Aussie World proposes new $60m water park to attract 780,000 visitors

A Sunshine Coast tourist attraction has announced plans to build a $60m water park which is expected to attract more than 780,000 visitors a year and pump in up to $30m into the regional economy.

Aussie World have lodged their proposal to Sunshine Coast Council to build a new $60m water park. Photo: Aussie World

The Sunshine Coast could have its own big water park as part of a $60m expansion of a family favourite tourist attraction.

Aussie World in Palmview has submitted a development application to Sunshine Coast Council for a water park located north of the existing tourist attraction.

If approved, the $60m project would be built on privately-owned land and become the Sunshine Coast’s biggest water park attraction.

The proposal includes 16 water slides suitable for all ages, leisure and action pool, and several waterplay areas as well as a pool bar, sun lounges and cabanas, a souvenir shop and various food and drink shops.

Artist's impression of a proposed $60m water park north of Aussie World. Photo: Aussie World

Artist's impression of a proposed $60m water park north of Aussie World. Photo: Aussie World

Plans have also been lodged to expand the current car park.

It has been estimated the new addition would attract more than 780,000 visitors annually by 2031 and contribute between $15.2m and $30m to the Sunshine Coast’s tourism economy.

The project would provide up to $39m in construction labour and services and would provide “fresh incentives” for Australian and international tourists to visit the Sunshine Coast, particularly in time for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

It is expected the water park would take three years to construct if plans are approved by council.

Artist's impression of a proposed $60m water park north of Aussie World. Photo: Aussie World

Upon completion, the new water park will employ 193 full-time staff during peak season and 87 staff for its off-peak seasons.

Aussie World General Manager Jenny Howell said the park has been continuing to find new attractions for the Aussie World Entertainment Complex and hopes the new development will strengthen the region’s reputation “as the tourism capital of Queensland.”

“As the largest sustainable and accessible water park on the Sunshine Coast, and with its close proximity to Aussie World, this project will be hugely popular and something that locals can be proud of,” she said.

Aerial map and legend of the proposed water park by Aussie World. Photo: Aussie World

Aerial map of the proposed water park beside Aussie World. Photo: Aussie World

“There will be a two-day pass offer to significantly increase the appeal of the Sunshine Coast to overnight visitors and it will contribute a significant injection to the region’s overnight visitor spend.”

Previous projects to build a waterpark on the Sunshine Coast in past years were unsuccessful, with a proposal for a $350m water park and resort by Sanad Capital scrapped after the company was placed into liquidation in April.

Artist's impression of a proposed $60m water park north of Aussie World. Photo: Aussie World

Sanad Capital had been at odds in a legal dispute with Surf Parks Australia by major developer Craig Morrison, after Sanad Capital appealed against the company and Sunshine Coast Council over their own plans to build a second water park attraction in the region.

The appeal was dismissed in 2023.

The pin was also pulled on the Kelly Slater Wave Pool and associated resort in December, 2023 when the developers Consolidated Properties Group sold the land to Sunshine Coast Council for $6m.

Originally published as Aussie World proposes new $60m water park to attract 780,000 visitors