
7. WetSide Water Park
Location: Main St & The Esplanade, Hervey Bay
The sunny and warm Queensland weather that makes Hervey Bay such a joy to visit can also produce a number of days where you and the kids are looking to cool off, particularly in summer.
It's only fitting, then, that local authorities and enterprises have sought to produce water-themed attractions and chief among these is the WetSide Water Education Park.
This has become a favourite gathering point of locals and their kids since its opening back in 2009. With its proximity to the nearby waterfront and beach making it easy to combine two different types of water experiences for a full and enjoyable day outdoors.
This is a hybrid water park and educational facility that puts a combined focus on interaction and educating youngsters about water consumption along with pure refreshment, and in that, it greatly succeeds.
The facilities here walk the line between entertaining and educational and include a mixed bag of water fountains and slides of various sizes that are all accompanied by signs explaining how the WetSide attraction uses storm water and other techniques to conserve water.
This is a completely free attraction that's both well-supervised and safe, having been designed from the ground up with smaller kids in mind.
Add to this its section dedicated to toddlers featuring colourful sculptures, fun water jets and a minimum of underfoot water and its a place that even those with babies can get something out of. On the other hand, the main all-ages area includes the aforementioned slides and fountains as well as water guns, spouting whales, and a tipping bucket.
There's also a paid simulated surfing ride/attraction which is an optional and fun sideshow to the main proceedings for those looking for a challenge. WetSide Water Education Park also provides plenty of storage for items for the family should you wish to bring along additional supplies such as extra towels or equipment for a picnic then you'll be well served here.
Few attractions combine a family-friendly target, variety of things to do and a well-constructed layout for free, but WetSide is one such spot that makes it a must-visit during Hervey Bay's warmer periods.