If youā€™re hunting for a family holiday park experience that the kids will rave about before youā€™ve even unpacked the car, ticks every single kid-approved box. Located on the gorgeous Fleurieu Peninsula, our crew instantly found their happy place here. We rolled in, unpacked, and the kids had us exploring the park with them as soon as we could.

The epic water park was an instant obsession, with slides, sprayers and the Discovery branded tipping bucket that guarantees everyone gets soaked. Our modern Deluxe 2 Bedroom Cabin slept six and was just steps from the heated pool, which made ā€œjust a quick swimā€ a very regular occurrence (even in the rain). Then the kids realised there is a second heated pool. Two pools? Thatā€™s holiday gold.

The play options here are next level. The main playground is a solid 10/10. Big, modern and designed for all ages, with climbing equipment, loads of space and a full-size flying fox that stayed busy all day. The bouncing pillow was another non-negotiable favourite, and quickly became a central meeting point for many games with new friends.

Just when we thought weā€™d found everything, we stumbled across a second playground. A little older and a bit tucked away, but home to the sweetest blue cottage cubby house. Total hidden gem. There was also a basketball hoop, perfect to shoot some hoops. Throw in few park laps on a pedal kart and a quick game of cricket with the neighbours, and the kids were happily entertained from morning to night.

Discovery Parks ā€“ Goolwa really nails that relaxed holiday vibe. Kids love cruising around on bikes and scooters (helmets on, of course!), and parents love how safe and contained the park feels. There are often food vans on site, so dinner is easy, and if youā€™re more of a grill master, the well-maintained, covered BBQ facilities are just waiting for you to throw another shrimp (errā€¦ sausage) on the barbie. Andā€¦ there was even a gin tasting during our stay. Consider us impressed!

As evening rolls in, itā€™s movie night, and itā€™s always worth checking in with staff about school holiday activities and special events. Thereā€™s often something extra fun happening.

Our cabin was spotless, stylish and perfectly set up for families, with two bunks, a queen bed, and all linen and towels supplied (no extra packing required). The powered sites looked just as well cared for, and the entire park was neat, welcoming and easy to relax in.

Set right at the gateway to the Lower Lakes and the Murray Mouth, Goolwa is an easygoing coastal town made for family holidays. With wide open spaces, and plenty to explore, itā€™s the kind of place where you donā€™t need a big plan. Youā€™re minutes from Goolwa Beach, the much-loved Cockle Train and the river foreshore for picnics, bike rides and pelican spotting or you can park the car and just enjoy your entire stay with in the holiday park where the list of things to do really does feel endless.

If youā€™re after a fun-packed, low-stress family getaway with plenty to keep the kids happy (and a few perks for parents too), Discovery Parks ā€“ Goolwa is a winner and well worth adding to your family holiday must-visit list.

(Use code KIDSINADL25 at checkout for 15% discount until Nov 2026 t&c apply)


Location: 40 Kessell Rd, Goolwa SA 5214
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This content was created in partnership with Discovery Parks

If youā€™re looking for a place where the kids drag you out of bed and straight into a kayak, in Barmera is exactly that kind of family getaway. What an absolute Riverland icon for kids. Iā€™d heard all the chatter before; ā€œLake Bonney thisā€ and ā€œLake Bonney thatā€ but now I honestly understand what all the fuss is about. Trust me, you’ll want to keep reading and add this awesome holiday and caravan park to your summer plans!

Thereā€™s accommodation to suit every budget at Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney. We stayed in a Deluxe 2 Bedroom Lakeview Cabin – sleeps 6. Yes, a little luxurious, but it still had that classic caravan park feel. Bunk beds for the kids, a queen bed that felt like sleeping on a cloud, and all linen and towels supplied, no need to lug it all from home. The shower was one of the best Iā€™ve had anywhere, hot with strong pressure, almost like a back massageā€¦ and in a caravan park, no less. There was a TV in the lounge for a little wind-down time, but honestly, most of our time was spent outside, and rightly so.

The water activities here are next-level. Weā€™re talking water bikes (I didnā€™t even know these existed), canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boats, and floating trampolines/ pontoon things for the kids to bounce on… we loved it all. I even had a go at 42 and can confirm itā€™s ridiculously fun. Hiring is straightforward but thereā€™s a $20 cash bond, and each activity has time limits, so itā€™s worth asking the kids what they want to try first. Paddle boats go for $20 an hour, single canoes $18, double canoes $25, and water bikes $30. The first hire starts at 9:15 in the morning and the last one is 3:45 in the afternoon, and donā€™t forget life jackets. Safety first, always!

