Park Information
At GC Aqua Park & GC Wake Park, we inspire human connection through shared experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Beyond making money, our goal is to create a space where families and friends can come together, enjoy thrilling water-based activities, and build unforgettable moments.
Our Story
The story of Watkins Parks started with a young wakeboarder, Daniel Watkins, who had a dream that was anything but ordinary. From enthusiastic rookie to world-class champion, Daniel’s bold vision went beyond winning titles; he wanted to make the excitement of wakeboarding and water sports accessible to everyone.
Driven by our founder’s unwavering passion for water sports, we’re dedicated to creating spaces where anyone can jump into the adventure, regardless of their experience or background. Every part of GC Aqua Park & GC Wake Park is infused with the thrill of adventure: from the wake park, where both beginners and pros can soar on water, to the aqua park, a haven of laughter and fun for families and friends. Even our café and espresso bar buzz with excitement.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Our commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We ensure that everyone can participate, embedding accessibility into the very essence of our experiences. This is reflected in our bespoke programs for individuals with disabilities, efforts to inspire the next generation of adventurers, and community events that celebrate our shared enthusiasm for water sports.
The Future
But that’s just the start. The future of Watkins Parks is filled with possibilities. With plans to extend our footprint across Australia, we’re on a mission to spread the fun and freedom of water sports far and wide. Each new park and innovation brings us closer to a world where the joy of the water is an invitation to all, where every visit leaves a lasting impression of happiness and every moment is an opportunity to create incredible core memories.
Join Us
Watkins Parks is more than a collection of attractions; it’s a vibrant testament to innovation, joy, and collective experiences. We’re here to make your time with us so unforgettable you’ll never want to leave and you’ll be itching to return!
Come and join a community that believes in the power of dreams, the importance of connection, and the pursuit of endless fun. Together, let’s continue to ride the wave of wonder, creating stories of triumph, friendship, and the infinite joy of discovery.
Location, Parking & Transport
Location
We are located at Broadwater Parklands in Southport, on the Gold Coast waterfront near the Gold Coast Highway.
Parking
Parking is available around Broadwater Parklands.
We recommend using the Pier Pavilion car park, the car park near the trees, or the car park near Anzac Hill.
Fees apply at the Broadwater carparks from 9am to 7pm daily, with parking charged at $3.60 per hour. Parking can be paid at the meters or through the EasyPark app. See here for more info.
Click the Location Map image to enlarge it.
Travelling by Public Transport
Use the TransLink Journey Planner to find the best tram or bus route to Broadwater Parklands, then walk to the park from the nearest stop.
Travelling By Car
Driving from the north, south or Surfers Paradise? Use the tabs for a quick route guide, or select the button below for live directions via Google Maps.
From Brisbane / North
Take the M1 south and exit toward Smith Street Motorway / Southport. Continue toward Broadwater Parklands and follow local signs to the nearby car parks.
From Southern Gold Coast
Take the M1 north and exit toward Southport, or follow the Gold Coast Highway north. Head toward Broadwater Parklands and use the nearby parking areas.
From Surfers Paradise / Broadbeach
Follow the Gold Coast Highway north toward Southport. GC Aqua Park is located at Broadwater Parklands, with parking available nearby.
Jobs
If you want to join a fun working environment with a great crew then we’d love to hear from you. We have open positions for:
Accessibility
At GC Aqua Park, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy our attractions. Our commitment to inclusivity means that we are fully equipped to accommodate guests with disabilities, ensuring a fun and comfortable experience for all.



Accessible Play Ticket: We offer a dedicated “Accessible Play” ticket that can be booked during any available session. This ticket is designed to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for guests with disabilities, ensuring they can participate in all the fun and excitement that GC Aqua Park has to offer.
Inclusive Facilities: Our park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, accessible restrooms and improved access throughout the park. We strive to make every aspect of our park welcoming and accessible to all guests.
Supportive Team: Our friendly and trained team members are always on hand to assist guests with disabilities. Whether you need help getting to an attraction or have specific requirements, our team is here to ensure you have a fantastic and hassle-free experience.
Booking Information: Booking an Accessible Play ticket is simple and straightforward. You can book your ticket during any available session through our website or by contacting our customer service team.
Call us at (07) 5241 1615
Our team is dedicated to making your visit as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Please reach out to us with any special requirements or questions you may have.
At GC Aqua Park, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where everyone can have a great time. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring your experience is nothing short of amazing.
Proud to support the Hidden Disability SUNFLOWER program.
Yes, GC Aqua Park caters for people with disabilities. We have a water wheelies chair available for use. We also have beach matting located at the entrance pathways to the undercover areas & café. GC Aqua Park supports guests with a range of access needs, but participation depends on swimming ability, water confidence, mobility, support needs and conditions on the day. If you would like to discuss or plan your trip to our venue further please contact us on 07 5241 1615 to speak with a manager.
Yes, we offer all companions free activities.
Yes. Patrons can watch on from our seated undercover area that is wheelchair accessible.
As many as needed
Deaf/ Hard of Hearing patrons are welcome at GC Aqua Park when accompanied by a carer. They may partake in the activity with the help of a carer.
Blind and Low Vision Patrons are welcome at GC Aqua Park when accompanied by a carer. They may partake in the activity by floating in the water with a lifejacket on or in our water wheelies seat with the help of their carer and our staff.
Yes, Public restrooms are located directly behind our venue in the parklands
Please see the link to locate the nearest “Changing Place” in the Broadwater Parklands.
There is 1 wheelchair accessible car park located directly behind our venue on the main road of Marine Parade. The Broadwater Parklands also offers plenty more accessible parking locations with pathways directly into our venue.
