Discovery Parks proposes Sunshine Coast caravan park near Australia Zoo

A holiday park company has revealed plans to transform a Sunshine Coast golf course into a modern caravan park with luxury cabins and “Byron” style facilities. See the plans.

Plans to transform a Sunshine Coast golf course into a modern caravan park with more than 350 sites including luxury cabins and safari tents have been revealed.

Discovery Parks has proposed its first Sunshine Coast venture at the Glenview Golf Course, two years after The G’Day Group purchased the 12ha property for $3.3m.

Development application documents were lodged with the Sunshine Coast Council this month detailing how the company would transform the land that had been a golf course for decades.

The proposed tourist park would have 359 sites, including 203 powered sites, 35 unpowered, 32 with ensuites and 89 cabins from standard to two-storey cabins.

Discovery Parks has revealed plans for its proposed tourist park at Steve Irwin Way, Glenview.

It would also feature a “Byron style” camp kitchen and pool, modelled off Discovery Park’s Byron Bay park, as well as mini golf and a nature play area.

Group chief investment officer Amanda Baldwin said it completed economic, environmental and planning analysis to inform its proposal for a family-friendly holiday park at the site.

She said the holiday park was “only the first stage” and the company would work closely with the council and community to bring an asset with “long term benefits” for the region.

Discovery Parks has revealed plans for its proposed tourist park at Steve Irwin Way, Glenview.

“With visitor nights to the Sunshine Coast expected to increase by more than four million over the next decade, there is strong demand for more accommodation located in proximity to the region’s many tourist attractions, including Australia Zoo, Aussie World and the new, planned Glenview waterpark,” Ms Baldwin said.

“Our proposal is similar to other successful holiday park developments that have been completed across Australia, which have been proven to increase tourism and create economic uplift in local communities.”

She said it would take 18 to 24 months to build.

The company purchased the property from owner of two decades Judith McFadden in November, 2020.

Discovery Parks has revealed plans for its proposed tourist park at Steve Irwin Way, Glenview.

At the time G’Day Group chief executive Grant Wilckens said the company would invest in the property to create an attraction that would increase tourism and create jobs.

The caravan park would be accessed from Steve Irwin Way where the existing access is to the golf club.

A short left turn lane was proposed to be designed.

An economic needs assessment report, also lodged with council for the proposal, found caravan and tourist parks in the area did not provide recreational facilities targeted at a family market.

Discovery Parks has revealed plans for its proposed tourist park at Steve Irwin Way, Glenview.

“Providing a tourist park experience with ample recreational facilities provides families with the option to stay on site for the duration of their stay and the children will remain entertained while the parents relax,” consultant CDM Smith found in its economic needs assessment.

It said the average occupancy rates for other sites within the area would remain around 55 per cent with the new facility, and would still improve within the next decade.

“In fact, the average occupancy rate is anticipated to reach over 65 per cent by 2032, despite significant supply additions, including the proposed facility,” it said.

G'Day Group chief executive Grant Wilckens pictured in 2020. Picture: Tom Huntley

Discovery Parks was described as a nationally recognised tourist park operator and the project would be its first on the Sunshine Coast.

The development was impact assessable because it was proposed within the sport and recreation zone code.

As part of the council process for impact accessible applications, residents will have the opportunity to have their say on the proposal.

Originally published as Discovery Parks proposes Sunshine Coast caravan park near Australia Zoo