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Adelaide families will soon have a huge new way to cool off, with Waterworld Aquatic Centre in Ridgehaven revealing plans for a $5.5 million aquatic playground featuring five colourful slides, interactive water attractions and South Australia’s largest tipping bucket.
The exciting redevelopment will transform part of the popular north-eastern suburbs attraction, bringing a 9.5-metre-tall play tower, water cannons, waterfalls and a massive 900-litre tipping bucket that will send a cascade of water over visitors below.
It’s set to be one of the biggest upgrades to Waterworld since the centre first opened in 1969, with the new playground scheduled to be ready for the 2027/28 summer season.
The City of Tea Tree Gully is investing $5.5 million into the project, designed to give families even more reasons to make a day of it at the much-loved summer destination.
Among the biggest drawcards will be five kaleidoscopic slides winding their way down the towering play structure, alongside interactive water features that will keep children entertained for hours.
And the centrepiece? A giant 900-litre tipping bucket, set to be the largest in South Australia, which will regularly unleash a spectacular splash onto those waiting underneath.
The playground will join Waterworld’s existing three pools, three waterslides, junior splash pad and aqua run, creating an even bigger aquatic adventure for visitors of all ages.
City of Tea Tree Gully General Manager Community Services Michael Pereira said the redevelopment would introduce an exciting new chapter for the attraction.
“For more than 50 years, Waterworld has been part of summer for many South Australian families, and this investment ensures it continues to evolve for the next generation,” Mr Pereira said.
“We’re building on everything people already know and love about Waterworld, while creating an experience that will attract visitors from right across the state.
“From South Australia’s largest tipping bucket to kaleidoscopic slides and interactive water play, this new feature will create even more reasons for families to spend the day in Tea Tree Gully.”
The redevelopment has been shaped by community feedback, with families identifying more water play activities, children’s attractions and recreational experiences for five to 12-year-olds as priorities during consultation for Waterworld’s future.
Following the endorsement of the Waterworld Concept Plan in 2023, the new playground is now set to become a major addition to the centre.
Local aquatic specialists Hydrilla will deliver the project in partnership with play equipment manufacturer Waterplay, with the playground constructed from durable stainless steel.
For families already planning their summer outings, there’s no need to change plans just yet. Waterworld remains open for bookings and walk-ins throughout the current season, with major construction scheduled to begin during the off-season.
Once complete, the new attraction will give Adelaide families another reason to head to Ridgehaven when the temperatures climb.
Waterworld Aquatic Centre
What: Waterworld Aquatic Centre $5.5 million aquatic playground
Where: Waterworld Aquatic Centre, Ridgehaven
When: Scheduled for completion ahead of summer 2027/28
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