Are you looking for ways to keep your family cool this Summer? Where can you find water play fun in and around the Blue Mountains that is free or low cost? We have scoped out the best places in and around the Blue Mountains to take your family this Summer for water fun.
Water Play Fun in the Blue Mountains Region
Swimming, splashing and water play can be dangerous. CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES AROUND WATER, even if it is shallow. Please CLICK HERE to read about our SAFETY INFORMATION and disclaimer. It is important information that you need to know, so please read it all carefully.
Please remember that swimming in natural locations should be avoided during and for up to three days following heavy rain. Water shoes are also recommended, especially in natural swimming areas.
Use the quick links below to take you to your preferred park or playground or scroll through them all at your leisure to discover all of these fabulous spots with water in and around the Blue Mountains.
- Waterfall Loop Track South Lawson
- Yarramundi Reserve
- Pool of Siloam Leura
- Jellybean Pool Glenbrook
- Horseshoe and Glowworm Nook Falls Hazelbrook
- Blue Mountains Leisure Centres – Glenbrook, Springwood, Lawson, Katoomba and Blackheath Swim Centres
- Lithgow Adventure Park
- Dawson-Damer Park Oran Park
- Plough and Harrow Eastern Creek, Western Sydney Parklands
- Livvi’s Place Jordan Springs
- Putney Park
- Livvi’s Place Kellyville
- Linear Park Mulgoa Rise
- James Ruse Reserve Parramatta
- Francis Park Blacktown
- Cabarita Beach
- Lizard Log Abbotsbury, Western Sydney Parklands
- Governor Phillip Park Windsor
- Cables Aqua Park Penrith
- Phoenix Reserve Erskine Park
- Lake Parramatta Reserve Parramatta
- Bungarribee Park, Western Sydney Parklands
- Curry Reserve, Camden
- Nurragingy Reserve Doonside
- Greenwich Baths, Greenwich
- Raging Waters Sydney
- Glenbrook Park
- Deerbrush Park, Prairiewood
- Dantes Glen Walking Track, Lawson
- Wentworth Falls Lake – Beach
- Livvi’s Place Warragamba
- Tench Reserve Penrith
- Penrith Beach – OPENING LATE DECEMBER 2023
PLEASE NOTE that water playgrounds require regular maintenance and may, at times, be closed. Even though we do our best to keep this article updated, it is best to contact the relevant council if you would like to confirm whether a playground is open or not.
1. Waterfall Loop Track South Lawson
On a warm day, this walk provides waterfalls to cool off under, puddles to splash in and a shaded canopy of trees to keep you cool. Children – and dogs – will enjoy splashing in the cool water along the track (if there has been recent rain).
Find out more.
Location: The start of the track is opposite Livingstone Street, South Lawson. Lawson train station is about 1km away.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 17 minutes
2. Yarramundi Reserve
Yarramundi Reserve is a nature reserve located where the Grose and Hawkesbury-Nepean Rivers meet and is an idyllic spot for families to enjoy water play in the Blue Mountains National Park. Children (and dogs!) enjoy keeping cool at this spot and many people bring fun things to do in the water, including canoes, inflatable rafts and boogie boards.
Find out more.
Location: LOT 7301 Springwood Rd, Yarramundi, NSW 2753
Access is off Springwood Road, Yarramundi, with the main entrance and car park on the northern side of Springwood Road.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 25 minutes
3. Pool of Siloam Leura
The Pool of Siloam in Leura is a gorgeous spot to take your family. There is a lovely waterfall, surrounded by a moss and fern-filled gully, with majestic sandstone cliffs. The shallow, sandy pool is the ultimate outdoor playground for children to play, explore, splash, skim stones across the water, step across the sandstone steps and truly enjoy exploring nature in a fairy tale setting. Find out more.
Location: Pool of Siloam entrance is off Gordon Falls Reserve 16 – 26 Lone Pine Ave, Leura NSW 2780
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 30 minutes
4. Jelly Bean Pool Glenbrook
Jellybean Pool is a popular splash spot for families in the warmer months. It is a pool of water surrounded by sandy beaches, shady rock platforms and impressive sandstone boulders.
Find out more.
Location: The entrance to Jellybean Pool is off Bruce Rd, Glenbrook NSW 2773, in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 25 minutes
5. Horseshoe and Glow Worm Nook Falls Hazelbrook
To arrive at Horseshoe and Glowworm Nook Falls you will need to complete a short, picturesque bush walk that leads you and your family to gorgeous waterfalls amidst a Blue Mountains wonderland. The waterfalls are most spectacular after rain but you will need good waterproof shoes for the muddy walk.
Find out more.
Location: Oaklands Rd, Hazelbrook NSW
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 15 minutes
6. Blue Mountains Leisure Centres
Glenbrook, Springwood, Lawson, Katoomba and Blackheath Swim Centres
Location: Glenbrook, Springwood, Lawson, Katoomba and Blackheath Swim Centres.