My top tip? Grab a pedal boat for two adults and two kids and head straight for the trampolines, you could happily spend hours out there.

Thereā€™s plenty of other fun to keep everyone entertained too. An epic splash park, a sparkling heated swimming pool (with another brand-new one being built while we were there), a playground, pedal carts, a bouncing pillow, a pump track, and a games room. Seriously, the list goes on.

Although our gorgeous cabin had everything we needed, we made the most of the camp kitchen, cooking a BBQ dinner and kicking off the next day with bacon and egg muffins for breakfast. Simple, easy, and totally family-friendly, and we even met some lovely people doing the exact same thing.

The park itself is huge, with heaps of powered sites for caravans and lakeside views that make it easy to see why it books out fast, especially in summer. Even on a slightly overcast day (we had a bit of rain while we were there), thereā€™s still plenty of space to relax by the lake and enjoy a bit of calm while keeping an eye on the kids as they explore. Fishing is another draw, though we didnā€™t get a chance this trip. Staff were super friendly and helpful, giving great tips on everything from water sports to family-friendly spots to visit around the Riverland.

If you can tear yourself away (though why would you?), there are plenty of nearby options. Mallee Fowl Restaurant is just 15 minutes away and an absolute must for dinner, while Barmera has a handful of closer spots too. For a bit of adventure, there are walking trails, Loveday 4×4 Park, and Monash Adventure Park all within easy reach. Reception stocks basics like ice cream, sunscreen and snacks. If youā€™re self-catering, thereā€™s a Foodland two minutes down the road, or come prepared. Please note: certain fruit and vegetables canā€™t be brought into the Riverland, check the SA Government website for current restrictions.

Whether youā€™re staying for a weekend or a week, Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney is fun, easy, and impossible not to love. We can’t wait to go again! The easy drive from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ will take you around two and a half hours.

(Use code KIDSINADL25 for 15% discount until Nov 2026 t&c apply)

Location: Lakeside Dr, Barmera SA 5345
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All of the places below are FREE for a cool down, more of a splash than a proper swim

If you’re looking for swimming pools and water parks – click here
If you’re looking for our favourite beaches for families – click here
If you’re looking for secret swimming spots – click here

Playford Alive Town Park

4 separate water play areas for the kids to explore and plenty of seating nearby for parents and friends to supervise the kids while they catch up in a great location.

more info here

Cowell Water Park, Eyre Peninsula

Upgraded in 2023 the Cowell Water Park and Waterslides are your go to cool down spot on the Eyre Peninsula. The Precinct includes a free outdoor water play area featuring a splash zone and two water slides.

more info here

Splash Town Moonta

Splash Town in Moonta is awesome, with a tipper bucket and more. Probably more than a day trip though- but worth it! Oh and all of this is FREE! They call it a town for a reason ā€“ it is filled with things SPLASH ! Waterslides, dropping buckets and raining mushrooms! If you are on the Yorke Peninsula ā€“ you definitely need a visit to Splash Town.

more info here

Festival Plaza

The Festival Plaza outside the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Festival Centre has had a major redevelopment and now includes this awesome water play area! It alternates between water and mist on a timer, we guarantee that the kids will love playing in the ā€œfogā€ as our kidlets called it. They donā€™t get too wet unless they actually sit down ā€“ so maybe take a change of clothes just in case! Perfect for a hot day in the city. There is also plenty of seating around and itā€™s right next to the new Childrenā€™s Artspace.

Thorndon Park Playground

One of the biggest new playground openings in the last few years has come through with the water play goods with a brilliant dedictated water play area and a giant misting hen! 

more info here

Tusmore Park Wading Pool

The Tusmore Park Wading Pool is fast becoming a favourite spot for visitors to cool down. The design features a fully fenced and shaded wading pool, lawned areas for picnics, a new creek style section, tiered seating and water play equipment for plenty of splashing and playing during the summer months.

more info here

Glenelg Foreshore Playground

Water play here can be found at the playground- and at the beach too of course! This space recently had an upgrade, but there are still fountains that the kids will like turning on & off. Of course there is the awesome playground adjacent which mixes up the activities. Lots of shade under the veranda area to watch the kids enjoy all this playground has to offer. Double the fun with a ride on the Giant Wheel when it’s in town

more info here

Goldenfields Adventure Playground

An already excellent playground in Golden Grove got even better in 2024 with the addition of a sand and water play area more info here (image credit City of TTG)

Renmark Water Play & Riverfront

This gorgeous riverfront spot includes heaps of fountains for the kids to play under, a 24m river deck, four barbecues, lawn area all with views of the River Murray. The Visitor Info Centre is a 2 minute walk away and there are plenty of eateries close by.

more info here

Port Broughton Civic Square Splash Pad

The splash pad at the newly redeveloped Port Broughton Civic Square is now active!

