Organising a community event or school fair with an inflatable obstacle course as the star attraction is an exciting way to draw crowds and encourage active fun. However, the thrill of a giant inflatable comes with the responsibility of safety and careful planning. In Australia, where we hold outdoor events year-round at schools, council parks, and festivals, it’s vital to approach inflatable obstacle course installations with both enthusiasm and expertise. This comprehensive guide – written by the team at Australian Inflatables – will walk you through everything a commercial client needs to know to host a safe, successful, and memorable inflatable obstacle course event. We’ll cover planning considerations, safety protocols aligned with Australian standards, tips for smooth operation on event day, and how to maximise the value of your investment in an inflatable obstacle course. Whether you represent a school, a local council, or an event organisation, this guide will help ensure your next inflatable attraction is a soaring success (literally!).
An inflatable obstacle course with dual slides and vibrant colors can be a show-stopping centerpiece at events. Planning ahead – from choosing the right design to enforcing safety rules – ensures that the fun remains accident-free and suitable for all ages. In Australia, high-quality obstacle course inflatables (like the one shown) are built to meet strict safety standards, but proper setup and supervision are equally crucial for a successful event.
The Benefits of Inflatable Obstacle Courses for Community Events
Inflatable obstacle courses have surged in popularity across Australia for good reason. They aren’t just larger-than-life play structures – they’re magnets for engagement that can turn a standard event into an unforgettable adventure. For schools, an obstacle course adds a dynamic element to fetes and sports days, giving children a chance to exercise and compete in a safe environment. For councils and event organisers, these inflatables are versatile crowd-pleasers: kids, teenagers, and even adults love to have a go, making them ideal for family-friendly festivals and team-building events alike.
From a community and educational perspective, an obstacle course encourages physical activity and social interaction. Participants climbing, crawling, and sliding through the course are not only having fun but also building motor skills, coordination, and teamwork – all under the guise of play. This aligns well with the objectives of schools and community programs that aim to get people moving and collaborating. Unlike single-purpose attractions, an obstacle course typically has multiple elements (tunnels, climbing walls, slides, pop-up obstacles), which means several people can enter and enjoy it at once, keeping queues moving and energy levels high.
Another benefit is the thematic flexibility of inflatable courses. They come in various themes and sizes – from brightly colored classic designs to elaborate custom-themed challenges. This means you can match an inflatable to your event’s theme or audience’s age range. Hosting a summer festival? A tropical or beach-themed obstacle course would fit right in. Running a school fundraiser with a fairy-tale or superhero theme? There are courses designed to spark imaginations. The ability to customize or choose different styles of courses helps event organisers keep things fresh and exciting year after year.
Finally, from a commercial standpoint, inflatable obstacle courses can be a smart investment for frequent event hosts. Rental companies have long known that these units draw crowds and command good rental rates. For schools or councils, investing in your own obstacle course (rather than hiring one repeatedly) can pay off after a few uses – especially if you run annual events or can lend it out to partner organisations. Owning an inflatable course gives you the freedom to deploy it whenever needed for community pop-ups, holiday celebrations, or even to generate revenue by renting it to others. The key, of course, is ensuring that if you buy one, you choose a commercial-grade, Australian-standard compliant obstacle course that will serve you safely for many years. We’ll discuss how to do that and what to look for later in this guide.
Planning Ahead: Selecting the Right Course and Venue
Successful events start with smart planning. Once you’ve decided to feature an inflatable obstacle course, it’s time to consider which course to choose and how to prepare your venue.
1. Sizing and Specifications: Inflatable obstacle courses for sale in Australia come in a range of sizes – from smaller 8-10 metre long backyard models to gigantic 30+m long courses designed for big events. When selecting a course for a school or council event, carefully match the size of the inflatable to your venue capacity and expected crowd. Measure the available space, including clearance around the inflatable for safety mats, blower equipment, and queuing lines. Check the product specifications for dimensions (length, width, and height) and ensure the ceiling height is sufficient if using indoors (e.g., a school gym). Also verify the footprint and clearance needed for staking or securing the inflatable. A common mistake is underestimating space; remember that an obstacle course with a tall slide will also need clearance from overhead obstacles like tree branches or power lines.
2. Age-Appropriate Design: Consider the age group of your primary audience. If it’s mainly young children (e.g. a primary school event), you might opt for a simpler course with basic obstacles and a gentler slide. For mixed-age public events or teen groups, a more challenging course with taller slides, climbing walls, and crawl-through tunnels will keep everyone engaged. Many inflatables are rated for certain age ranges or maximum player numbers – adhere to these recommendations for safety. The good news is that commercial-grade obstacle courses are often built to handle both kids and adults (in terms of weight and robustness), but the course layout should still be appropriate. You want fun challenge, not frustration or undue risk. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer or supplier for guidance on which models are best suited for the demographic of your event.
