Talk about an aquatic adventure! Aquanation is one of THE greatest place for water play in Melbourne’s East. A squillian dollar, state of the art facility that is miles beyond the Ringwood pools of old. There is still the olympic length pool. But it is the slides and kid friendly wading pools that knocks this bad boy at of the water.

The colourful water wheel buzzes with activity has kids running (well - the fast shuffle that is safe around the pool deck) laps up and down the stairs! They will be riding down the slides, splashing in the bubbler jets and squealing with excitement (and a little terror) as the water dumps from above.

The slides are just as fun on Mamma’s lap or independently - the water is shallow at the bottom so perfect for two years and older, but close supervision is always a must. The shallow pool has a perfect incline and is comfortable for the crawlers and early walkers to explore - plus it is sectioned off from the preschooler area so there are no rouge ‘big kids’ running and knocking anyone down.

The leisure pool is nice and warm, and has plenty of room for some swimming practice. For the bigger players, however, they have to try out the super slides - the Twister and the Skybox (extra charge for these and limited opening hours too)! And of course, the diving boards at the rear of the centre.

Change facilities are great with the changing village set up before you hit the offical change rooms with private family cubicles to the left. Unfortunately not ideal with prams so best to leave them in the car.