Splash park coming to life at Wurdi Baierr
Published on 08 October 2026
The new splash park at Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre is in and tiled, marking another step forward for the centre in north Torquay, set to open early next year.
The indoor splash park features two slides, various water fountains and jets, and accessible play zones designed for young children of all abilities.
The tiles and equipment colours were chosen in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation with inspiration drawn from the beautiful coastal features of Wadawurrung Country.
The colours represent the shades of the water, and tones of the beaches, cliff faces and vegetation, in a design aiming to make the park inviting and exciting for all.
There’s still a little while to wait before the community can make its own splash, with fit-out continuing across the centre, which is more than 85% complete.
All three pools and the spa are tiled, the sauna and steam room are being fitted out, and the gym and program rooms are painted. The roof is also covered in solar panels.
The centre has been designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. Solar panels generating 490kW have been installed on the roof, while an airtight building design will help minimise energy loss. Lower pool hall ceilings, low-profile glazing and no skylights will also reduce the amount of space that needs to be heated and help minimise heat loss.
The design further reduces heat transfer between internal spaces, helping to lower energy use and heating costs, while 100% of rainwater will be retained and reused onsite
The centre is jointly funded by the Victorian Government, the Australian Government and Surf Coast Shire Council. Being built alongside the existing Wurdi Baierr Stadium, it will include:
- 25-metre pool
- Warm water pool
- Learn to swim pool
- Splash park
- Spa, sauna and steam room
- Gym and program spaces
- Allied health suites
- Café and supporting amenities
- Accessible changing areas, including family changerooms and a Changing Places facility
- Separate entry and changing area for schools
- Car parking and landscaping work
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“The Wurdi Baierr splash park will be more than just a place to cool off - it will give kids the freedom to splash, play and explore in an accessible space, while supporting active play and helping build confidence around water.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Inspired by the colours of Wadawurrung Country, from land to sea, the new splash park will be a valuable community asset - a welcoming place for families to gather, kids to play, and the broader community to connect.”
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker
“Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be an awesome legacy for a community that loves the ocean and - after a decade of amazing advocacy, backed in by significant Federal and State Government investment - it will soon be a reality.”
Quote attributable toSurf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton:
“Seeing the splash park coming to life is an exciting milestone. We know families are going to love this space – somewhere for younger children to splash and play regardless of the weather outside.”
“With three pools and a splash park, there’ll be something for everyone – from learning to swim and warm water exercise to lap swimming and family fun. Upstairs, the gym and program rooms will offer even more ways to get active.”
Belgravia Leisure has been appointed to manage the centre once it opens.
Wurdi Baierr (pronounced word-ee by-eer) means ‘big gathering place’ in Wadawurrung Language.