Adventure World

Adventure World in Bibra Lake is Perth's go-to theme park, combining thrilling rides with a full-blown water park, all in one spot. It's the kind of place you can easily spend an entire day, with everything from massive rollercoasters and water slides to a dedicated area for the little ones called Dragon's Kingdom. It’s a huge park with beautifully kept gardens, plenty of grassy spots for a rest, and a real mix of attractions that aim to please everyone from toddlers to teenagers and even us parents who are still young at heart!

Age Appropriateness

One of the best things about Adventure World is how well it caters to a wide range of ages. For the tiniest members of the family (under 4), Dragon's Kingdom is a lifesaver. It’s a self-contained, gated area with gentle rides like the Little Leaper, the Dragon Express rollercoaster, and a bunch of other smaller attractions that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. For the primary school crowd (ages 5-10), there are heaps of options, from the ever-popular Kahuna Falls water playground to mid-level rides that offer a bit of a thrill without being too terrifying. The real adrenaline junkies and teenagers will beeline for the big-ticket rides like the Abyss rollercoaster, which reaches forces of 4.5 Gs, and the thrilling Goliath, a giant pendulum ride. There truly is a distinct zone for each age group, which makes navigating the day so much easier.

The Highlights (Pros)

First off, the park is incredibly well-maintained. The grounds are clean, the gardens are lovely, and you can tell they put a lot of effort into upkeep. For a place with so much water and so many people, the cleanliness is a huge plus. The variety is another major win; having both "dry" rides and a full water park means there's always something to do, regardless of the weather. The addition of Dragon's Kingdom is a standout feature for families with young children, providing a safe and engaging space just for them. Another big pro is the park's policy allowing you to bring your own food and drinks (no glass or alcohol). This is a massive budget-saver for families. You can pack a cooler full of snacks and lunch and find a shady spot on the grass for a picnic.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

The biggest challenge, without a doubt, is the crowds and the resulting queues. On a hot summer day or during school holidays, the wait times for the most popular rides like the Kraken and Abyss can be incredibly long, which can be tough with impatient kids. The cost can also be a significant factor. While bringing your own food helps, the ticket prices can add up for a whole family, and the food and drinks sold inside the park are, as you'd expect, quite expensive. While there are lots of shady spots, the paved areas can get extremely hot on your feet, so thongs or water shoes are a must when moving between water attractions.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Go early and on a weekday: If you can, visit on a weekday outside of school holidays to avoid the worst of the crowds. Arriving right at opening time gives you a good hour or two to hit the most popular rides before the lines get too long.
• Pack your own lunch: Take full advantage of the BYO food policy. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and lots of water. There are lockers available to rent if you don't want to carry it all day.
• Hire a cabana: If you're going with a group or have little ones who need a dedicated nap/rest spot, hiring a cabana can be a game-changer. It gives you a guaranteed shady home base for the day.
• Plan your route: Have a look at the park map online before you go. Start with the most popular rides at the back of the park first thing in the morning, or head straight for the water slides before they get packed.
• Parking is free: The good news is that there's plenty of free parking available on-site, which is one less thing to worry about.