Ferris wheels, water slides and fairy floss add up to hours of fun for all ages at this beachside amusement park.
Adelaide’s only amusement park, The Beachhouse, combines a water park and traditional arcade gaming for a day of fun for all ages. The Beachhouse is built around the restored carousel from Adelaide’s original theme park, Luna Park Glenelg. It’s home to an 18-hole mini-golf course and a series of water slides. See it all from atop Australia’s only single-arm Ferris wheel.
Bring your swimming gear regardless of the season, as the water at The Beachhouse is heated, making it a great alternative to the ocean and sand on colder days.
There’s plenty of fun aside from the pools and water slides, too. Be sure to take a spin on the Bumper Boats, a modern interpretation of the traditional bumper car. If you want to stay dry, the original bumper cars are available in the form of the Soli Italian Formula 1 dodgem cars, one of only two of its kind in the world. Face painting, a play castle and a miniature train are also available for younger children.
As at any good amusement park, fairy floss and ice cream are available, along with a range of meals and snacks at the in-house café.
The Beachouse is suitable for both kids and adults, however, some rides — including the bumper cars and the Ferris wheel — have height restrictions. A full list of restrictions is available at the website.
Entry to The Beachhouse is free, with each ride costing a separate fee. Two pricing systems allow you to enjoy the park at your own pace. Pay per ride lets you buy credits that can be used on each ride, allowing you to relax and spend the day as you see fit. Blocks of time can also be purchased, providing value for those willing to race between rides.
The Beachhouse is located in Glenelg, 5.6 miles (nine kilometers) from central Adelaide and can be accessed by tram, car or bicycle via one of two dedicated bike paths. The Beachhouse is open every day except Christmas Day.