Find out more: Glenbrook Swim Centre
Blue Mountains Leisure Centres are the perfect option for families on a hot Summer’s day. They are all well maintained and each centre offers slightly different facilities. There are a variety of outdoor, indoor and partially enclosed swimming pool options.
Perhaps a favourite feature for many children would be Springwood Swim Centre’s heated indoor leisure pool with children’s beach area, huge waterslide and turbo pool! The waterslide is open on weekends and school holidays from 11am – 1pm. Why not visit each Blue Mountains Swim Centre this Summer and let us know your family’s favourite.
Water Play Fun For Kids Not Too Far From The Blue Mountains
If you are happy to take the family for a drive this Summer, there are so many places we recommend for fantastic water play fun just out of the Blue Mountains. Many splash parks and water play areas are located throughout Western Sydney.
7. Lithgow Adventure Park – Water Play
Lithgow Adventure Playground opened in early 2019. The playground’s centrepiece is a custom-made 6 metre high two-level climbing tower in the style of a mining poppet head. A double mouse wheel, flying fox, climbing walls, water play features and much more will ensure there is plenty to do for children of all ages.
Find out more.
Location: 1137 Great Western Highway Lithgow in the Big Miners Lamp.
Open: 9am – 5pm (except Christmas Day)
8. Dawson-Damer Park, Oran Park – Splash Park
Dawson-Damer Park is Sydney’s largest water play space. It has a number of water and non-water activities, including water slides, water spinners, a ninja warrior course, swings, trampolines, basketball facilities, picnic areas and much more.
This exciting new water playground officially opened early December 2020 and is open for the community to enjoy every day from 10am to 7pm (September to April).
Being an inclusive facility, Dawson-Damer Park also has wet play wheelchairs available for hire and adult change facilities.
Find out more.
Location: Corner of Dick Johnson Drive and O’Toole Avenue, Oran Park.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 50 mins
9. Plough and Harrow Eastern Creek, Western Sydney Parklands – Water Play
There is a small water play area at the Plough and Harrow Playground in Western Sydney Parklands. Children direct the flow of water of the miniature dam, work to release water at the water pumps and channel water through the turnpikes or gates into the dams.
Find out more.
Location: Eastern Creek NSW 2766
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 40 mins.
10. Livvi’s Place Jordan Springs – Splash Park
Livvi’s Place is a beautifully designed, shaded inclusive play space that will enable children of all ages and abilities to play side-by-side using the same equipment.
The state-of-the-art play space boasts several interactive spaces including a large water play area with six water jets, a sandpit, trampolines, swings, a range of play equipment, a performance stage and picnic areas. Keep cool this Summer at this lovely inclusive water play park, Livvi’s Place Jordan Springs!
Find out more.
Location: Montague Dr, Jordan Springs, NSW 2747
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 35 mins
11. Putney Park – Splash Pools & NEW Beach
Right on the waterfront, this beautiful park along the Parramatta River is an expanse of grass and natural areas. It’s a great spot for large groups and features barbeques, picnic facilities and a large fabulous playground with water features. A new beach area has also recently opened on the waterfront.
It is free to enter Putney Park and the splash pool will definitely keep the kids cool this Summer! There is so much to explore at Putney Park so pack a picnic and plan to stay a few hours.
Find out more.
Location: Pellisier Rd, Putney NSW 2112
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 1 hour
12. Livvy’s Place Kellyville – Splash Park
This fully fenced, shaded playground with a fantastic water play area brings so much joy to kids. The area includes a number of interactive spaces, including a large water play area (open 8am – 8pm daily – closed during Winter), a balance beam walk, swings, musical play walk, picnic and barbecue area and climbing ropes. There are soccer fields nearby, plenty of free parking and a cafe next to the playground (outside of the fence).
Pack a picnic and make a day of it with friends this Summer with the peace of mind that a fenced water play playground brings. This park is worth the drive, but it does get very busy. Remember to bring towels and a change of clothes – the kids will get seriously soaked!
Location: Burnie Mullane Reserve, Marella Ave, Kellyville NSW 2155
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 55 minutes
13. Linear Park Mulgoa Rise – Water Play
There are plenty of fun things to do for kids of all ages at Linear Park Playground! If you happen to head east down the mountains, be sure to check in to this new playground situated in one of Sydney’s newest estates, Mulgoa Rise. The water play pumps are an excellent feature of Linear Park. It is enough water for children to have a small splash around in Summer.
Find out more.
