If you’ve never been to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport before, you just don’t know what you’re missing!
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Broadwater Parklands is the home of GCAC – an arena eagerly anticipating the swimming and diving events of 2018’s Commonwealth Games. This prestigious, world-class facility has a lot on offer for Queensland (and interstate) visitors. There are indoor and outdoor pool areas available for community use.
GCAC is open every day except for Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. On both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve it closes at 4pm.
Open hours:
- Mon-Fri: 5am to 8pm
- Saturday: 6am to 5pm
- Sunday: 7am to 4pm
- Public holidays: 7am to 4pm
Indoor pool availability hours:
- Mon-Fri: 5am to 8am / 12pm to 2.30pm / 6.30pm to 8lm
- Saturday: 1pm to 5pm
- Sunday: 7am to 4pm
What’s at GCAC for families?
You’ll find the following facilities available for use:
- Six pools (heated to 27 degrees year-round)
- One of the pools is 50m for the serious swimmers in your squad
- 10 lane competition pool
- Children’s splash pool
Diving platforms (1, 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 metres high) that plunge down to the diving pool (depth is between 3 and 5 metres) Diving platform use costs an extra $3 on top of entry fee and cannot be used on weekends or public holidays unless booked for private use
- Dry land dive training area
- Fitness centre (fully equipped and runs classes on a regular timetable)
What facilities for families are there at GCAC?
There is an onsite café (indoor and outdoor seating) and a crèche. Large event space and spectator seating means that there’s always plenty of room to move. There are support facilities on offer and the area is completely accessible for family needs and those of different levels of ability.
There are full change rooms and amenities that are of an impeccable standard. If you’re interested in taking advantage of these spaces for business purposes you’ll also find consultation suites and multi-function meeting rooms.
There are learn to swim programmes available here as well as rehabilitation and low impact exercise classes. This is a great place for parents with younger children who can sometimes feel concerned at fully outdoor swim parks that can be a little chaotic.
How do we get to Gold Coast Aquatic Centre?
It’s in the Broadwater Parklands at Southport. Enter at the intersection of Nind St and Marine Parade. Parking is $2 per hour at the centre and in the parklands. There are public transport options available if you’d like to plan your journey using Translink Journey Planner.
How much does it cost to go to Gold Coast Aquatic Centre?
Here are the basic costs for single visits. If you’re interested in long-term passes please ask for more information when you’re there or check their website.
- Adult (15 or over): $5.80
- Child (2-14): $4.30
- Pensioner / student: $4.30
- Carer: no charge (must be able to present carers card)
- Family pass (4 swimmers, no more than 2 adults): $14.50
- Parent + child aged 2-4: $7.70
- Non-swimming fee (spectator or just watching): $2.70
Healthy fun for the whole family!
Swimming is a huge part of our Australian culture. There are so many health and social benefits to this sport. Whether you’re the next Keiren Perkins or you’re just after a lazy float, make sure you visit Gold Coast Aquatic Centre next time you’re at the coast. Come on in, the water’s fine!
Is the pool open for winter?
Does the indoor heated pool have easy access with rails for the less mobile and elderly visitors?
Hi Lyn,
Thanks for the comment! Straight from the horse’s mouth…
“Gold Coast Centre is fully accessible with a hoist/chairlift available as required and accessible parking and bathroom facilities. Our heated, 25 metre swimming (program) pool has ramped/wheelchair access. There is also lift access to the function rooms, podium, event seating, and fitness centre on level one.”