Work kicks off on Discovery Parks’ $22 million Goolwa holiday park upgrade as regional travel booms amid Covid-19

Big ticket additions to the popular Goolwa park should be ready in time to capitalise on a Covid-driven surge in summer road trips, operators hope.

Work was due to start Thursday on a $22 million upgrade of Discovery Parks’ Goolwa site, which will double the park’s capacity and add a raft of new attractions.

There will be 60 new cabins and 100 extra sites for caravans and campers, on top of the 14 cabins and 130 sites already there.

An outdoor cinema will be added, along with a water park, indoor and outdoor pools, and nature playground.

Discovery Parks chief operations officer Matt Lang said the company aimed to complete the upgrade’s first stage – the campsites, attractions and about 30 cabins – in time for the summer holidays.

The rest of the cabins would be built within about two years.

An artist's impression of Discovery Parks plans for its Goolwa site. Picture: Supplied

The holiday park will feature a water park, two pools, an outdoor cinema and nature playground. Picture: Supplied

The project will also boost for local employment, creating about 60 direct and indirect jobs during construction and for another 65 people after it’s complete.

“Patio sites” with fire pits and barbecues will allow families to get together with others and toast marshmallows.

The project is part of a $40m investment plan on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which also includes an upgrade to the McCracken Country Club at Victor Harbor. The business recently acquired the two sites, along with the Hahndorf Resort and Adelaide Hills Convention Centre.

The McCracken project is still going through the development approval process with Victor Harbor Council.

That project includes a splash park, flying fox, playground, jumping pillow and minigolf.

There will be 60 revamped two-bedroom units, 100 powered caravan sites and a camp kitchen, with future plans for a restaurant and alfresco bar.

Mr Lang said the investments would capitalise on increased interest in regional tourism brought by the pandemic.

“We’ve certainly seen that bookings across SA are really strong,” Mr Lang said.

“This reconnection with nature and connection with each other that people are finding now, we think that’s going to continue.”

It also coincides with a major upgrade of the Goolwa wharf precinct.

The holiday park will feature a water park, two pools, an outdoor cinema and nature playground. Picture: Supplied

The holiday park will feature a water park, two pools, an outdoor cinema and nature playground. Picture: Supplied

The company’s Victor Harbor and Hahndorf parks will have a focus on events, as people look for ways to get back together with their colleagues and restrictions on the number of people at weddings have eased.

Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes said the Goolwa development would be a major drawcard for families.

“This will further accommodate visitors and customers for our existing businesses ensuring creation of more local ongoing jobs,” Mr Parkes said.

He said it would also tap into the visiting friends and relatives market, which was a big contributor to the local economy.

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