‘Very exciting’: Development application lodged for ‘Surf Port Douglas’ wave park at Mowbray

An audacious $317m bid to build the Far North’s first surf park has been revealed potentially filling one of the few voids of tropical Queensland – big wave surfing.

Port Douglas could soon be home to the Far North’s first surf park and resort after an audacious $317m development application was lodged.

The bold proposal will unlock a new domestic and international tourism market for the region and fill one of the few voids of tropical Queensland – big wave surfing.

The Mowbray-based surf camp, to be known as NorthBreak Port Douglas, will use the latest cutting-edge technology to produce man-made waves for surfers of all abilities in a 300m wave pool.

An artist impression of the $317m NorthBreak Port Douglas resort. IMAGE: Hunt Design

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“With the ability to generate a wave every 8 to 12 seconds, ride lengths for surfers can last up to 26 seconds,” a NorthBreak spokesman said.

“NorthBreak Port Douglas is a next generation resort development set to redefine tourism in Far North Queensland.”

The wave machine concept was first established by surfing legend Kelly Slater and is revolutionising the sport worldwide.

The Far North project will enable the precision to control the angle and speed of every wave generated. From A-frames to air sections to hollow barrels, with wave sizes varying from two to seven feet.

The stunning proposal will also include a 4.5 star resort, holiday cabins, luxury serviced apartments, a restaurant and spa and world-class conference and function facilities.

A large swimming lagoon for non-surfers and multiple food and beverage options will also be built, with the two-year construction phase tipped to create 1247 full time jobs according to a detailed economic report tabled by the RPS Group.

Port Douglas developer and former Rich Lister John Morris, 93, said the project had untapped potential for the region and “should be embraced.”

“This is really massive news,” the man dubbed ‘Mr Port Douglas’ said.

An artist’s impression of the entry at the game-changing development along the Captain Cook Highway at Mowbray, south of Port Douglas. IMAGE: Gary Hunt Design.

“We have the reef and the rainforest, the only thing that we are missing is the great surf that we enjoy on the southern beaches of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

“But here’s an opportunity to add surfing to the bucket list in our wonderful destination.”.

Surfers Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore surf a wave at Slater’s Surf Ranch in California, which uses similar technology to produce man-made waves. Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Breitling.

With the Great Barrier Reef blocking coastal wave action on the Far North coast, surfing has virtually been off-limits to residents and tourists.

“ (NorthBreak Port Douglas) has the potential to cater to locals and tourists who will pay for an experience that cannot be obtained elsewhere in the region in a tropical environment that is more comfortable than winter surfing in the southern parts of the Australia,” the DA states.

An artist’s impression of facilities at Surf Port Douglas. IMAGE: Gary Hunt Design.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the project could be a pivotal moment for the Far North if approved.

The application is currently sitting with council planners with the total cost estimated at $317.3m, making it one of the largest projects in the shire’s history.

“It is early days and the DA has only just been lodged with council, but it is certainly very exciting,” he said.

“It is something completely different for the Far North and has the potential and opportunity to open a completely new market of tourism in this region.

“We look forward to seeing how it progresses.”

A similar surf park is being built in central Queensland at Yeppoon, known as Surf Lakes, with year-round waves and luxury accommodation. The wave technology has already been installed and trialled by professional surfers, but the park remains closed to the general public.

Man made waves at the Surf Lakes camp near Yeppoon, in central Queensland. IMAGE: News Regional Media

The Port Douglas wave park, freshwater swimming lagoon and aquapark, 160-room hotel, 90 unit housing precinct and tourist park, including 35 self-contained cabins, will attract 128,680 visitor nights and generate $79.2m in direct expenditure into the Far North, according to the DA.

An artist’s impression of a residence at the proposed the surf park. IMAGE: Gary Hunt Design.

The precinct, located at 5640 Captain Cook Highway, will be visible from the highway on the outskirts of Port Douglas.

“(it) generate an estimated 740 full time jobs per annum, 644 as direct and 96 indirect jobs; and generate $36m annually in wages and salaries, mainly for local residents,” the DA states.

Originally published as ‘Very exciting’: Development application lodged for ‘Surf Port Douglas’ wave park at Mowbray