Anzac Day open at 12pm)
- May: 9am to 3pm (Tuesdays open at 11am)
- June: 9am to 3pm (Tuesdays open at 11am)
Parking: there are large Council operated carparks all along the Broadwater Parklands. These are metered so be sure to pay for your spot!
Facilities: There are toilets located throughout the Parklands, and the entire space is accessible to wheelchairs and prams. Cafés are located near the Rockpools and the Aquatic Centre, otherwise picnic facilities including BBQs are available.