3. Venue Surface and Location: Plan to set up the inflatable on a flat, level surface. Grass is ideal (it provides a soft landing and allows for staking the inflatable securely). If you must set up on concrete or asphalt (say, a school blacktop or parking lot carnival), be aware you’ll need weighted sandbags and ground cover (like tarps or foam mats) to protect the inflatable and participants. Check the venue for any slope; inflatables must be on level ground to operate safely – a tilted course could lead to uneven distribution of weight and tipping hazards. Also consider accessibility: Is the area easy for the delivery and installation team to access with a large rolled-up inflatable and blowers? Ensure there’s adequate clearance for the inflatable’s blower hoses to reach power sources, or arrange a generator if mains power isn’t close by.
4. Permissions and Weather Plans: Especially for council-run events on public land, ensure you have any necessary permits or approvals to set up the inflatable. This might include informing local authorities or park management. Additionally, always have a weather contingency plan. Inflatables cannot be operated in high winds or thunderstorms for safety reasons – Australian safety guidelines often recommend deflation when wind gusts exceed around 40 km/h, as wind can create a sail effect on large inflatables. If your event is during a season or day where high winds or sudden weather changes are possible, decide in advance how you’ll respond. It could be having extra volunteers on hand to help quickly deflate if needed, or an alternative indoor location as backup. Part of planning ahead is being ready to “call it” for safety if conditions turn poor – it’s disappointing, but far better than risking an incident.
By thoroughly planning which obstacle course to use and how to set up your site, you set the stage for a smooth event. Once these basics are sorted, you can turn your attention to the most important aspect: safety during the event.
Safety First: Compliance and Supervision on Event Day
Safety is the cornerstone of any inflatable attraction. Australia has well-defined standards and guidelines to ensure inflatable amusement devices operate safely – and as an organiser, adhering to these is non-negotiable. Here’s how to keep safety front and center at your inflatable obstacle course event:
Australian Standards Compliance: Verify that the inflatable obstacle course you’re using complies with Australian safety standards, specifically AS 3533.4.1 (which covers land-borne inflatable amusement devices). If you purchased your obstacle course from Australian Inflatables or another reputable local manufacturer, it should come with documentation of compliance. This standard covers critical design and manufacturing requirements: things like the number and strength of anchor points, the quality of materials and stitching, stability, and proper user capacity. As an event organiser, you should ask for the compliance certificate or tag on the unit. During setup, ensure all the manufacturer’s guidelines are followed – for example, using all the required anchor points (don’t skip any even if the inflatable feels stable; each point is there for a reason). If the event is being inspected by a safety officer or insurance representative, they’ll want to see that the inflatable is certified and installed as per standards.
Trained Supervisors: One of the simplest yet most effective safety measures is having dedicated attendants supervising the obstacle course at all times. These attendants can be staff or volunteers, but they need to be trained on the do’s and don’ts. Their job is to control the flow of participants and enforce rules. Key duties include: making sure participants remove shoes (and any sharp objects) before entry, keeping an eye on the number of people on the course (to prevent overcrowding), and grouping participants by size or age when necessary (e.g., not letting a big teenager and a small 5-year-old go head-to-head). They also need to stop rough play – flips, piling on, or any unsafe behavior. We recommend at least two supervisors per obstacle course: one at the entrance managing the line and start interval, and one at the exit or along the side observing the middle of the course. For very large courses, additional roving marshals can help. Ensure all supervisors know the emergency procedures too – such as how to hit the emergency stop on the blower or evacuate the inflatable quickly in case of an issue like a power loss or sudden weather change.
Rules and Signage: It helps to establish clear rules and communicate them. At the entrance, post a large, visible sign with the obstacle course rules. Common rules should include the maximum number of players at once, height or age restrictions if any, no shoes or jewelry, no food, no climbing on the outer walls, and no somersaults or wrestling. If the course has a tall slide, add rules like “feet first only” for sliding. Having these rules displayed means participants (and their parents for younger kids) are aware of expectations. Your supervisors then just have to kindly enforce what’s already stated. It’s also wise to have a safety briefing announcement at intervals, especially at bigger events: a quick loudspeaker reminder to patrons about playing safely and listening to attendants can set the right tone.
