Big Kid Antics at the Cairns Wake Park - Cairns Aqua Park

Explore FNQCairns

Mar 2

When you’re in the Tropics one thing you learn pretty fast is - “the Wetter the Better” - and on all accounts the Cairns Aqua Park ticks all the boxes in this case.

The biggest quandary will be deciding on what ‘move’ you will pull to immerse yourself into the surrounding water. You CAN attempt to stay dry BUT it really is a hopeless cause. Bounce, glide, jump, fall OR splat - you’ll find yourself doing all of these at this Cairns Water Park…..

**It’s not that easy to get all the way up here….**

On first appearances the Aqua Park at Cairns Wake Park looks like something straight out of a TV show (Wipeout/Splatalot). You almost take a second glance to see if there’s not someone waiting in the wings ready to ‘blast’ you off the gigantic inflatable obstacles.

The good news is that there is no-one trying to ‘goo’ you or shoot at you with a water cannon. The bad news is that you will probably fall off entirely by your own means. Thankfully, kids, and big kids at heart, will only see this as a good thing.

**You’ll spot the Aqua Park over on the LHS when you arrive at the Cairns Wake Park**

The inflatable Aqua Park sits over to one corner of the Cable Ski Park and access to it is via a sandy shore. Once you’re decked up with a flotation vest you can then clamber up using the footholds (good luck!) to get to the top of the playground.

Believe me….this is not as easy as it looks

Of course I had to check it out too….can’t let the kids have all the FUN!!

I know, I know – you’re probably going to ask why do parents need to get involved? Trust me, you don’t want the kids to have all the fun!! And besides if your child is young they may need your assistance initially (which will give you just the excuse you need).

Yes, they do have friendly staff that will help the kids out when necessary But it really is worth clambering up onto the larger inflatables and checking out the views from up there.

**If you look really hard at the mountains behind you can spot the SkyRail Gondolas**

And the view is seriously good when sitting up high on any one of these big floaty bouncy thingamajigs. The Cairns Wake Park is nestled up against the base of the Macalister range and if you look very carefully you can make out the Skyrail Gondolas making their way over the top of nearby World Heritage Rainforest.

Cairns Aqua-Park wipeout @adventuremumma.jpg

But lets face it, your not really here for the views. Once up the top you’ll have to make the 'tough' decision on how you’re going to get down again. Often it’s a very fast decision too – especially when a hoard of kids start climbing up towards you, making sitting on a huge inflatable floaty object a very tricky proposition. Slide or jump – either way you will be plunged into the water below (often ungracefully).

That tube thingyamajig is NOT as easy as it looks

SEE!!! Told you….another kid claimed by the rolling tube….

The Aqua Park never gets too busy because they cap the numbers

To complete the whole course you’ll need to be some sort of Ninja Superstar. The trickiest part seems to be the inflatable tube next to the trampoline, which appears to act like something out of a log rolling competition.

**Sliding is even more fun in the rain**

I did see some kids get across the rolling tube (of death), which makes me think that completing the whole playground without touching the water is a possibility.……AND if anybody does do it PLEASE let me know!!!

**Whichever way you tackle it you’re guaranteed lotsa fun…..**

Whether you take up that challenge is another thing though. Personally I was quite happy to collapse/fall into the water in parts - at least you got a rest!

SO the question is - Do you like bouncing around on BIG Inflatable moving objects? AND Do you LIKE getting super wet? If this sounds like you (or your kids) then a visit to this Cairns Water Park is a must!!! If nothing else it will definitely wear the kids out and allow you to justify putting your feet up for the rest of the day…….

Good Things to Know:

Sessions go for 50 minutes BUT you’ll find the best value for money is buying 2 x 50 min sessions.
There is a maximum number of 25 people/session SO Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Participants must be 6 years or older BUT there is no age limit upwards.
There is a smaller Aqua Park for use for 6–12 year olds use only – adults must be surpervising nearby if your child is on this equipment.

Participants must be good swimmers. Flotation vests are included in the cost and MUST be worn.
If you want to join your child on the Aqua Park you’ll need to pay for a ticket as well.
If you are just a spectator then there is no entry fee. It’s wise to BYO chair and an umbrella for shade though as there are only a few set up along the shore AND they get taken very quickly.
The Aqua Park runs everyday over the School Holidays and then changes to weekends only when school’s back.

There is coffee and refreshments available BUT you are welcome to bring your own supplies (no glass bottles or alcohol) and there is also a BBQ available for use (FOC).
If you want to get some GoPro footage make sure your camera has a float attached – apparently there is a stash of GoPros sitting at the bottom of the lake – don’t let yours be one of them!
The entrance to the Cairns Wake Park is through the Skyrail carpark.

NOTE: When it’s WET it really is WET at the Wake Park – even the main facility with the shop gets slightly flooded. On rainy days don’t wear good shoes and be prepared to do a bit of wading – saying that the Aqua Park is extra fun because of the added slipperiness.

**Mini Aqua Park for the younger kids (age 6-12)**

Finally, some people asked me what the water quality was like at the Cairns Wake Park – Here is the official answer:

“The lake is a natural environment filled by rainwater and run off from the hills along with a couple of small underground springs. It’s regularly ‘aerated’ by the wakeboarders and kneeboarders and gets “flushed” out regularly thanks to big tropical rains. The Park can also draw on water if there is a need during the dry season. Also, the water quality gets monitored and tested regularly.”

Be prepared to do a bit of paddling if its been raining hard

Have you visited a Water Park before? Are there any other TIPS I should include? AND Are you keen to visit the Cairns Aqua Park soon??

We received a complimentary visit BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are my own.If you would like to BOOK this family friendly Cairns Activity Click HERE - Cairns Aqua Park.

Want to read about other Activities for Kids on offer at the Cairns Wake Park (ie. the Kids Club Cable Ski days) Click HERE – Kids Club at Cairns a Water Park.