We do have an onsite air conditioned first aid room that can be used as a chill out space by any patrons at any time if needed.
You may contact our manager directly on 07 5241 1615 or hello@gcaquapark.com.au to plan your trip.
Coming with a school or large group?
View our group session packages or school excursion page for discounted rates on 25–450 people.
Celebrating a birthday?
See our birthday party packages for dedicated party hosting and table areas.
FAQs
We made a video guide on how to reschedule your booking. View here.
Or you can log-in to your account now by clicking here and update your bookings. Below are the steps:
Go to our website → Tickets.
Tap the Account icon (bottom right) → log in with the phone/email used at purchase.
Tap the Ticket icon (next to Account icon) to update your session time or booking details.
We recognise and honour the Yugambeh people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of the Gold Coast. Find out more about their enduring connection to this region by visiting this page.
To help keep everyone safe on the water, aqua socks are required for all participants. Only GC Aqua Park aqua socks are accepted, as they are specially designed for use in the water and provide the right grip for our inflatable course, so other types of grip socks cannot be used.
If you already have a pair from GC Aqua Park, you are welcome to reuse them as long as they are in good condition, with no holes or major damage.
Otherwise, you can buy a pair at the counter for $5.
View our video guide here.
How to Create an Account
Go to our website and tap Tickets.
Tap the Account icon (bottom right) → Create Account.
Use the same phone or email you used when buying tickets/passes.
Enter your details → Complete.
Tap the Ticket icon (next to Account icon) to manage bookings.
How to Log In
Go to our website → Tickets.
Tap the Account icon (bottom right) → log in with the phone/email used at purchase.
Tap the Ticket icon (next to Account icon) to update or change bookings.
How to Manage Bookings
Log in as above.
Tap the Ticket icon to update your session time or booking details.
To redeem online, either:
- Select the 50 Minute Session – Southport and enter membership ID (don’t copy the # – it should be something like “89130000-301235300” that includes the dash “-“) at checkout; or
- Simply log-in to your account now by clicking here, select the 50-min sessions and select “Redeem Membership” at checkout.
- Or you can watch this guide on how to redeem.
To redeem online, either:
- Select the 50-min sessions and enter membership ID (don’t copy the # – it should be something like “89130000-301235300” that includes the dash “-“) at checkout; or
- Simply log-in to your account now by clicking here, select the 50-min sessions and select “Redeem Membership” at checkout.
- Or you can watch this guide on how to redeem.
If you bought or received a gift card and are wondering how to redeem it online, we made a video guide you can easily follow. Please click here to watch the video.
Alternatively, if you prefer to redeem your gift card on-site, it’s just as easy! Simply show the Gift Card QR code to our friendly front desk staff so they can scan it for you.
GC Aqua Park is an awesome but strenuous inflatable water park course. All participants must have strength, stamina and fitness and be able to swim in a salt water tidal environment.
Life jackets are provided as part of your entry fee and are compulsory to wear.
Absolutely! We are located in a saltwater tidal environment, which can change from 1 meter to 3 meters in depth – so the ability to swim is a must!
Guests aged 5 and over can use the main park. Children aged 5 to 9 must be accompanied on the water by a paying supervisor over the age of 10. The maximum ratio is one supervisor to two children, and everyone must follow the buddy system.
Fun City is for children under 5. Children must be accompanied by a guardian, and one supervisor may accompany up to two children. Only the child’s Fun City ticket needs to be purchased.
The only other restriction is your ability! If you can swim and can pull your own weight up onto and throughout the course – then you are all set to have awesome fun at GC Aqua Park!
Yes. Children aged 5 to 9 using the main park must be accompanied on the water by a paying supervisor over the age of 10. The maximum ratio is one supervisor to two children. Everyone must follow the buddy system at all times.
Our sessions are on the opening hours page. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your session to sign-in, sign the waiver (if not already done online) and receive your wristband and have your lifejacket fitted.
Each session goes for 50 minutes. If you are doing a double session of 100 minutes, you will be required to return to the beach corralling area, ready to head out with the next session. This is for safety reasons to ensure we can readily identify that all participants have returned from the course.
All participants must have a signed waiver to enter the course. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent/caregiver must sign the waiver. If your parent/caregiver is not going to attend the session with you – please ask them to sign the waiver on your behalf.
Booking online is the quickest and easiest way to secure your session on the day/time of your choice. You can sign your waiver online as soon as you receive your booking confirmation.
Absolutely! The more the merrier! Your group must have a minimum of 25 people to get the discounted price. See our “Group Sessions” page for more information.
We love to party! Our 2 hour (total) party package includes 1 x 50min session with use of the party area 30 minutes each side of the session. This allows you time before the session to catch up and then 30 minutes after the session to cut a birthday cake (BYO)
Our fully qualified and bronze medallion trained lifeguards are on duty when our park is open. Our lifeguards are easily identifiable in their red and yellow uniforms and are here to help you. We have a lifeguard ration of 1:20.
We offer self-serve lockers with a code at just $10 for the day.
We may cancel or stop sessions due to high winds, lightning, other inclement weather, or another operational or safety reason.
If we cancels or stops a session, every customer with a booking will be contacted directly using the contact details on their booking. Contact may be by phone call, email or text message.
If the tide is below 1 metre, the swing and zip line will be closed as the water is too shallow for safe use.
Each party table can accommodate up to 20 people.
Yes. Guests may bring food, including cakes, non-alcoholic drinks and eskies.
Alcohol, personal BBQ equipment and large cooking setups are not allowed. Public BBQs are available next door. This rule applies to standard visits, parties, schools and groups.
Basic cafe and snacks.
Lost Property Form
Lost something at the park?
Use this form to report a lost item. Our team will review the info and reach out if there’s a match.