Weather and Wind Monitoring: On the day of the event, keep an eye on the weather even after the inflatable is set up. Sudden gusts of wind are one of the biggest risks to inflatable devices – a strong gust can lift stakes out of soft ground or even flip an improperly secured inflatable. Check the forecast frequently and use a handheld anemometer (wind speed meter) if possible to monitor conditions in real time. As mentioned, if winds approach the safety threshold (often around 30–40 km/h in gusts for many inflatables), it’s time to temporarily halt and deflate the obstacle course. Yes, this is a tough call to make in the middle of a busy event, but nothing is more important than safety. Rain is less of an immediate safety threat (unless it’s pooling water on the inflatable and making it too slippery), but if a storm with lightning is coming, definitely evacuate and deflate – large inflatable structures should not be up in electrical storms. Have a plan for these scenarios: for instance, a whistle code or radio call among staff to coordinate a quick shutdown if needed.
First Aid Readiness: Despite all precautions, minor bumps or falls can happen – after all, it’s an active attraction. Ensure you have first aid kits on site and ideally a trained first aider or medic available during the event. For school or council events, you might have St. John Ambulance or local first aid volunteers on site as a matter of course. Make sure the supervisors know where to direct people for first aid. Fortunately, serious injuries on inflatables are rare when safety measures are followed, but being prepared for small incidents (like a twisted ankle or a bumped head) is part of responsible planning.
By strictly enforcing safety protocols, you not only protect your participants but also give your organisation a reputation for professionalism and care. Parents will feel more comfortable and attendees will have more fun knowing everything is under control. Next, let’s look at the logistics that ensure your inflatable obstacle course runs as smoothly as possible.
Logistics and Operations: Tips for a Smooth Event
Beyond safety oversight, there are practical considerations that can make or break the success of your inflatable attraction on event day. Let’s talk about operations and logistics – the behind-the-scenes details that ensure everything runs like clockwork.
Efficient Queuing System: Popular attractions like obstacle courses inevitably draw lines. How you manage the queue can influence both safety and enjoyment. A long, disorderly queue can lead to impatient kids crowding the entrance or attempting unsanctioned entry from the sides. Solve this by setting up a clear queuing area using cones, ropes, or barriers. You might implement a “group play” system where a set number of participants (say, 6 or 8 at a time, depending on the course size) are allowed in together, then given a minute or two to go through the course, and then they all exit to let the next group on. This system can be announced (“eight at a time, rotate every two minutes!”) so the crowd knows what to expect. It creates a fair turn-taking process and avoids overloading the inflatable. Also consider a ticket or time-slot system for very busy events – for instance, people get a ticket to come back at a specific 15-minute window to enjoy the obstacle course. This can reduce standing in line and allow families to explore other parts of the event instead of queueing endlessly. However, if you use tickets, ensure your supervisors honor them and manage any on-the-spot entrants accordingly.
Power Supply and Backup: Inflatables require continuous power for the blowers. Ensure you’re using safe, outdoor-rated extension cords and that they are taped down or covered to prevent any tripping hazards. The blower should be at least a few meters away from the inflatable (as specified by the manufacturer) and cordoned off so attendees, especially kids, don’t fiddle with it. It’s wise to have an emergency backup blower or generator on site. If a blower malfunctioned or a circuit breaker tripped, you want to get the inflatable re-inflated quickly to avoid distress (imagine a sudden air loss while participants are inside – prompt re-inflation is important, though you should be evacuating immediately too). A backup generator can also save the day if there’s a venue power outage. These contingency devices should be ready to go, with fuel and correct voltage, so that a technical hiccup doesn’t end your attraction prematurely.
Staffing and Rotation: Running a single inflatable may seem easy, but if your event is several hours long, remember that supervisors and attendants will need breaks. Plan for staff rotation so that no one is stuck in a single spot all day (which can lead to fatigue and lapses in attention). If you’re relying on volunteers, assign shifts and have floaters who can plug in when someone needs lunch or a bathroom break. Brief all staff thoroughly in the morning about their roles, the rules of the inflatable, and any emergency procedures. It can help to designate one person as the “Inflatable Coordinator” who oversees everything related to that attraction – they can troubleshoot issues, make judgment calls about weather, and ensure the team is alert and roles are covered.
Communication: Equip your event staff with a way to communicate quickly – two-way radios are excellent for larger events; for smaller ones, exchanging phone numbers could suffice. The inflatable team should be in communication with event directors especially in cases where a decision needs to be made (e.g., shutting down due to weather, or pausing to fix something). Quick communication ensures everyone is on the same page and participants aren’t left confused if there’s a sudden stop. For instance, if you need to pause the obstacle course, you can have an announcer or a public address system ready to explain to attendees what’s happening (people are very understanding when you cite safety or technical issues, as long as they’re informed).