The splash pad will operate daily from 7am to 10pm (adjusted to 9am-6pm during May-August) and provides the perfect way to cool off while enjoying the new square.

To activate the water jets, simply press the button on the metal pole at the edge of the splash pad ā€“ itā€™s easy, and the jets will run for a fun-filled 10 minutes!

Plant 4 Bowden Fountain

Right next to Plant 4 Bowden youā€™ll find the leafy Bowden Park with its fun water play area and interactive fountains ā€” perfect for kids to cool off and splash about on warm days. The gentle water jets and open lawn make a relaxed, family-friendly spot to hang out after grabbing a bite or a coffee at Plant 4ā€™s cafĆ©s and eateries.

Mosley Square Water Fountains ā€“ Glenelg

If you have not finished a day off splashing in the Mosley Square Water Fountains then well you have not truly experienced one of 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ā€™s greatest playtime experiences. Weather it is a visit after the beach to wash off the sand or a trip in itself -kids will have a ball playing amongst the fountains. Thereā€™s food within easy reach. Grab fish & chips, ice cream, or pretty much anything else and sit back and relax! Great for new little walkers too for some easy splash time!

Bridgewater Mill Playground

The creek running alongside the playground is lovely. There are stepping stones to cross from one side to the other, or stop half way to say hello to the ducks. Please be especially careful and watch your kids carefully here. Take a tadpole catcher and dip in your feet too cool off in this refreshing creek!

more info here

Morialta Conservation Park Playground

This playground has a lovely creek running alongside of it to cool down after running around in the playground. You can explore in shallow water and look for creatures, treasure and use your imagination to build rafts and boats. The creek stretches some distance so even with many explorers you will have lots of space for this great nature play.

more info here

Henley Square

Head West to Henley Square where a whole day can be spent exploring this great beach suburb in our city. The water play space itself is a large, open area where children can jump, splash and play, keeping them entertained for AGES. Thereā€™s no shade over the water play area, but thereā€™s plenty around the edges. Along with the ground lay water play area, thereā€™s also a funky looking shower on the edge of the square that kids love.

Waikerie Nature & Water Playground

While we are in the Riverland, be sure to head to Waikerie for the kids to have a splash in their Water Play & Nature Play area. It’s a gorgeous playground complete with flying fox and plenty of climbing equipment, but on a hot day the kids will love pumping water and letting it run through the course, or stomping on the buttons to make the fountains go off. You could easily spend a couple of hours here! 

more info here

Glenunga Hub Playground

This Eastern suburbs playground has a wonderful water play section with a water pump even 3 year olds can manage, and a great set of metal ā€˜channelsā€™ to change the water direction through.

more info here

Got other Faves? let us know so we can add them

This project is a partnership between the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Hills Council, The 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Hills War Memorial Swimming Centre (Woodside Pool) and the Australian Governmentā€™s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The new splash park is an exciting addition to the swimming centre and includes a dumper bucket, water cannons, cascading mushrooms, ground and arch sprays, and a rock feature with a hand pump that directs water through weirs.

Opening Hours:
During Term: Monday to Friday: 3:30pm til 6pm* / Saturday & Sunday: 11am til 6pm*
School Holidays:Everyday 11am til 6pm* weather dependant

Tag us in your photos of these watery havens – also don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, check water levels & currents before entering the water & ALWAYS supervise kids around water.

Little Blue Lake

Swim in the cool water of  a volcanic sinkhole on the Limestone Coast! There are stairs for safe access, plus a floating pontoon. This spot is lots of fun, however only recommended for competent swimmers as the lake is 25m deep at its shallowest point!

Image: @travelling_millennials (IG)

Edithburgh Tidal Pool

Head to the southern Yorke Peninsula to swim in South Australia’s only purpose built tidal pool. It’s around a metre in depth, possibly a bit deeper when the tide comes in over the wall. The perfect spot for the whole family to swim!

Find out more here

Image: @beckjrodgers IG

Hillocks Drive, Yorke Peninsula

If Rock Pools are your flavour you HAVE to spend a day exploring Hillocks Drive on the Yorke Peninsula. You’ll need to pay for a day pass to access it by car but it is 100% worth it! There are actually quite a few rock pools and great swimming spots in this area so prepare to stay for a whole day of swimming and exploring.

