Bayswater Waves (The Pools)

Bayswater Waves is a fantastic, year-round aquatic centre that’s basically a lifesaver for parents, especially on those days when the weather is unpredictable. It’s a large, mostly indoor facility that genuinely has something for everyone in the family. The main drawcard is WA's only indoor wave pool, but it also features a big, enclosed waterslide, a lazy river, a dedicated toddler pool, and even 25m and 50m lap pools for serious swimmers. All the pools are heated, which is a huge bonus, meaning you can get your water-play fix even in the middle of winter. It’s more than just a pool; it’s a full-on aquatic playground that can easily fill a whole morning or afternoon.

Age Appropriateness

This is one of the best things about Bayswater Waves – it truly caters to a wide range of ages. For the littlest ones (babies and toddlers), there’s a separate, shallow toddler pool with a small, boat-shaped slide that’s very manageable and not at all intimidating. The main wave pool also has a gentle, beach-style entry, so toddlers can splash safely in the shallows where the waves gently break. Primary school-aged kids will have an absolute blast. They’re old enough for the lazy river, the whirlpool, and of course, the main wave pool. The big, enclosed tube slide is a huge hit with the more adventurous kids. For tweens and teens, the wave sessions and the waterslide are the main attractions, providing enough excitement to keep them happily occupied.

The Highlights (Pros)

• The Wave Pool: This is the absolute star of the show. A bell rings every half hour or so, signalling the start of the waves for a 10-minute session, and it’s a thrill for all ages. The varying wave heights mean confident swimmers can go deeper while little ones stay near the "shore".
• Variety of Pools: You're not just stuck with one option. Between the wave pool, lazy river, toddler area, indoor and outdoor lap pools, and even a hydrotherapy pool, spa, and steam room for the grown-ups, there's a zone for every mood and need.
• Weather-Proof Fun: Being mostly indoors makes this a reliable, all-weather activity. You don't have to worry about sunscreen or sudden downpours, which is a massive plus for planning ahead.
• Good Facilities: The centre is generally well-maintained and clean. There are plenty of family change rooms, which makes juggling multiple kids so much easier. There's also a café on site for that post-swim hot chip craving.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

• It Gets BUSY: Unsurprisingly, this place is popular. During school holidays and on weekends, it can feel very crowded and noisy. This can be a bit overwhelming, especially with very young children.
• Wave and Slide Times: The waves and the main waterslide don't run continuously. The waves operate for about 10 minutes at a time, and the slide typically only opens on weekends and during school and public holidays, usually between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. It’s worth checking the schedule to avoid disappointment.
• Supervision is Key: With so many different areas and often large crowds, you need to be extra vigilant. The rule is that children under 6 must be within arm's reach of a parent at all times. Lifeguards are on duty, but it’s up to parents to actively supervise their own kids.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Parking: There is a good amount of general parking available, including an overflow area and accessible ACROD bays right near the entrance. Even so, it can get tight during peak periods, so arriving a little early is a good idea.
• Go Early or Late: To avoid the biggest crowds, try to get there right when it opens or go in the last couple of hours before it closes. Weekday visits during the school term are noticeably quieter.
• Pack Smart: While there's a café, it's always wise to bring your own water bottles and some snacks. Don't forget aquatic nappies for any little ones who aren't toilet trained – they are mandatory.
• Know the Ratios: Be aware of the supervision rules before you go. For kids under 6, it's one adult per four children, and they must be within arm's reach. For kids under 13, one adult can supervise a maximum of 10 children.
• Crèche Facility: If you want to use the gym or have a swim on your own, there’s a crèche available for children from 8 weeks old, which is a fantastic option to have up your sleeve.