Water Splash Parks in Victorian Zoos
Splash Parks in Victorian Zoos are a great way to combine a day of animal encounters with some cooling water play during warmer weather. Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park all have water play areas for children.
Remember to pack bathers, a towel and a change of clothes. Some zoo water play areas only operate during warmer weather.
Note that Kyabram is a genuine large splash park, while Melbourne Zoo, Werribee and Healesville have smaller water-play areas incorporated into their children's play spaces.
Melbourne Zoo (Parkville)
Melbourne Zoo has a water play area in the Active Play space inside the Lion Gorge precinct.
The play area provides a place for kids to cool down while exploring the zoo. The water features are seasonal and Zoos Victoria advises that they are turned on when the temperature is above 25 degrees.
Cnr Elliott Avenue and Kendall Avenue, Parkville 3052
Werribee Open Range Zoo (Werribee South)
Werribee Open Range Zoo has the popular Hippo Beach and Water Play area near the Hippo Beach Café.
Kids can splash around among the water-play features and then explore the huge sandpit and hammock swings. The area is conveniently located near the hippo exhibit and café.
The water play operates on warm days. Zoos Victoria advises that when the temperature is above 25 degrees the Hippo Beach water play area is turned on, so bring bathers on hot days.
K Road, Werribee South 3030
Healesville Sanctuary (Badger Creek)
Healesville Sanctuary has water play at Banksia Grove, near the Reptile Picnic Area.
Banksia Grove is a nature-based playground where children can splash in the water play, hide in cubbies, climb over timber stumps and explore a living tunnel. Banksia Café overlooks the playground, making it a particularly convenient stop for families.
There is also Iuk/Eok Eel Creek Play near the RACV Lyrebirds Aviary, where children can explore the shallow creek environment.
Cnr Badger Creek Road and Glen Eadie Avenue, Badger Creek 3777
Kyabram Fauna Park (Kyabram)
Kyabram Fauna Park has the largest and most substantial zoo splash park in Victoria.
The 580-square-metre Splash Park opened in 2025 and includes:
- Water jets
- Fountains and spraying water features
- Water arches
- Water slide
- Sandpits
- Trampolines
- Picnic lawns
Use of the Splash Park is included with admission to Kyabram Fauna Park.
75 Lake Road, Kyabram 3620
Tips for Visiting Zoo Splash Parks
- Bring bathers, towels and a change of clothes
- Water shoes can be useful on hot surfaces
- Apply sunscreen regularly
- Water play at some zoos is seasonal or temperature dependent
- Check the zoo website before travelling if the splash park is an important part of your visit
- Children should be supervised at all times around water