Naracoorte Swimming Lake

It’s HUGE! The Naracoorte Swimming Lake is located in the state’s South East around 3.5 hours drive from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½.
This is a man made lake with a concrete floor and walls and chlorinated water. There are shallow sections for littlies and deeper sections up to 2m for swimming. You’ll also find a diving pontoon and enclosed and shaded kids area – the perfect spot for toddlers to splash safely.

LOVE HEART EYES! You’ll find this beauty at the back of the Naracoorate Holiday Park, however you don’t have to be staying there to use it!

Granites – Streaky Bay

You’ll find this gorgeous rock lagoon a short drive out of Streaky Bay on the Westall Way Loop Drive. Perfect for snorkelling or a bit of rock fishing, the kids will love splashing about. There is also a great surf break “out back” if you have competent surfers in the family!

Point Turton ‘Swimming Centre’

Not to be confused with the more easily found (also epic) Pt Turton Jetty and pontoons  the ‘swimming centre’ can be found a couple of km’s further around the coast to the North East. Bring your goggles and snorkel. Best at high tide (but fun for little kids and for rock rambling and exploring at low tide) this place is a gem. You will need to drive on a short dusty dirt road, however you won’t need a four wheel drive. Of course Pt Turton is also famous for Flaherty’s Beach….. but every man and his dog knows that one is a ripper, but yawn, we want you to learn something new PLUS some days? We like our beaches with out cars on them. Boom, we just gave you three top spots in one town. Bloody hell we love Yorkes.

Image: Pt Turton Caravan Park FB Page.

Coward Springs

Part of the Coward Springs Camping Ground, the water for the “natural spa” flows from the bore then into the wetland. Relax & listen to the birdlife!  Day visitors are welcome for $2 person – you’ll find this spot 236kms out of Coober Pedy on the Oodnadatta Track.

Shell Beach Rockpool, Innes National Park

If you have older kids that are ok with the walk fom the carpark & are confident enough  to clamber over some rocks, then Shell Beach at Innes National Park is well worth the reward! Laze the day away in the water & see how many varieties of sea creatures you can find in the rockpools. It’s a great place to cool off & explore.

Pool of Siloam

Not far from Robe, is Beachport on the Limestone Coast. And there you will find the Pool Of Siloam, which is apparently seven times saltier then the sea – so it’s lovely & buoyant. There are also picnic tables, changerooms & an outdoor shower. The salty water is said to help with arthritis and rheumatism! We wonder if it’s wondrous properties will also help kids to not fight with each other & sleep through the night too? Asking for a friend….

Image: @sezzy_anna (IG)

Troubridge Beach

We could write about Yorke’s beaches all day. Here’s one requiring a (scenic ripper) dirt road drive that’s closer than Innes National Park and nope it’s also no where near Berry Bay (so don’t mistake it for that banger, kinda looks same same but it’s not.) This one will take some finding and a decent dirt road drive (don’t panic your 4WD’s are not needed here any more than at your city soccer games). She’s dusty and she’s worth it. Find Wattle Point Wind Farm. Now find Troubridge Light House (no, not the island) now keep going, keep going. Stop. Good luck, that’s all you are getting. You’ll often have this beach to yourself, but not in January, in January it’s a school reunion for all of the legends that went to YAS. IYKYK. Did I just write that, who even am I? Prepare for stairs, dolphins, crystal clear water and little dumping waves that you can ride just far enough.

Bristow Smith Reserve, Goolwa

This little swimming inlet in Goolwa is perfect on a hot day – it’s right next to the Bristow Smith Reserve Nature Playground, so the kids can bounce to & from the playground to cooling off in the water all day. Keep an eye out for pelicans, boats & windsurfers! 

Roxby Pools & Splashpad

25m Outdoor Pool, indoor heated pool and a zero depth play area with interactive water features and a permanent fence separating it from the Outdoor Pool. 

Opening hours and entry fees at

Naracoorte Swimming Lake

Naracoorte Swimming Lake is a brilliant spot for a family swim on a warm day. This spring-fed lake has calm, clear water thatā€™s great for kids who want to splash, paddle or float around. Thereā€™s plenty of grassy space for picnics, shade nearby, and a pontoon that older kids will love jumping from. Located right in the heart of town and free to visit, itā€™s an easy, low-stress stop when exploring the Limestone Coast with kids.

