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

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

Catch every exhilarating thrill with our guide to Jamberoo Action Park