I remember being on a bus on the way back from my one and only excursion duty with Miss 8 from Scienceworks when I saw this headline in my email (yes I was on my phone checking emails, bad I know) “Adventure Park Geelong – We’re Inviting You”. To say that I was excited was an understatement! I quickly told Miss 8, who was thrilled at the prospect of going there, especially having seen the ads on television. We’ve always wanted to try out the place, but the distance – Geelong, sort of stopped us. Oh, and the entry fees too. But, I thought, hey, let’s try this out and then at least we can gauge and see what’s there and probably go back again next time.

It took us just under 2 hours to get there…with the constant, “Are we there yet” from Master 6. Yes, and we thought that only happens in movies huh? Finally, saw the huge sign and the kids started calling out in excitement that we’ve finally arrived!

The weather was a bit fresh and chilly for a day to spend at a water park. We prayed for the sun to stay all day and warm up the clouds a little, but hey, we’re in Melbourne, you sort of learn to live with the ever changing weather patterns. The place though was HUGE! Once we were brought inside, I was in awe at the size of the Adventure Park. We had to cross a bridge to get to – the “other side” so to speak. That’s where all the water rides were.

 

We were seated in a cabana, which costs $59.95 if you wanted to hire one for yourself. Otherwise, there are many areas that you can “book” in for free…as in find a spot and plonk your picnic rug or seat on one of their many picnic tables and benches that are provided on across the bridge.

 

Master 6 set off with Mr. C to try the Six Lane Aqua Racer, which was right in front of our cabana. I was amazed at his courage to try that huge water slide! He loved it! I on the other hand, was a little bit apprehensive. The girls, Master 6 and I then went on the River Torrent Lazy River, lounging on the round donuts whilst the “torrent” carried us to the end. The water was freezing cold, no thanks to the frisky weather, but still, it was pretty nice. Next, the girls and I tried the Six Lane Aqua Racer. All the while, I was thinking, “what the hell am I doing?!” but went down anyway. What an adrenalin rush! I wanted to go back up but the girls thought it was a tad bit scary – even though they went on it again much later with Mr. C. The girls then went to try out the other water slides that were there, having a blast, whilst I lounged in the cabana – after all, it was a holiday so I thought I’d soak up as much rest as I can.

Lunch was pretty good actually, with lots of combos presented. Prices start from $9.50 for a Junior meal which includes chips and a drink, but really, you can bring in your own food or even hire their Gas BBQ and have a family BBQ. We had the burger combo from Burger Barn, thanks to the food vouchers from Adventure Park.

After the kids and Mr. C has had enough of the “wet” rides, we proceeded to venture to the “dry” areas and try out the “dry” rides. That’s the good thing I guess, about the Adventure Park – you’ve got a range of choices on what you can do. We rode on the “train” around the park and I just have to share this funny tidbit. We passed by the other side of the lake and saw a man in a canoe, stranded! It was pretty funny actually. First, you’re not supposed to cross under the bridge and stay within the specific area when you’re canoeing and somehow this guy managed to cross over and was finding it hard to get back. Thankfully the guy who was driving the train was also a life-guard – I think they all were. Anyway, he radioed his colleague to help out the guy and told him to stay put whilst someone comes and get him.

Next, we went on to try some rides on the lake. Miss 9, Master 6 and I went on the paddle boat, while Mr.C and Miss 8 tried canoeing. We then headed out to play a little mini golf choosing to go to “Fortress Fall”, one of the two mini golf spaces. Master 6 got into it immediately and well, Mr. C, Miss 9 and I lost our balls in one of the holes…I think it got stuck somehow. By then it got pretty late for us – 4pm. We were all tired and so headed on home.

Whilst we had lots of fun at Adventure Park (yes the kids wanted to go back the very next day!), the thing that I have to say bothered me a little was the pricing structure. This would be a great place to have corporate family days, otherwise, if you’ve got a small family, you’d be better off buying their Summer Fun Pass,  which entitles you to unlimited entry until the 29th April 2012. It would be great though if they came up with a family entry pass of some sort. That way you won’t feel too much of  pinch in your hip pocket. So to get your money’s worth in entry fees, you would have to be there all day, bring your own food and beverages and pick a spot on any of their grassy areas to camp your stuff.

I do however have some great news for those of you who would LOVE to try out Adventure Park! I have not one but TWO Summer Fun Passes to give away, each valued at $74.99. All you have to do is fill in the form at the bottom with your details and leave a comment sharing with us, in 25 words or less, what your best ever Summer memory was.

This competition is now CLOSED.