BHP Billiton Water Park, Elizabeth Quay

BHP Billiton Water Park at Elizabeth Quay is one of the CBD’s best spots for kids to cool off, splash and play right in the heart of Perth. The interactive water feature covers around 1000 square metres – more than three times the size of the Water Labyrinth in Forrest Place – and sits just a few steps from Elizabeth Quay Train Station, making it incredibly easy to reach by public transport.

At the centre of the water park is a large circular “island” surrounded by three smaller islands. Beneath the water, the stunning Pinjah mosaic tells a Noongar Dreaming story of the creation of the Milky Way. Designed by artists Sandra Hill and Jenny Dawson, the artwork shows water winding its way through the Playground, with smaller blue circles representing Hyde Park Lake and Lake Monger, the last remaining lakes in the inner Perth area. It’s a beautiful cultural layer that most kids simply experience as a very pretty floor, but adults will appreciate the story behind it.

The fountains run in a mesmerising cycle that keeps kids guessing. The outer islands first fill with shallow puddles, then a gentle mist begins to rise, before jets start to bubble up and gradually build higher and higher. 

Finally the main central island erupts with a ring of vertical jets – perfect for running through, jumping over and squealing under! It’s completely irresistible; if you bring children here, expect them to get absolutely drenched.

Around the water play area there is wide timber decking that doubles as informal seating, with tiered sections where you can spread out a picnic rug or park the pram. When the park first opened there was very little protection from the sun, but it’s now covered by shade sails, making it a far more comfortable spot to linger on warm days. There are still some sunny patches, so hats, sunscreen and plenty of water are a must in summer.

Families are well catered for when it comes to facilities. Toilets are located directly beside the water park, with spacious cubicles and showers that make it easy to rinse sandy feet and get kids changed after a big splash session. Next door is a Changing Places facility with an adult-sized change table, hoist and extra space, designed for people who can’t use a standard accessible toilet, plus outdoor showers along the adjacent wall for a quick rinse-off before and after play.

The water park is free to use and there is no lifeguard on duty, so children must be supervised at all times. Surfaces can be hot or slippery on very warm days, so it’s worth encouraging kids to walk between jets rather than run at full speed. Aqua nappies are required for little ones who are not yet toilet trained, and food and drinks aren’t allowed in the water itself, but you can enjoy snacks and lunch on the surrounding decking and seating. There are drinking fountains nearby – a good reminder for kids that the water from the jets is for playing in, not for drinking.

One of the best things about BHP Billiton Water Park is how easily it fits into a full day out at Elizabeth Quay. Within a short stroll you’ll find the island Playground, the Elizabeth Quay Carousel, public artworks and plenty of cafés, ice-cream spots and riverside eateries, so you can mix water play with a ferry ride, a wander over the Elizabeth Quay Bridge or lunch overlooking the Swan River.

The water feature runs daily within set operating hours that change slightly between the warmer and cooler months. Outside these hours, or during maintenance and bad weather, the jets are switched off, so it’s worth checking before you promise a splash session. Temporary closures and updates are often posted on Elizabeth Quay’s official social media pages.

All up, BHP Billiton Water Park is a brilliant, low-cost day-out option for families. With its cultural storytelling through art, spectacular jets and lights, handy facilities and unbeatable riverside location, it’s no surprise this spot remains a firm favourite with Perth families and visitors alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BHP Billiton Water Park, Elizabeth Quay

Address: Elizabeth Quay, The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000
Opening hours:
Regular season (approx. 13 February – 27 November): 10am – 6pm, closed Tuesdays for maintenance
Summer season (approx. 28 November – 12 February): 9am – 9pm, closed Tuesdays for maintenance
(Opening times and dates can change; check official channels for current details.)
Official website: Elizabeth Quay Water Park – DevelopmentWA

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