Interested in going somewhere unique that everyone in the family is sure to love? I highly recommend that you check out the Bli Bli Watersports Complex located on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast.
It is just one of the great places to swim on the Sunshine Coast.
In operation since 1990, the 50 acre property is split into 3 parts:
- An aqua park full of inflatable slides, swings and obstacles
- A wake park consisting of two separate lakes with full size cable systems
- A large catch-and-release fishing park with a variety of species
There’s really something here for everyone! Let’s take a look at each of them in more detail.
Bli Bli Waterpark
Probably the most popular part of the complex, the Bli Bli Aqua Park is a floating obstacle course consisting of slides, runways, monkey bars and a whole lot more! The entire course sits in a dedicated lake for the aqua park.
The whole thing is made from plastic and inflated with air which gives it a fun, jumping castle feel!
Because the whole thing is wet however, it’s all very slippery, which leads to a lot of hilarious moments, such as watching Mum or Dad slip over while trying to run across an inflatable pole connecting two sections of the course!
There’s tons of interesting features, including huge slides, large rope swings, plus a large climbing wall which leads to a point where you can jump off and plunge deep into the water below!
All users are required to wear a flotation vest while in the park (provided free of charge), which makes this a great activity even if your kids are not the strongest swimmers.
RELATED: Check out our overview of the Aqua Park in Southport if you are on the Gold Coast.
Part of the course is sectioned off and dedicated to small kids. This is great because it stops the small kids from being trampled by the teenagers running amok on the full size course!
Opening hours
The Aqua Park is open 7 days a week, 10AM to 5PM in the warmer months (September to May) and 11AM to 3PM in the cooler months (June to August).
Sessions run for 50 minutes, starting every hour on the hour from opening time. I highly recommend that you get to the park 15 minutes early so that you have time to purchase your ticket, sign the waiver, get changed, put on some sunscreen and put your stuff in the car or locker (available for a few extra dollars).
You must be present for the safety briefing at the beginning of the hour otherwise you won’t be allowed in.
Cost & ages
A single session costs $20, 2 sessions costs $35 and 3 sessions costs $45. Prices are the same for adults and children. You can purchase a ticket and then make a reservation online.
Personally, I am pretty knackered after a single session – I think that will be enough for most people.
Ages 3 and under are not permitted in the aqua park, however ages 4-6 can enter as long as they are fully accompanied by an adult at all times. Kids aged 7 and over can enter the park on their own.
You can also purchase a full season membership (including unlimited entries to the aqua park) for $189. It is valid from September to April the following year.
Anything Else?
At the back of the aqua park lake, you can also do stand up paddleboarding. It’s $10 for a 30 minute session, $20 for a 60 minute session.
Wake Park
If the aqua park isn’t quite thrilling enough for you, why not try out the wake park?
You can choose from a wakeboard, kneeboard or water skis, as well as two different lakes, each with full size circular cable systems and tons of jumps and obstacles. The cable system on the back lake runs much slower than the front lake, so it is recommended for beginners.
No prior experience is required and the staff are very patient when it comes to teaching new riders the basics. There’s also a dedicated buggy which will come and pick you up if you happen to fall over on the far side of the lake.
Opening Hours
From September to May each year, the Wake Park is open 7 days a week from 10AM to 5PM. From June to August, it is only open Thursday to Sunday from 11AM to 5PM.
Due to COVID, you will now need to join sessions that start every hour on the hour. You will need to sign a waiver and watch a safety video before getting started.
Cost & ages
You can purchase either a 1 hour or 2 hour session, with 1 hour sessions starting at $39 for adults and $34 for children (15 years and under). Purchase tickets here.
This price includes either a kneeboard, wakeboard or water skis, plus the necessary safety equipment (helmet and flotation vest).
Kids 10 years and over can ride on the full size cable systems, whereas riders 6-9 can only ride on the cable system when it is running slow for beginner sessions. Kids 5 and under cannot use the Wake Park.
There are memberships available, giving you unlimited entry for a regular subscription fee (around $30 per week).
There’s also one-on-one coaching available, plus a Kids Club, where riders aged 6 and up can learn a few tips and tricks to improve their game.
Barra fishing park
If the Aqua Park and Wake Park are a bit too intense for you, check out the Barra Fishing Park. This is a catch-and-release fishing park, meaning that you can’t take home your catch.
In saying that, it is stocked full of a variety of fish species, including Cod, Mangrove Jack, Bream and Barramundi, all of which range in size from 35cm to some which are well over 1 metre long!
The park supplies all of the gear that you will need, including rods and bait, so it is suitable for beginners and families that don’t have much fishing experience.
You are, of course, also welcome to bring your own gear.
Opening hours
From September to May, the fishing park is open 7 days a week, from 10AM to 5PM. From June to August, it is only open Thursday to Sunday, from 11AM to 5PM.
In summer, the park runs two sessions per day, each running for about 3 hours. They start at 10AM and 1:30PM respectively.
If you wish to have lunch at the park before or after your session, you can use the provided BBQs (free of charge), or go to the onsite cafe & bar.
Costs & ages
A 3 hour session costs $36 per adult and $26 per child (15 years and under). Only those actually fishing need to pay, spectators are welcome to enter free of charge. Tickets can be purchased here.
The complex often runs night fishing during the summer months as well as other events, so keep an eye on their website for information.
There are no minimum age requirements to go fishing here.
All in all, the Bli Bli Watersports Complex is a great place for the whole family to have fun!
Whether you and your kids prefer zipping around the Wake Park cable course, flying down the Aqua Park slides or kicking back and enjoying a bit of fishing, there’s something here for you!
This review was written by Louis from Outdoor Explorer. Dedicated to helping more people get out and go camping in Australia’s great outdoors, Outdoor Explorer is packed full of advice, guides and camping gear reviews.