Cleanliness and COVID-Safety: In the post-2020 world, many organisers are conscious of hygiene at public events. While COVID-19 restrictions are far more relaxed now, it’s still good practice to keep things clean. Consider having a hand sanitiser station at the entrance or exit of the obstacle course. Wiping down high-contact surfaces (like climb handles or entrance areas) periodically with disinfectant can be a good idea, particularly for day-long events with many users. This not only helps reduce germ spread but also is a visible sign to participants (and parents) that you’re taking health seriously. On a simpler note, keep the inflatable clean of debris during operation – if someone brings in dirt or grass clumps, do a quick sweep of the inflatable floor during a lull, as debris can become slip hazards.
By addressing these logistic details, you create a professional and enjoyable experience. An inflatable obstacle course event that is orderly and well-managed will reflect positively on your organisation. It shows that you care about the attendee experience in every aspect, not just the five minutes they’re bouncing through an inflatable.
After the Fun: Pack Down and Maintenance Tips
When the laughter and squeals from the obstacle course have finally died down and your event is wrapping up, there’s still important work to do. How you pack down and care for the inflatable obstacle course post-event will impact its longevity and readiness for next time.
Safe Deflation and Pack Down: Crowd control is important even as you close the attraction. Announce a “last run” for the obstacle course so those waiting know it’s the final turn. Once the final participants are out, immediately stop any new entrants and begin deflation. Make sure no one (especially excited kids) tries to jump back on as it’s deflating – keep your supervisors stationed until it’s fully down. Turn off the blower and open the zippers or vents that facilitate air release (commercial inflatables have these to speed up deflation). As the structure softens, guide it down gently if needed, ensuring it doesn’t collapse onto people or property. Never allow anyone to walk or jump on a partially deflated inflatable – this can be dangerous. Your team should keep bystanders clear during this process.
Once deflation is complete, remove anchor stakes or weights carefully, and inspect the inflatable for any left-behind items (you’d be surprised what can turn up: shoes, phones, toys). If the unit is wet (from rain or just humidity and sweat from play), try to towel-dry what you can; inflatables should be as dry as possible before long-term storage to prevent mold. Follow the folding instructions provided by the manufacturer – typically, you’ll fold the sides to the center, then roll tightly from one end to push out remaining air. Given that obstacle courses can be heavy and bulky, use an appropriate trolley or enough people using proper lifting techniques to move the rolled unit. Straining your back is not a fun way to end the day! Ensure the blower and any extension cords are collected and stored with the inflatable so nothing gets misplaced.
Post-Event Inspection: After the inflatable is rolled up or when you’re back at the storage facility, take a moment to inspect its condition. Look for any obvious damage: small tears, scuffs, or worn areas. Pay special attention to the underside and anchor points, as these endure a lot of stress. It’s far better to discover any issues now than right before your next event. If you do find damage, schedule a repair promptly. Many commercial inflatables come with a repair kit for minor patches, and Australian Inflatables or other manufacturers often offer repair services for more significant fixes. Keeping the obstacle course in top shape is part of your commitment to safety; a well-maintained unit is a safer unit.
Cleaning and Storage: Clean the inflatable thoroughly before storing it for an extended period. Use mild detergent or vinyl cleaner to wipe down the surface, especially if there was any food, dirt, or mud on it. Make sure it’s completely dry (this might mean unrolling it at a later date on a dry day to air it out if time didn’t allow at pack-down). Store the inflatable in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Many organisations use large wheeled bins or heavy-duty bags to store inflatables – this protects them from pests and environmental dust. Also, store the inflatable off the ground if possible (on a pallet or shelf) to avoid any moisture seeping in. Every few months, it’s wise to unroll and inflate your obstacle course even if you’re not using it, just to keep the material from sticking and to run a quick safety check. Think of it like turning over an engine – regular gentle use keeps it in good shape.
By diligently caring for the inflatable after each use, a high-quality obstacle course can last for many years, giving great return on investment. Schools can bring it out for each year’s carnival; councils can reuse it across different community events. The durability and longevity of these inflatables are a big part of what makes them economically sensible purchases for frequent use – as long as you maintain them.
Inflatable obstacle courses aren’t just for kids – many modern designs are built to challenge teens and adults too, as shown in the image with participants racing through. High-quality commercial inflatables can handle intensive use, but regular maintenance and inspections are essential. Event organisers should check their equipment for wear and tear, ensure it’s clean and dry before storage, and follow all manufacturer guidelines. With proper care, an inflatable obstacle course will safely delight crowds at countless events, year after year.
