Mamma feels like the family has struck absolute gold when visiting the Eureka Swimming Pool and Water Park in Ballarat.

It’s just fantastic and only around an hour from the inner West, making it such an easy day trip or weekend adventure. You could comfortably spend a couple of hours here (or most of the day, like Mamma does!), and you’re pretty much guaranteed happy kids and relaxed parents. On a sunny day, it really does tick all the boxes.

Eureka Swimming Pool Ballarat Splash Park Outdoor Fun Melbourne's West

The complex has its own water park, which is always a huge hit, plus a fully fenced, heated toddler pool so even the littlest visitors can splash safely. There’s also a larger kids’ pool that’s not too deep, beautifully heated, and even has a slide straight into it — instant entertainment. For breaks between swims, there’s a shaded playground and BBQ area, perfect for lunch or a quick rest, and for the grown-ups (or older kids), a 50-metre heated outdoor lap pool.

One of Mamma’s favourite things about this pool is that it never feels overwhelmingly crowded, which makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Add in the fact that it’s great value, and this spot is a total win for families.

Mamma’s hot tip: if the kids still have energy to burn, there’s a huge playground right next door. A great family day out all round, Mamma says!