Leisure World in Thornlie is a compact but well-equipped community leisure centre that suits families with children of all ages. Located on the border of Gosnells and Thornlie, it combines indoor and outdoor pools, a full gym, group fitness, spa and sauna, crèche and an extensive swim school, making it a solid all-round choice whether you’re coming for a casual splash, lap swimming or regular fitness.
The indoor aquatic area is very family friendly. The main leisure pool has a gentle beach entry, ideal for toddlers and cautious preschoolers who like to wade in slowly. In this shallow zone you’ll find thin jets around the edge, a rectangle of underwater bubblers and an umbrella-style spray feature. Little ones love crawling and splashing through the moving water, and it’s shallow enough (around 30cm) that adults can sit down in the water while children play close by.
Further into the pool there’s a raised podium with a sprinkler jet in the middle – a popular spot for kids to climb on, dance around in the spray and experiment with blocking the water to make the fountain surge. Here the depth increases to roughly 50–70cm.
As you move through the indoor leisure pool, the depth gradually increases to around 90cm or a little more. Around the edges are extra sprayers and a small waterfall, and there is a tall pole with tipping buckets designed to give kids that exciting “dumping” splash when in operation. This slightly deeper section is frequently used by instructors for children’s swimming lessons and practice, and is a good depth for early swimmers to work on confidence, floating and kicking with a board, while still being able to stand if needed.
Separated from the leisure pool by a small bridge is the main indoor 25m heated lap pool. This is used heavily for lap swimming, squad training, aqua classes and lessons. There are usually clearly marked slow and fast lanes, and it’s also popular with older adults for gentle walking laps. Bleacher seating lines one side, providing plenty of space to sit and watch lessons or lap swimmers. Alongside all of this, Leisure World also offers a wellness area including spa, sauna and steam room, making it appealing if you want some relaxation time after your workout or swim.
Beside the indoor pools is a medium-sized waterslide that runs straight before curving and dropping riders into the pool. Operation can vary by season and session times, so it’s worth checking with the centre if your kids have their hearts set on sliding, but when it’s running it adds an extra dose of fun, especially for school‑aged children.
One of the highlights for families in warmer months is the outdoor pool area. This pool also has a beach entry for small children and gradually deepens to around 1m, making it a comfortable depth for play rather than serious lap swimming.
Shade sails cover much of the space, and there are additional spray features in the pool itself. Lawn surrounds, with picnic tables on either side of the pool, make this an inviting area to bring a picnic or snacks and settle in for longer visits. It’s an easy spot to spend a summer morning or afternoon with friends while the kids burn off energy in the water.
Beyond aquatics, Leisure World is a full health and fitness club. The gym is equipped for cardio and strength training, and there is a busy timetable of group fitness classes, from high‑energy options through to more gentle workouts. Personal training and structured training programs are available if you’re looking for extra guidance. The adjoining crèche is run by qualified child carers in an indoor–outdoor play environment, allowing parents and carers to work out or swim while children are safely supervised and entertained.
The swim school is a major feature of Leisure World. It caters for all ages and abilities – from toddlers through to adults – and runs both term programs and intensive holiday swim programs in January and July. For families juggling busy schedules, having lessons, lap swimming, aqua classes and gym all within one centre makes it easier to keep everyone active. The centre can also host birthday parties and private functions, especially around the pools, so it’s worth enquiring if you’re looking for a water‑based party venue.
On the practical side, there is shared parking with Thornlie Library and the location is a short walk from Thornlie Square Shopping Centre, which makes combining a swim with errands straightforward. Inside, you’ll find lockers available for valuables, and there are usually vending machines and basic seating for quick snacks if you haven’t brought your own food. Opening hours are broad across the week, running early in the mornings through to evenings most weekdays and solid hours on weekends, so you can generally find a time that suits before or after school or work.
Overall, Leisure World Thornlie offers a good balance of fun and function. The combination of shallow beach entry zones, water play features, indoor and outdoor heated pools, structured swim programs, gym and wellness facilities, plus an on‑site crèche, makes it an easy, family‑friendly choice for both casual visits and regular membership. If you live in or near Gosnells or Thornlie and want a centre where the kids can play while you keep up your own fitness, Leisure World is worth a visit.
Leisure World, Thornlie
Address: Corner Thornlie Avenue and Culross Avenue, Thornlie, WA 6108
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 5.30am – 8.00pm
Saturday: 7.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am – 6.00pm
(Seasonal and public holiday hours may vary – check the website for updates.)
Official website: Leisure World – City of Gosnells
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Holly Clark is mum of one, a self-confessed coffee addict and a baker of sweet treats. She studied Professional Writing and Editing, is a published author, and currently works in customer service when she’s not wrangling kids.
