Crocosaurus or artificial beach mooted for Sydney Olympic Park’s newest tourist attraction

EXCLUSIVE: Sydney Olympic Park hopes to secure an attraction on site to reel in the tourists and some exciting ideas have already been put forward.

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A CROCOSAURUS-style theme park or a wildlife zoo are just two of the ideas being mooted for a world-class tourist attraction at Sydney Olympic Park.

Residents in the area have also proposed an outdoor cinema, a nature park and restaurant precinct.

Sydney Olympic Park Authority is calling for tenders to develop the P5 car park into a tourism facility that supports the local community. It is near the Parramatta River, Allphones Arena and ANZ Stadium,

Western Sydney director of the Sydney Business Chamber David Borger said a facility like the Featherdale Wildlife Zoo at Blacktown could offset sporting and entertainment attractions.

“Native animals attract a large Asian tourist market, Olympic Park has established tourism infrastructure with hotels and public transport, and light rail is coming,” Mr Borger said.

Australia’s unique native animals attract many international tourists every year.

He highlighted a Crocosaurus-style attraction which operates in Darwin, allowing people to swim with crocodiles within the safety of clear tubes, as an opportunity for the site.

“It might not be big enough for a theme park like Disneyland but maybe a retro fun park would work — they have a number of Luna Parks alongside each other on Coney Island,” he said.

“Or we could bring the beach to western Sydney with a wave machine — there’s so much potential.”

Tourists view crocodiles from the safety of a tube at Darwin’s Crocosaurus theme park.

Wentworth Point Community Central president Bronwyn Evans said an outdoor cinema or new restaurants might suit Sydney’s premier event precinct.

“Something like a wildlife area would also be attractive, there are white-bellied sea eagles that are close by and there could be an opportunity there,” she said.

Sydney Olympic Park Authority is inviting people to submit tenders for a tourist attraction on the P5 carpark area.

On Facebook, residents from Wentworth Point and Newington also proposed a high school, a contemporary art museum, green space or even a beach for the area.

How would an artificial beach like this one in Southbank, Brisbane look in Newington?

The park’s commercial manager Peter Serrao said there had been significant interest.

“If the right opportunity exists to establish a new facility that excites people, attracts sustainable levels of visitation and provides for a high-quality experience, we’re open to proposals,” he said.

Car Park 5A and 5B at the corner of Hill and Holker Rds in Sydney Olympic Park.

The request for proposals also highlighted the site’s renewed potential since NSW Premier Mike Baird announced the Parramatta Light Rail project would incorporate the area.

Drummoyne state Liberal MP John Sidoti welcomed a development that would benefit the local community.

“If it generates tourism dollars and jobs for locals, it’s good,” Mr Sidoti said.

A few other ideas could be a ski dome or specialised wave boarding venue.

Could a ski facility similar to the Ski Dubai indoor ski dome be on the cards for the Park?

Dreamworld’s Flowrider is a big drawcard.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

● What do you think should be built at the P5 carpark at Homebush?

● Share your ideas on our Facebook page

● We will send the list to the Sydney Olympic Park Authority