Location: 6 Frontier St, Glenmore Park, NSW 2745
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 30 minutes
14. James Ruse Reserve Parramatta – Splash Park
James Ruse Reserve is close to Parramatta CBD and is one of the largest water playgrounds in Western Sydney. At this park, there are barbecues, a skate park, playground and large, shaded water playground. The water playground has a well maintained non-slip surface and features water fountains, jets, sprays, sprinklers and tipping buckets. The water features are on from 9am to 8pm from September to May. The park is quite close to a road and unfenced and parking is ‘pay and display’.
Location: Cnr Hassall & Parkes St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 45 mins (with tolls) and 1 hour 10 mins (without tolls)
Find out more
15. Francis Park Blacktown – Splash Park
With a playground, water playground, cafe, bushland, nature play and grass for picnic, Francis Park offers the kids plenty to do when you visit! The water playground has amphitheatre style seating and provides children with plenty of space to have a lot of water fun. The water playground operates from 10am to 3.30pm during Autumn and Spring. In Summer, it operates from 9am until 6:30pm.
Location: Blacktown Showground Precinct, 49 Richmond Rd, Blacktown, NSW 2148
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 40 mins
16. Cabarita Beach
The closest beach to the Blue Mountains for a Summer splash would be Cabarita Beach in Concord. There is a bit of shade, a lot of shells and a lovely sea breeze. Presently, there are no shark nets at Cabarita Beach so a little seaside splash up to the knees might do the trick on a hot day! You might also enjoy the fantastic shaded playground and Cabarita Swimming Pool, which are all part of Cabarita Park.
Location: 17 Cabarita Road, Concord, NSW 2137
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 55 mins (with tolls)
Find out more
17. Lizard Log Abbotsbury, Western Sydney Parklands – Water Pump
Lizard Log and playground is a spacious park that is ideal for kids of all ages. It is set beautifully within its natural surroundings and is spaced out so that even if there are a lot of children playing, it doesn’t feel too busy. Lizard Log is not a water park but has a single water pump feature that may help keep kids cool on a warm day.
Find out more.
Location: Western Sydney Parkland, Cnr The Horsley Dr. & Cowpasteur Rd, Abbotsbury NSW 2176
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 40 mins (with tolls).
18. Governor Phillip Park Windsor – Water Play
Governor Phillip Park is a lovely park that runs along the Hawkesbury River and it has a water play space! Press the button to turn the water on and let the kids keep cool on a hot day in Windsor. Pack a picnic, a soccer ball and a change of clothes for the kids and enjoy a great family outing.
Find out more.
Location: George St, Windsor NSW 2756
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 45 mins
19. Cables Aqua Park Penrith
Cables Aqua Park is suitable for children aged 6+ and consists of a bunch of inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows and structures. For kids under the age of 6, there is a wet play area that can be used free of charge.
Find out more.
Location: 405 Jamison Rd, Penrith NSW 2750
Travel Time from Springwood: 25 mins
20. Phoenix Reserve Erskine Park – Splash Park
This $140,000 splash pad brings so much joy to local children in Erskine Park. It keeps them cool in the hot Western Sydney Summers with plenty of jets to keep plenty of children cool and havng fun.
The whole reserve has been rejuvenated with play equipment, new furniture, shade sails, awnings, concrete paths, sandstone blocks, and trees and plants.
Location: 27 Phoenix Crescent, Erskine Park, NSW
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 35 mins
21. Lake Parramatta Reserve Parramatta
Fully patrolled by lifeguards (9am to 6pm on weekends, public holidays and school holidays during the swimming season, from about late October to late March), the designated swimming area is safe for children to splash and paddle and big enough for adults to get some laps in.
For those more interested in a leisurely lounge around the water, BYO floatation device and lounge on the water to your heart’s content. Read further advice on swimming at Lake Parramatta.
Find out more.
Location: Access via Lackey Street, North Parramatta, NSW 2151.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 50 mins
22. Bungarribee Park, Western Sydney Parklands – Water Play
Bungarribee Park is located next to Sydney Zoo and features and award-winning adventure playground with a water play feature. There are five different sized water play towers each topped with a water pump and carved out channels and bowls, with gates to direct the flow. Combined with sand, this is fun, creative, social, sensory and messy play for children of all ages. Remember to bring a change of clothes to this park.
23. Curry Reserve, Camden – Splash Park
Another excellent water play space for families to enjoy! This is one of the most popular of Camden’s reserves for family and community group gatherings and it features a fantastic water play space. There is plenty of tipping buckets, water spouts, fountains and so much more to keep the family cool on a warm day.
The star of the space would have to be the epic splash from the largest tipping bucket! Get dunked and stay cool at Curry Reserve Camden! The water play park is open for the community to enjoy every day from 10am to 7pm (September to April). There is also a playground nearby, plenty of shade, seating, BBQs, bubblers, a funky little change room and a huge toilet block.
Location: Curry Reserve is situated next to the Camden Visitor’s Centre at 24 Camden Valley Way, Elderslie NSW 2570.
