If you’ve never been to Orion Lagoon, otherwise known as the Springfield Water Park and Robelle Lagoon, it’s time to pack your togs and towels because this is one of the BEST waterparks in the southern hemisphere.
Built to rival Brisbane’s South Bank beach and water park, Orion Lagoon covers a massive 3,500m2 within the boundaries of Robelle Domain Parklands, and has everything you could wish for for a fun-filled water play family adventure. Not convinced? You will be!
What makes Springfield Water Park and Orion Lagoon so great?
Apart from its fantastic setting in Springfield’s Robelle Domain Parklands (read more about that here), Springfield Water Park has been designed with family fun and fitness in mind. It’s built around multiple levels and includes water play and activity areas for all members of the family.
For bigger kids and parents there is a multi-level main swimming pool with a 50m lap lane and depths up to 1.5m – perfect for practicing your strokes, getting fit, and splashing around.
Then there’s the lagoon’s ‘tail’ that meanders like a riverbed up to a depth of 30cm – ideal for toddlers to explore. This fun water play area features water squirts, stepping stones, wading and exploration areas, and plenty of opportunity to get splashed and have fun.
What are the facilities like at Springfield Water Park and Orion Lagoon?
Springfield Water Park has all your family needs, so you can easily stay and play all day. Facilities and features include:
• Separate areas for swimming, splashing, wading and play
• Concreted sloping beach-style entry to some areas (ideal for wheelchairs)
• Accessible facilities for those with disabilities
• Lockers and changing rooms
• Baby change facilities
• Showers
• Public toilets
• Drinking fountains
• Shade sails
• BBQ areas
• Picnic areas
• Artificial grass landscaping
• Zero depth water play areas
• Aquativity playground
• Squirty jets and fountains
• Rocky water cascade
• Water tipping buckets
• Play equipment alongside the pool
• Plenty of seating
• KIOSK onsite selling swimwear and pool accessories
Is there anywhere to eat at Springfield Water Park?
Yes! The Lagoon Café is right by the pool, selling hot and cold food and drinks. There’s also the Robelle Café within the Robelle Domain park grounds if you want to get away from the water’s edge, plus lots of free BBQs and shady picnic areas. The cafés are open seven days a week but opening hours vary. Please see the council website (details below) for current opening hours.
Does Springfield Water Park have lifeguards?
Yes, lifeguards are on duty at the Orion Lagoon from 5am to 9pm September to April, and 7am to 5pm May to August, but as always your child’s safety is primarily your responsibility.
How much does Springfield Water Park cost?
It’s FREE to get into Springfield Water Park (our favourite price!), though there is a fee to park in the nearby car parks on most days.
When is Springfield Water Park open?
Springfield Water Park is open all year round! Summer hours, September to March, are 5am to 9pm; winter hours, April to August, are 8am to 4pm.
Are there any restrictions at Springfield Water Park?
Yes. For safety and design reasons there are some restrictions at Orion Lagoon and Water Park. These include:
• No smoking, alcohol or dogs are permitted within the Orion Lagoon Springfield Water Park area.
• Only small kickboards and flotation devices may be used in the water area. (Leave the big inflatable flamingos at home!)
• Children aged 12 years and younger must be accompanied by a competent adult at all times.
• No BYO BBQs. Free BBQs are provided within the park if you would like to cook your own food.
• No tent pegs if pitching your own shade tent. Because of the artificial turf, only weights and sandbags are permitted for securing tents and shelters.
What else is there to do near Springfield water park?
The lagoon is situated in within 24 hectares of beautifully landscaped parklands with lots to see, do and explore. The Robelle Domain Parklands has playgrounds (including an all-ability playground and electronically interactive playground), cycle ways and walking tracks, a rainforest walk and a tree top walk, recreation areas, café, a vibrant market on the first Friday of every month, a sound and light show TWICE nightly, and it hosts frequent family events (see our article here to learn more about Robelle Domain Parklands).
Orion Lagoon is also within walking distance of the Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre (for which it was named) with its huge range of shops and multi-screen cinema. It’s just a short walk to get there; perfect if you fancy a bit of retail therapy, relaxing movie viewing, or something different to eat.
How to get to Springfield Water Park
The Springfield Water Park, Orion Lagoon, is located within the Robelle Domain Parklands, 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central. There are several car parks nearby accessed via Education City Drive, Barry Alexander Drive, and Southern Cross Circuit. You can also get pretty close by train or bus if you don’t mind adding a short walk to your journey.
So is Springfield Water Park the best?
We hope we’ve inspired you to go and find out just how good Springfield Water Park is for yourselves. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
See the Ipswich City Council website for more details about Orion Lagoon: here
