Catch every exhilarating thrill with our guide to Jamberoo Action Park

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Grab your sunscreen and flip flops — our guide to Jamberoo Action Park puts you on the fast track to pure memory making adventure.

Snatching the title of New South Wales’ largest family-owned and operated water theme park, Jamberoo Action Park unleashes unrivalled full-day-out energy. Open seasonally when the weather’s warm (typically the end of September until the end of April), the long-loved Kiama attraction started as a dairy farm in the 70s before a skiing addicted family, the Eddys, turned it into a place for high-energy antics. From crazy, stomach-churning water slides to time-sucking water play and one of Australia’s largest wave pools, there’s no shortage of entertainment at Jamberoo Action Park. Here, an expert guide to making the most of your visit.

What to know before you visit Jamberoo Action Park

a family exploring the Jamberoo Action Park
Spend the perfect family weekend at Jamberoo Action Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

First up, let’s check they’re open. In 2025, Jamberoo Action Park will start welcoming guests from September 27, and the season runs until April 26, 2026. Check the website for all future go-time windows. Take it from us, crowds are far thinner on cloudy days so if you repel long theme park queues, consider dates with far-from-perfect conditions. Having said that, if storm clouds are hovering and strong winds are likely, guests should note that tickets can’t be refunded. Bottom line: get across, and stay across, your weather app in the week leading up to your trip.

Another insider tip? BYO your day’s food and drinks to save serious coin. Glass, knives and booze (sorry, parents) are banned but everything else is fair game and coin-operate barbecues are up for grabs in the park’s picnic area. If patiently waiting for a spare plate sounds like a nightmare, pre-book a gas barbecue up to 24 hours before you arrive. They’re delivered to you at various locations throughout the park and cost $50 for the day.

Pack your bag with swimming essentials, including towels, sunscreen and slip-proof footwear (several rides, including the Chairlift require shoes), but leave your boogie boards, noodles, lie lows and frisbees at home. When you’re there, pin-operated lockers are scattered throughout the park (including right near the picnic area and the

Outback Bay area) so you can stash your gear without having to go back to the entrance to dip in and out. Small lockers cost $12 per day while the larger ones are $17 per day.

The other crucial planning tip we highly recommend is looking into the impressive range of hireable private huts, shelters and cabanas. They’re all snapped up quickly, especially on sun-soaked days, so get in early to lock down the cream of the crop. The cabin-esque Velocity Cabanas come complete with fridges, safes, dining tables and ceiling fans, while the Billabong Beach Shacks give serious Bright Beach bathing box vibes and feature lounge chairs.

Finally, book your tickets online prior to arrival because there’s significant savings to be seized,  which brings us to your next key planning move…

Jamberoo Action Park ticket costs

a family running through the water at Jamberoo Action Park
Book a fun-filled family day at Jamberoo Action Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Buying a day ticket at the gate will set you back $74 per child aged between four and 12, and per guest aged 60 and over. Anyone aged between 13 and 59 will need to fork out $84 each. However, if you jump online to book tickets in advance, children and senior prices drop down to $64 while that middle range falls to $74.

Even if you factor in a sneaky online transaction processing fee (it’s $4.95 for up to 19 tickets), you’re saving by heading online now. Additionally, bubs aged three and under are free, thank you very much.

See yourself returning for more? Jamberoo Action Park offers an enticing season pass deal for guests aged four and over. The online fee is $204 per person while at-the-gate splurges cost $214.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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How to get to Jamberoo Action Park

an aerial view of Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama
The long-loved Kiama attraction started as a dairy farm in the 70s.

Before we jump into every mind-bending ride to get excited about, knowing what to expect journey-wise is never a bad idea. Loads of guests tack Jamberoo Action Park onto a visit to beautiful Kiama, if this is you, expect a drive time of around 10 minutes. In further good news, parking at the park is free and there are thousands of spaces to choose from. Those with access needs can take advantage of the spots located right near the main entry.

If you’re driving in from Sydney (a popular route during school holiday periods), the park is located about an hour’s drive south. You’re also just 20 minutes south of Wollongong, too.

No wheels, still keen? Public transport saves the day, especially if you’re visiting mid-week. Catch a train to Kiama train station where buses to Jamberoo Action Park run from Monday to Friday. Weekends are a little trickier, but not impossible. Shire Shuttle Bus offers return group transfers to your local accommodation from $95 per person. Check the Jamberoo Action Park website for further details.

