Gold Coast development: ‘World-class’ endless surf wave pool planned for Parkwood resort

Leading tourism figures have welcomed a proposed multimillion wave pool as being “just what the Gold Coast needs” – and now Bulletin readers have weighed in. WHAT DO YOU THINK? VOTE IN OUR POLL

THE Gold Coast’s leading tourism boss has welcomed a proposed $35 million ‘world-class’ wave pool as being “just what the Gold Coast needs”.

It was revealed on Monday that the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon is earmarked for a site at The Club Parkwood Village next to the existing 18-hole golf course.

Bulletin readers have been quick to throw their support behind the idea, with a whopping 87 per cent voting in favour of it being built.

HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW

Surf’s up for the Gold Coast

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said it was important to develop new tourism products while borders remained closed as a result of COVID-19.

Ms O’Callaghan said it was essential for the Gold Coast to diversify its experiences to attract domestic visitors.

“Not only will this development add to our offering but it’s also a prime example of our private sector backing the Gold Coast through continued investment,” she said.

A plan of another WhiteWorld Endless Surf wavepark.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the proposal and said: “Renewing our tourism assets is crucial from a local, intrastate and international visitor perspective”.

“On face value, this wave pool fits that bill perfectly,” he said.

“We all know the love affair our locals have with the beach and surfing so I’m sure a facility like this would have them lining up for that perfect left-hander.’’

Get ready to ride the wave in Parkwood.

The wave park will feature a beach-like lagoon and waves which will be tailored for everyone from beginners to ace surfers.

It is hoped the project will be open to the public by 2023.

Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said the wave park would be the “biggest tourist drawcard for the Gold Coast in more than two decades.”

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“People across the globe will be attracted to the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon as it will be a unique and quality experience with better waves and can have a large number of people in the pool at the one time,” he said.

“The Endless Surf Wave Lagoon will provide a real destination attraction to the city. I believe it’s the biggest tourist drawcard that has been done on the Gold Coast in over 20 years.

“A world-class surf park is a perfect fit for our active community as it anchors a whole new level of economic investment into the area.”

Surf Lakes wavepool closer to being constructed on Gold Coast with world class surfers critiquing the man-made waves

Artist impression of a wave pool proposed for Parkwood on the Gold Coast.

Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said applications would be submitted to the council to help make the project a reality.

“There is nothing more quintessentially Australian than surfing. We want to make sure Parkwood becomes the heart of sport here on the Gold Coast,” he said.

Gold Coast wave pool: Surf Lakes announces public facility to be built on Gold Coast

Similar pools are planned for Paris, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic.

“A world-class surf break is a perfect fit for our active community as it anchors a whole new level of economic investment into the area.

“Couple this with a multimillion-dollar makeover to the 18-hole golf course and a beautiful family resort, it will be a game changer.”

The park will be built by Canada-based wave pool manufacturer WhiteWorld, which have similar projects planned for sites in Paris, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic.

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The park, like this one overseas, will be built by Canada-based wave pool manufacturer WhiteWorld.

Mr Altschwager said the pool would be able to generate waves of up to 2.4m in size.

“The Endless Surf technology is on the cutting edge of wave pool technologies. The variety and quality of the waves is going to truly revolutionise the sport,” Mr Altschwager said.

“A big attraction for us was that WhiteWorld is a family run company with an approach to business much like ours, driven by a sense of community and purpose to provide the very best experiences that enhance lives.”