Campbelltown Billabong Parklands

Wanting to transform Apex/Bradbury Park into a unique, regional recreational destination that would serve as a meeting space for locals and attract visitors from out of town, the Campbelltown Council set out to build the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands aquatic facility, which was completed in 2024. 

Containing a splash pad and stream, a children’s pool, Billabong pool, picnic huts, BBQs, shade structures, and public art installations created in collaboration with members of the local Aboriginal community, the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands provides aquatic play opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. 

Waterplay was brought in to create a unique splash pad and stream, which contained custom requests that included lighting elements, and incorporating actual stepping stones into the design. The entire space needed to be compliant with Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)and also required ample shaded areas to protect visitors from the hot Australian sun. These requests were all crucial in creating a gathering space that would accommodate a wide range of people of all ages and abilities.  

With the client’s requests in-hand, Waterplay’s expert design team worked hard to deliver a splashy and dynamic design that captured everything the client was looking for. Collaborating closely with project partners Crystal Pools and Trisley’s Hydraulic Services, the Waterplay team incorporated several splash pad features throughout the space, including a Fun-Brella, Water Weaver 2, and Spin Spray 1, as well as numerous ground sprays and luminary sprays. Some spray features were even worked directly into the stepping stones!  

The public art installations in the facility were both developed by local members of the Aboriginal community, in collaboration with Milne & Stonehouse. The Bridge Artwork acts as a symbolic connection between Aboriginal people and dissects the main Billabong pool as a landscape feature. The Entry Sign reads: ‘Njirgangga dharidhamayi Dharawal nguradha You are standing on Dharawal Country’, and depicts a range of artworks including lyrebird and human footprints.  

Campbelltown Billabong Parklands was funded by the Campbelltown Council, the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Western Sydney Liveability Program, with additional funding for the gateway areas around the site provided by the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy Fund.   

Born from a vision of connection and belonging, the Billabong Parklands has become a place where culture, play, and community truly flow together. It’s where Campbelltown comes to gather, cool off, and celebrate what makes their city unique.