The Rockpools, Gold Coast Travel Guide

4.7 (306)

A free, interactive water playground in Southport's Broadwater Parklands, perfect for families with young children on the Gold Coast.

The Rockpools, located in Southport's Broadwater Parklands, is a free, family-friendly water park on the Gold Coast. It features a man-made creek with rock pools, fountains, and interactive water features, perfect for toddlers and young children to cool off and play.

A brief summary to The Rockpools

Marine Parade, Southport, Queensland, 4215, AU
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Rockpools.

Arrive early, especially during school holidays and on hot days, as the Rockpools can get crowded.
Bring a picnic to enjoy the shaded seating areas, or grab a bite at the nearby cafe.
Supervise children closely, even with lifeguards present, as the area can get busy.
Take advantage of the free parking at Australia Fair Shopping Centre across the road for up to 3 hours.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Burleigh Head National Park

Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast

Chinatown, Gold Coast

Nobby Beach

Hinterland Regional Park

Explore The Rockpools on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Rockpools, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Southport G:link tram station or bus stops on Scarborough Street, walk south along Marine Parade for approximately 500m. The Rockpools will be on your left within Broadwater Parklands, easily visible from the path.
Public Transport

Take the G:link tram to the Southport station or any of the numerous bus routes that service Scarborough Street. From the station, follow the walking directions. A single tram fare from Surfers Paradise to Southport is approximately $3.31 AUD during peak times with a Go Card.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Request a taxi or ride-share to Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport. A short trip from Southport CBD will cost approximately $13 AUD. Be aware that fares may vary depending on the time of day and demand.
Parking

If driving, there are metered parking spaces along Marine Parade and within Broadwater Parklands. Parking fees are approximately $2.40 AUD per hour. Alternatively, you can park for free for up to 3 hours at Australia Fair Shopping Centre across the road , but be mindful of the time limits. Meriton Parking at 2 Como Crescent offers a flat rate of $15 AUD per day.

Discover more about The Rockpools

The Rockpools is a popular attraction within Southport's Broadwater Parklands, offering a safe and engaging aquatic play area for children of all ages. This man-made creek system mimics natural rock pools, with shallow water, gentle water jets, and playful water sculptures. The design incorporates tidal pool features that fill and empty throughout the day, adding to the fun.Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours, ensuring a secure environment for families. The surrounding area includes artificial turf, shady seating, and picnic spots, making it ideal for a full day out. For those who prefer not to pack a lunch, a cafe is conveniently located nearby.Beyond the Rockpools, Broadwater Parklands offers additional attractions, including a swimming lagoon, adventure playground, and BBQ areas. The parklands provide stunning views of the Broadwater, with glimpses of Sea World and the Surfers Paradise skyline. The Rockpools is easily accessible and has facilities to accommodate wheelchairs and prams.