Accessibility and parent-specific information

a staff at Jambaroo action park assisting a person riding a Water Wheelchair
A Water Wheelchair is available upon request.

Some other key details to get guests with specific needs on their way:

  • The park can absolutely be enjoyed by guests with access needs. Outside of the accessible parking, the team can also be called upon to buggy guests over to hillier corners of the park – you’ll just need to touch base with a team member in the souvenir shop at the front gate to let them know you’re visiting. Additionally, a water wheelchair can be requested (although it’s first in, best dressed so call the team to lock one in before you leave), granting you access to non-slide attractions like Outback Bay and the Rapid River. Manual wheelchairs can also be hired from the park’s First Aid area.
  • Mobility scooters, plus guide, hearing and assistance dogs are all welcome.
  • Prams and strollers are also welcome, but parents should note that the park is hilly and attractions are quite widespread. Brace yourself for some cardio-tastic manoeuvring.
  • Speaking of tiny tots, southern New South Wales is partial to chilly afternoons and mornings, even if the sun is shining, so think about bringing wetsuits to ensure they’re toasty amid all-day water play.
  • Baby change tables can be found at the far-right entrance to Outback Bay and up at Billabong Beach, a haven for youngsters.

Jamberoo Action Park rides

a group of people sliding down the Perfect Storm ride
Brave the Perfect Storm for a zero-gravity thrill to the bottom. (Image: Destination NSW)

Choosing which ride to start with is your only real problem at Jamberoo Action Park. If you’re chasing extreme thrills, head straight for the Velocity Falls precinct which features The Stinger – expect a zero-gravity drop once you’re inside the creature’s tentacles – and Octo-Racer, which sends you soaring down a twisty lane in a race for the finish line.

The Perfect Storm is another highlight, towering as one of the tallest and longest water rides on the planet. It’s a super fun, darkened vortex of whirling water where zero gravity, once again, takes control. Meanwhile, The Funnel Web hits speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour.

a family dropping into the funnel web slide at Jambaroo action park
Drop at 30 kilometres per hour into the spider’s funnel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Surf Hill is a classic speed slide with an 18-metre drop. Line up, watch the lights and get ready to zoom. Be sure to check the scoreboard to see who won.

The Bobsled is another crowd-pleaser, inspired by traditional alpine runs and featuring two tracks that stretch for almost a kilometre. Talk about taking the scenic route.

Challenge yourself at The Rock with its five-metre drop into a pool of shimmering blue hues. It’s beautiful, but the height can make this leap terrifying, so use the three-metre drop to build up your courage.

a huge spider sculpture at the Funnel Web thrill ride, Jamberoo Action Park
Face your fear of spiders on the Funnel Web slide. (Image: Destination NSW)

Family-friendly pit-stops include Banjo’s Billabong’s 200 water cannons, spray guns and two giant tipping buckets, rafting along Rapid River and the unmissable Outback Bay wave pool, featuring waves that froth up to 1.5 metres in the air.

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Restaurants and cafes at Jamberoo Action Park

a hand holding a sausage roll
Cap off your day at the park with a hot dog or sausage roll.

Can’t be bothered to bring your own goodies? We hear you. Lean into the many eateries located across the park including Burger Barn, Bombora Seafood (the go-to for summer fish and chips and burgers if Burger Barn isn’t open), Bombora Café’s sandwiches and sweets, and Picnic Pizza.

There’s also ice cream with your name on it at Bombora Scoop, dishing up Peter’s Connoisseur flavours, plus Splash Snacks for a classic theme park feast of pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs and fairy floss.

Find more family-friendly activities in our guide to Kiama

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

    Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

    But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

    Shellharbour Marina
    Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

    Where to eat

    What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

    Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

    Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

    Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

    Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

    Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

    bangalay dining shoalhaven
    Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

    Exploring nature

    Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

    Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

    The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
    Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

    Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

    Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

    Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

    For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

    kiama coast walk people with dog
    Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

    Unique experiences

    No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

    Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

    If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

    Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

    Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

    Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

    Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
    Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Where to stay

    Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

    Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

    Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

    Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

    For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

    Cicada Luxury Camping
    Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

    Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.