Right in the heart of town, Exmouth Waterpark is a brilliant spot for kids to cool off after a day exploring Ningaloo or the Cape Range. Tucked along Maidstone Crescent, opposite the main shopping strip and next to the town swimming pool, it’s an easy walk from many holiday houses, cafes and the supermarket. Being free to use and centrally located, it quickly becomes a daily stop for families staying in Exmouth.
The waterpark is a fully fenced, zero‑depth splash pad, so there are no pools to worry about and it’s ideal for toddlers through to tweens. A permanent, cyclone‑rated curved shade structure covers the entire 450m² play space, keeping the surface cooler underfoot and providing plenty of protection from the harsh North West sun. Around the edge you’ll find benches and seating, with sightlines across the whole area so carers can relax while still keeping a close eye on little ones.
The theming is what makes Exmouth Waterpark really special. Designed to celebrate the North West Cape’s World Heritage‑listed coastal and marine environment, the splash pad is filled with larger‑than‑life sea creatures and rock formations that double as play equipment. A life‑size humpback whale tail rises up as the centrepiece, with water spilling from its flukes in a curtain of spray. At the opposite end, a huge humpback whale head appears to emerge from the “ocean” – kids love climbing on board and getting soaked by the vertical jets hidden in its surface.
Scattered around the splash pad are three leaping dolphins, two loggerhead turtles and a giant green tree frog, each fitted with water spouts that spray and bubble in different directions.
The brightly coloured rubber soft‑fall flooring has the outline of the whale’s body and other marine shapes worked into it, which adds to the sense of playing in an underwater world. Kids will happily dart between creatures, inventing games, racing through the spray, and working out which jets will come to life next.
One of the most popular features is the man‑made cave, carved to resemble Exmouth’s rugged Cape Range. Built from about 140 tonnes of concrete and rockwork, it includes non‑slip steps, cascading water and sensor-mist sprays that kick in as you move through the space. Fossilised plants and animals are moulded into its walls, giving kids something to spot and touch while they play. It’s a lovely, cool hideout on extra‑hot days and adds a little sense of adventure to the experience.
Adding to the fun factor, the rubber surface is dotted with 76 randomly sequenced ground sprays, so you never quite know where the next jet of water will pop up. Children quickly work out the activation button that starts the cycle, and then spend ages shrieking and laughing as they try to predict which spout will go next. The unpredictability keeps even older kids engaged, and makes it easy to while away an hour or more.
Exmouth Waterpark really comes into its own as a full outing when you make use of the facilities surrounding it. Behind the splash pad is a large grassy area with picnic tables, shaded seating, toilets and BBQs – perfect for a casual sausage sizzle or picnic lunch. There’s convenient parking nearby, and with the main street directly across the road you can grab a takeaway coffee, ice cream or bakery treat before or after your visit. Because it’s part of the Shire’s recreation precinct, you’re also right by the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool if older kids or keen swimmers want a few laps as well.
Whether you drop in for a quick cool‑down between reef tours, or plan a relaxed morning under the shade sails with a picnic, Exmouth Waterpark is a must‑do for families visiting the region.
Exmouth Waterpark
Address: 46 Maidstone Crescent (corner Payne Street), Exmouth WA 6707
Opening hours:
Spray park generally open daily. As at the latest update, Shire of Exmouth advises:
- Summer (approx. Oct–Apr): Spray Park open daily 8:00am–6:00pm
- Winter (approx. May–Oct): Spray Park open daily 9:00am–5:00pm
Opening times are subject to change for maintenance and seasonal adjustments – check the Shire website before visiting.
Official website: Shire of Exmouth – Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool & Spray Park
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
