Ask anybody in Australia what they know about the Gold Coast and chances are they will mention theme parks somewhere in their response. While the Gold Coast does have a lot more to offer, I think you would be hard pressed telling that to anyone under 16.
All of the Gold Coast theme parks offer something unique and I’m pretty sure you can guess what White Water World has to offer – water and lots of it. As much as White Water World is aimed at the kids, I must confess that I loved the rides just as much. The only real difference was my lack of tolerance for queues and my lack of stair climbing fitness.
There is a full range of rides that cater for all ages, including two distinct zones designed specifically for smaller children. There is a knee deep pool with water slides tame enough for the toddlers and an area that is essentially a very large play gym with water everywhere, including a very large bucket that fills every few minutes and dumps a huge wave of water on those below.
Those between toddler and ten are also well looked after. The Little Rippers, The Bro and The Temple of Huey are areas with a number of rides that will keep them occupied for hours, though inevitably they will be moaning about not having access to the rides we ALL want to explore.
There are a few real thrill rides in White Water World and, despite the wait, I really enjoyed them. The Green Room, The Hydrocoaster and The Wedgie (yes, that is what they called it!) are all teen sized fun. Unfortunately you will only get a few rides of each on a hot day because it really does get that busy.
In between the queues and the rides there is no better place to hang out than in the wave pool. While nowhere near as exciting as the thrill rides, it is a great way to relax and the little children especially love the waves.
If I could offer one piece of advice to those families visiting the Gold Coast, it applies even more to the theme parks. Travel to the Gold Coast outside the school holiday periods. I know there is nothing as beautiful as the Gold Coast in summer, and the same applies for White Water World but the accommodation is half the price, the theme parks have crazy price offers and there are very limited queues. One other distinct advantage with White Water World is that Dreamworld is right next door – literally. In off peak periods you can get some great deals that give you access to both parks for less than the normal admission for one. If you must travel here in the school holidays I recommend you get to the park early and have a BIG breakfast. Food is not cheap and you cannot take commercially prepared food into White Water World. Indeed most Gold Coast theme parks do not allow you to take any type of food into their premises.
All in all this is a great day out for all involved. I warn all of you unfit parents that this place will test you. Walking up the stairs for my second ride is when I realised my legs were not what they used to be and it only got worse from there. It wasn’t really a problem for me during the day, but I was asleep about an hour after getting home.
Check out the White Water World Website Here
Click here for a Google Map