Travel time from Springwood: Approx. 1 hour
24. Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside – Splash Park
Location: The Nurragingy Reserve water play area is located in the Wren Picnic Area, Knox Road, Doonside.
Travel time from Springwood: Approx. 40 mins
25. Greenwich Baths
With magnificent harbour views, a cafe nearby and a relaxed environment, the pleasant waters of Greenwich Baths are ideal for everyone, from toddlers having a splash to lap swimmers.
Greenwich Baths are surrounded by a shark-proof net and are an enclosed site with child-proof gating so you and your family can feel safe enjoying your day on the beach.
Find out more.
Location: Albert Street, Greenwich NSW 2065
Travel time from Springwood: Approx. 1 hour 10 mins
26. Raging Waters Sydney
Beat the heat this Summer with Raging Waters Sydney. From thrill slides like T5 to the family friendly Raging Waters JnR, cool off with our rip-roaring attractions now!
Find out more
Location: 427 Reservoir Road, Prospect NSW 2148 Australia
Travel time from Springwood: Approx. 35 minutes
27. Glenbrook Park – Water Play
Glenbrook Park features a small water play area with a pump and little river for splashing. Perfect for young ones who need a cool off on a warm day!
Find out more
Location: Park Street, Glenbrook NSW 2773
Travel time from Springwood: Approx. 15 minutes
28. Deerbrush Park, Prairiewood
– Splash Park
Sydney’s newest splash pad opened in June 2021 at Fairfield Showground. The all abilities playground introduces play equipment for all abilities, splash pad, a ground-level ropes course, flying fox, water play space with squirters and dumping buckets, riding track, climbing net fort with slide, accessible riverbed crossing, water pump, sand digger, picnic tables and bench seating and voice tubes.
Find out more
Location: 443 Smithfield Road, Prairiewood 2176
Travel time from Springwood: Approx 45 – 50 minutes
29. Dantes Glen Walking Track, Lawson
Dantes Glen Walking Track Lawson is such a wonderful family friendly walking track and location for bush and water play in the mid Blue Mountains. It is a moderate 2.1km return ‘there and back’ track with an elevation of 78 metres. Pack a picnic and enjoy this beautiful rainforest oasis with your children and dog, all with a stunning waterfall backdrop.
Find out more
Location: St Bernard’s Drive, Lawson NSW 2783
Travel time from Springwood: Approx. 15 minutes
30. Wentworth Falls Lake – Beach
Wentworth Falls Lake is suitable for a splash at the beach area. Water quality is deemed ‘good’ here according to a Council water quality assessment (it is not considered safe in some spots near the jetty due to bacterial contamination).
Swimming should be avoided during and for up to three days following heavy rain. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO WEAR WATER SHOES HERE. Unfortunately, some families have reported injuries due to broken glass in the water.
Find out more
Location: The Lake is located along Sinclair Street, Wentworth Falls, but the beach is closer to Pine Ave, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782. There is a short walk through the bush to get there.
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 25 minutes
31. Livvi’s Place Warragamba
Livvi’s Place Warragamba is a wonderful fully fenced, inclusive playground that is designed to ignite children’s imaginations, create opportunities for social engagement and help kids to maintain an active lifestyle through play.
The water play area is a combination of four water play trays with a pump and spinner, as well as gates to allow the water through down a pebbled creek. There are also three tall sprinklers for extra splashing fun on warm days.
Find out more
Location: 37B Fourteenth St, Warragamba NSW 2752 (View map).
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 30 – 35 minutes
32. Tench Reserve Penrith
Tench Reserve Playground is one of Penrith’s newest additions for family recreation. Kids will love this playground with its three in ground and very bouncy trampolines, rock climbing wall, four different swings and best of all, water play! There’s a tipping bucket and misty spray feature to keep kids cool in Summer!
In addition to water play there are shade structures, two barbecues, rope climbing structures, a climbing tower with a tubular slide, fast metal slide (beware, this gets HOT in the sun) and plenty of seating.
Head down to the eastern side of the Nepean River on Tench Road, Jamisontown, to appreciate this new play space for families!
Location: 52-64 Tench Ave, Jamisontown NSW 2750 – across the road from The Orchard (View map).
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 21 minutes
33. Penrith Beach
OPENING LATE DECEMBER 2023
Nestled away in the heart of Penrith, Penrith Beach stands as a hidden gem waiting to be explored by beach enthusiasts and local families. Far from the bustling crowds of popular coastal destinations, Penrith Beach offers a tranquil retreat where the golden sands meet the gentle waves of Penrith Lakes. It is the perfect spot for families with young children. to keep cool on warm days. It will be open and patrolled from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Location: Castlereagh Rd, Castlereagh NSW 2749 (View map)
Travel Time from Springwood: Approx. 30 mins
CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES AROUND WATER, even if it is shallow. Please CLICK HERE to read about our SAFETY INFORMATION.
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