Cockburn ARC

Cockburn ARC is a huge, modern leisure and aquatic centre that honestly feels like a mini-resort for families. It’s way more than just a local swimming pool; it’s a massive complex with a state-of-the-art gym, multiple pools designed for different ages and activities, and even the official training ground for the Fremantle Dockers AFL team, which adds a bit of a cool factor. For us parents, though, the main draw is the incredible water park section, which is almost entirely geared towards keeping the kids entertained for hours, making it a go-to destination for a full day of fun, especially on a hot summer day or during school holidays.

Age Appropriateness

This is one of those rare places that genuinely caters to a massive range of ages, from babies right up to teenagers. For the littlest ones (0-5 years), the indoor water playground is absolute gold. It’s a zero-depth, beach-entry splash pad area with fountains, water cannons, and a giant tipping bucket that guarantees squeals of delight. It’s all enclosed and shallow, so you can relax a little. For the primary school crowd (6-12 years), the real excitement comes from the three big waterslides. There are two fast ones (The Pipeline and The Tumbler) and a gentler one you can go down on an inflatable raft (The Rocket). There are height restrictions (1.2m for the fast slides and 1.1m for the raft slide), so be prepared for that conversation. Teenagers will love the slides too, as well as the 50m outdoor pool and the warmer 25m indoor pool for more serious swimming or just hanging out.

The Highlights (Pros)

The biggest pro is the sheer variety of things to do. The indoor water playground is a fantastic, safe space for toddlers and preschoolers, and it’s heated, making it perfect for year-round visits. The three big slides are a major drawcard for older kids and are genuinely thrilling. The whole facility is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, from the change rooms to the pool decks, which is always a huge relief for parents. The family change rooms are spacious and a lifesaver when you're juggling multiple kids. There’s also a café on-site for the inevitable "I'm hungry!" chorus, and the food is decent, with plenty of kid-friendly options. Another plus is that spectators don't have to pay an entry fee, which is great if one parent is just watching from the sidelines.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

It gets incredibly busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. This means parking can be a real challenge, and you might have to walk a fair way from your car. The noise level inside the aquatic area can be overwhelming when it’s crowded; the echoes of splashing and happy screaming can be a lot after a couple of hours. The cost can also add up. While a single family pass is reasonable, if you're paying for individual entries and then buying food, it can become an expensive day out. During peak times, the queues for the big slides can get quite long, which can test the patience of even the most excited child.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

First, go early. If you can arrive right when it opens, especially on a weekend, you’ll get a good parking spot and enjoy an hour or so before the major crowds descend. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money; they have grassy areas outside where you can sit for a break. If you have a baby or toddler, a swim nappy is mandatory. They sell them at the front desk, but it’s cheaper to bring your own. For the slides, check your child's height before you go to avoid disappointment. Finally, the family change rooms are located near the water playground, so aim for those. They have larger cubicles and changing tables, making the post-swim pack-up much less chaotic.