Glenworth Valley: Wave park considered by Central Coast Council
Glenworth Valley might be better known for its horses and sprawling bushland but a new wave park plan being floated could see it become the surfing capital of NSW.
Central Coast
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In what could be the gnarliest development Central Coast residents and visitors have ever seen, Glenworth Valley has put its hand up to build an artificial wave park.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures has confirmed it is in discussions with Central Coast Council about building a multimillion-dollar tourism attraction.
It comes after council wiped out in its search for a local council-owned site to build a wave park earlier this year.
Councillors voted last year for staff to shortlist a number of possible sites but the report came back saying initial investigations were unable “to identify any appropriate locations”.
Made popular by 11-time surf world champion Kelly Slater, artificial surf breaks use technology to create waves with the power and shape of ocean waves.
By maintaining a constant velocity, surfers are able to ride consistent waves all year round.
Central Coast councillor and wave park advocate Bruce McLachlan met with Glenworth Valley owner Barton Lawler to discuss the possibility of hosting one at the sprawling 120ha property.
“Surf wave parks have become very popular around the world, with Snowdonia in Wales receiving 70,000 tourists per year,” Mr McLachlan said.
“There are several Australian surf wave parks in the pipeline, with many approved and being built as we speak.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Central Coast to ride the crest of the surf park boom and drive tourism in the region.”
Mr Lawler said while it was early days discussions with council had been very positive.
“Everyone you speak with agrees that the Central Coast needs a major tourist attraction,” he said.
“I would like to commend council for being so proactive with this opportunity and for aiming to deliver something as significant as a surf wave park to the area.
“The wave park experience is fantastic. Customers rave about it because the power and consistency of the waves are incredible.
“Beginner surfers and professionals can enjoy the ride of their lives, all at the push of a button.
“We are looking at host the surf park on land adjacent to Peats Ridge Rd, which is only 3kms off the M1 motorway.”
A meeting between council and Glenworth Valley has been arranged in coming weeks to discuss the wave park further.
The wave park is the latest in a series of new developments at Glenworth Valley, which announced earlier this year plans to build Australia’s largest mountain bike park with 100km of curated bike trails, chairlifts and associated infrastructure.
It comes after the adventure park opened its $5 million Valley Events Centre in 2017.