Funfields


Funfields is a theme park located in the suburban fringe town of Whittlesea, approximately north of Melbourne, Australia. Opened in 1985, originally as the Alpine Toboggan Park, it has over the years evolved into a multifaceted theme park encompassing a wide variety of wet and dry attractions, and is one of four major theme parks in Victoria. Due to Melbourne's climate and the water related nature of several of its attractions, the park closes during the colder winter months. Its newest attractions have been the Gravity Wave water slide and the Voodoo pendulum ride, both opened in October 2017 as well as a heated outdoor wave pool, named Volcano Beach, opening in December 2018.

History

The park first opened on 2 February 1985 under the 'Alpine Toboggan Park' name, featuring what is now known as the Alpine toboggan slide, a toboggan ride with a stainless steel track, ridden on with plastic sleds. The park remained fairly static over the next 20 years, only adding 2 in-ground waterslides, a mini golf course and a go-kart track. In 2005, the park was rebranded as Funfields, and has since been steadily improved through upgrades of the park grounds, new park amenities and the construction of new waterslides and amusement rides. The park currently, has a visitor capacity of 4600, 1150 formal and informal car park spaces, and employs 180 full and part-time staff during peak operating periods.

Park timeline

Water Rides

Funfields has 11 water rides and attractions, including six water slides, the largest amount in Victoria.
NameOpenedManufacturerDescription
Aqua Shak2011Wizard WorksA multi-level children's water playground, consisting of waterslides, ladders, ramps and a giant "shak" on top which unleashes 2000 litres of water every time it fills up.
Birdy Cove2016UnknownA water playground for toddlers featuring small waterslides and a paddle pool. The area also contains VIP Cabana huts which overlook the playground.
Blackout2009Australian Waterslides and LeisureA 120m long fully enclosed tube slide. Pitch black darkness is experienced whilst riding. 1 or 2 riders per tube.
Gravity Wave2017ProSlideA 186m long, 26.8m tall partially enclosed raft slide. Featuring a double corkscrew followed by a large drop onto the 'wave'. The slide is the tallest, longest and biggest of its type in the world. 2 or 4 riders per raft.
Kraken Racer2015ProSlideA 113m long, 4 lane semi-enclosed racing slide. Riding by laying on mats, speeds of over 60 km/h are possible. The only one of its type in Australia and the longest of its type in the world. Slide times are also recorded and displayed via overhead screens. 1 rider per mat.
SplashdownCirca 1985-1987UnknownThe first waterslides to be built at Funfields. Two near-identical 65m in-ground waterslides where you sit on mats while you slide down until you hit the splash pool. Typically 1 rider per mat.
Tiki Bay2004UnknownSeveral bumper boats in their own dedicated pool. The boats feature water pistols to enable you to soak other riders. Was formerly named 'Bumpa Boats'.
Typhoon2013ProSlideA 137m long Cannonbowl waterslide, the longest of its type in the world, featuring a 19-metre drop, reaching speeds in excess of 30 km/h. 1 or 2 riders per tube.
Wacky Waters2011Wizard WorksA children's paddling pool and water play area, directly adjacent to the Aqua Shak, features several water related activities for children including water jets and super soaker turrets.
Wipeout2010Australian Waterslides and LeisureA 130m long translucent, fully enclosed tube slide with a large sudden drop at the finish. 1 or 2 riders per tube.
Volcano Beach2018ProSlideA 2000m2 1.5 million litre heated wave pool, capable of producing 1 metre high waves. The first outdoor wave pool to be built in Victoria.