Maximising ROI: Own vs. Hire Considerations
One question that schools, councils, and event companies often ponder is whether to purchase their own inflatable obstacle course or hire one whenever needed. There are pros and cons to each approach, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that maximises your return on investment (ROI) while aligning with your capacity and needs.
Renting (Hiring) an Obstacle Course: Hiring an inflatable from a rental company is a convenient choice for one-off or infrequent events. The immediate advantage is that you don’t have to worry about storage, maintenance, or setup – the rental company typically handles delivery, setup, safety checks, and pack-down. This is great for organisers who might lack the staff or expertise to handle the equipment. If your school or organisation only does, say, one carnival a year, renting might be cost-effective compared to owning a unit that sits idle most of the time. Rental also gives you flexibility to choose different types of courses for different events (one year you could rent a pirate-themed course, next time a sports-themed one, etc., keeping things fresh). The downside of rentals is the recurring cost – rental fees can add up quickly if you need inflatables often. Plus, you have to schedule well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season (spring and summer holidays). And while reputable rental companies do maintain their inflatables well, you are putting a lot of trust in a third party for safety; doing your due diligence on the provider is essential.
Buying (Owning) an Obstacle Course: Owning a commercial-grade inflatable obstacle course is a significant upfront investment – these are large, high-quality pieces of equipment, so you’ll be spending a fair sum initially. However, ownership can pay off in the mid to long term if you use the inflatable regularly. For example, a council that runs monthly community events could recoup the purchase cost in lieu of what repeated rentals would have cost within a year or two. Beyond the break-even point, you essentially have a “free” attraction every time (aside from minor costs like electricity and occasional repairs). Owning also means the inflatable is always available to you – even for last-minute ideas or lending to affiliated schools/clubs as a goodwill gesture. Another benefit is control: you can ensure it’s always in tip-top shape because you maintain it, and you know its full history of use. Many organisations also monetise their owned inflatables by hiring them out to other groups on off-weekends, generating income. If you go this route, it’s crucial to invest in a reputable brand and durable model – Australian Inflatables, for instance, specialises in commercial-grade inflatables built to Australian standards, which is exactly what you want for safety and longevity. Owning an inflatable does bring responsibilities: you’ll need space to store it, a team to handle logistics each time, and a commitment to cleaning and maintenance. You’ll also want to get insurance – in fact, whether renting or owning, public liability insurance is a must when operating inflatables at events (this protects you in case of any injury claims).
Hybrid Approach: Some larger councils or event companies choose a hybrid strategy: purchase one or two core inflatables for frequent use, and supplement with rentals for special occasions or extra capacity. For example, a council might own a big obstacle course because they use it monthly, but rent an additional smaller bounce house or slide for a once-a-year mega event that needs multiple attractions. This approach lets you balance cost and convenience.
In essence, if your need is frequent and you have the infrastructure to handle it, buying an inflatable obstacle course outright often provides better value and branding opportunities (you could even get it custom-branded). If your needs are rare or you lack the manpower for heavy lifting and storage, sticking with rentals is a sound choice. Either way, always calculate the total cost of ownership vs rental fees over a period (include storage, maintenance, and insurance in ownership costs; include repeated hire fees and perhaps transport in rental costs) to inform your decision.
Credibility Through Quality and Care
Hosting an inflatable obstacle course event in Australia can be a highlight for your school or community – a day of laughter, challenge, and shared enjoyment. As we’ve detailed in this guide, the key to making it safe and successful lies in thorough planning, adherence to safety standards, diligent supervision, and proactive management of logistics. When you approach these events with professionalism, not only do you protect your participants, but you also enhance your organisation’s reputation.
Australian Inflatables is committed to supporting schools, councils, and event organisers in every step of this journey. We believe that credibility in our industry comes from delivering quality products and quality guidance. By choosing top-notch, Australian-standard inflatables and following best practices like those outlined above, you demonstrate care for your community’s well-being. And that, ultimately, builds trust – the parents, teachers, and attendees at your events will appreciate the difference.
As you plan your next big event with an inflatable obstacle course (or any inflatable attraction), remember that success isn’t just measured by the smiles during the event, but also by the safety and smoothness with which everything unfolds. We hope this guide has armed you with the knowledge to achieve both. You can contact us any time to get more information and customise your commercial inflatable for any event. Here’s to many joyful, safe bouncing adventures ahead – elevating your events to new heights, one inflatable at a time!