Carrickalinga

This beauty is around 80km from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The water sparkles, the sand is smooth, the views are stunning & the rockpools are plentiful. There’s a reason it was once named South Australia’s Top Beach by the Lonely Planet Guide!

Millicent Swimming Lake

Here’s what the Wattle Range Council website has to say about this one:

Located on Park Terrace, Millicent, this unique aquatic facility provides a family-friendly environment for all skill levels with an enclosed toddler area, shallow beach, and deeper water, while the pontoon provides opportunities for more experienced swimmers.  The area includes BBQ’s, a playground, shaded areas, beach volleyball court, car parking, and a privately owned kiosk.  Council has recently upgraded the changerooms at the Millicent Swimming Lake and hot showers are available for $1 per 2 minutes.  The showers are equipped with doors and contain a small seating area.  Patrons are asked to bring $1 coins for use in the hot showers.

Public Opening Times

The Swimming Lake is open 24 hours per day.  However, the toilet facilities are locked each evening to prevent vandalism.

Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at the Millicent Swimming Lake.  The entire area is also declared a Dry Zone, so no alcohol is to be consumed at the site or on the surrounding parklands.  No dogs are permitted in this area.

Witjira National Park Hot Springs

Floating around in 37 degree water? Um, YES PLEASE! Head to Dalhousie Springs, part of the Witjira National Park, on the Western side of the Simpson Desert. Cool off in summer or warm up in winter. This one is for true adventurers, as it involves some dirt tracks, red dirt & a lot of roughing it. But a dip in these hot springs will be worth it, trust us!

Streaky Bay Jetty Pool

A shark-proof swimming enclosure forms the Streaky Bay Jetty Pool, which means the family can enjoy the ocean without nightmares of Jaws! Wander the jetty, swim & splash in the water, then grab an ice cream to eat on the shore. If you haven’t had a family holiday to Streaky Bay yet, put it on your list!

Second Valley

You’ve seen it on Instagram, so why not take a day trip to Second Valley for some picture perfect family memories on the beach? The water is usually calm, making it perfect for kids swimming or some snorkelling, however there are a lot of reefs & rocks to explore too. One part of Second Valley is only accessible by boat or kayak, making it extra special & secluded.

Image: @an.aussie.explores (IG)

Port Noarlunga Reef

This one definitely isn’t a secret but it’s such a winner! To the left of the jetty is “little reef” which is perfect for learner snorkellers. At the end of the jetty is the big reef which is amazing to explore up close. If you have littlies they can play in the rockpools to the right of the jetty & find some marine life. The reef means it’s a pretty protected, calm beach most of the time, making it the perfect family day out.

Cockatoo Lake Recreation Reserve

We love a dip in and a water ski / kneeboard around this beautiful lake in our states South East. Take your inflatables and float the day away, enjoy a lake side BBQ and free camping. Try your luck for some yabbies…… The lake depth is dependant on rainfall. Find it via Grubbed Road, Keppoch.

Penguin Point, Yorke Peninsula

Penguin Point is a great little sheltered beach about a 5 minute walk from the town of Marion Bay (maybe 10 mins with the kids…). It doesn’t get too deep, so it’s perfect for littlies to play in the water. Keep an eye out for all sorts of birdlife here. (Fun fact: When I was a kid, I cut my knee on a rock at Penguin Point & still have a tiny scar. Not related to this feature, but I’ll do anything for sympathy.)

Lake Bonney

Ok not a secret, we all know that you can dunk yourself in this beauty, but did you know it has an oversized inflatable trampoline pontoon? Way less bunyips in this lake than the river according to Jacki’s kids.
Please note that the pontoon is only accessible to Discovery Park guests.

Find it at Barmera in our states Riverland.

Roonka River Adventure Park

If a river trip is more your style, you can’t go past Roonka River Adventure Park! 

You do need to be staying here to access the activities, like the super cool waterslide into the river, but it’s absolutely worth the trip – our kids were cool the entire holiday from spending so much time going down that slide!

Click here for more info.

Flaherty’s Beach

Ok, ok we KNOW this one definitely isn’t a secret, in fact it’s one of Australia’s most famous beaches. But for good reason! 

This stunner of a Yorke Peninsula beach is a must visit, just to experience the instaworthy sky, sand and water. 

Find it in our Best Beaches wrap up. 

Hallett Cove Tidal Pool -Perhaps?

So this one has been “in concept” for what seems like forever. So watch this space. But if it does ever get built, we will be first in line for a dip in a brand spanking new tidal pool down south at Hallett Cove. Imagine doing the Marion Coastal Trail then cooling off for a dip here? WE ARE IN!