Will the Sunshine Coast be home to Australia’s biggest water park?

There has been an undercurrent of excitement rippling across the Sunshine Coast ever since plans for a proposed $400mil, 24ha water park – the biggest in Australia – were put forward for approval. But unfortunately, it has not all been smooth sailing. 

Initial Plans for a Sunshine Coast Water Park

In December 2016 that ripple of anticipation grew considerably as SANAD Capital, the development company behind the plans, announced it was partnering with global water park and attractions firm WhiteWater in its push to bring the water park to life.

Along with this announcement, the group released a couple of computer generated fly throughs of what the proposed park would look like and to say it will be incredible would be an understatement!  Check them out here –

Source: Sanad Capital

Australia’s first surfing wave pool and so much more!

Named ACTVE, the huge park’s facilities were released with the following highlights suggested:

• Australia’s biggest wave pool generating 9ft-high waves
• High thrill rides which have never been seen in Australia before
• The world’s largest interactive aqua play structure (accommodating 2,000 people at any one time)
• The first slide-boarding area in ASEAN, a ‘world’s first’ innovation which brings video game interactivity to waterslides
• The park will boast the most iconic rides in the waterpark industry, which are set to hit Aussie shores for the first time, including The ABYSS, CONSTRICTOR and BOOMERANGO MANTA

More than just a water park

SANAD Capital had the whole family experience in mind when they designed ACTVE, with features for every age group.

“The plans contain a dedicated area for tots, where kids from four to eight can make a splash, thrills for teens with the AquaLoop, as well as raft rides for the whole family to enjoy together”, SANAD Capital CEO Bradley Sutherland has stated.

Not merely a giant water park though, the facility would also include a sport training and development centre, four-star hotel, exhibition and conference centre, cafes, restaurants and international and local shops.

An Update on the Future of the Water Park

Unfortunately, due to a number of factors the project stalled and Knight Frank Australia were engaged to present 2652 Steve Irwin Way for International sale, with interest closing in November 2024. 

According to Knight Frank Australia ‘this carefully crafted opportunity is benefited by a detailed masterplan under the banner of ‘Sunshine Coast Water Park, Tourist Attraction and Resort Complex’ which holds an extended sunset date of April 2030. This extensive delivery timeline is primed to capitalise on the increased growth leading up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.’ 

For further details and updates visit https://2652steveirwinway.com.au/ 

Where Would This Water Park Be Located?

The planned development site is located at the gateway to the Sunshine Coast, 2652 Steve Irwin Way, Glenview (Lots 1 & 2). This address is a short 10km from the popular tourist attraction, Australia Zoo and 30km from the Sunshine Coast Airport. 

So while this isn’t the outcome we envisaged, there is still a glimmer of hope this mega water park will come to life in the near future (fingers crossed). It would be just another great reason for our Brisbane Kids to make the short trip up to our beautiful Sunshine Coast.