The ultimate guide to Jambaroo Action Park

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.

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.

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

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Catch every exhilarating thrill with our guide to Jamberoo Action Park