Aussie World expansion to include $60 million waterpark for Sunshine Coast

As part of a plan to expand the Aussie World Entertainment Complex, Aussie World has submitted a development application to Sunshine Coast Council this week to build a multi-faceted $60 million waterpark on privately-owned land to the north of the existing theme park.

If approved, the attraction will become the Sunshine Coast’s largest waterpark and will place a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessible tourism leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The concept design features 16 water slides for all ages, leisure pools, action pools and numerous waterplay areas. The new area would also include several food and beverage outlets, a pool bar, sun lounges, cabanas and a souvenir shop.

The waterpark is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy by providing fresh incentives for domestic and international tourists to visit the Sunshine Coast.

Overall, the project would inject up to $39 million into the local economy through building works, and the supply of building materials and services to support the three- year construction period.

It is estimated the waterpark will attract over 780,000 annual visitors by 2031 and generate $15.2 million to $30 million towards the local tourism economy by driving new visitors to the Sunshine Coast.

Aussie World General Manager Jenny Howell advised “we are continuing to find new attractions that will create an iconic, must-visit experience at the Aussie World Entertainment Complex, which will be sought after by tourists.

“As the largest sustainable and accessible waterpark 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. 

“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.

 “The waterpark will continue to strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as the tourism capital of Queensland for families and young adults adding to the already exceptional line-up of tourist attractions across the region.”

The new waterpark would rival others in South East Queensland in state-of-the-art attractions and experiences that will appeal to all ages.

The concept design submitted to council also includes a proposal to expand the existing carpark that is aesthetically pleasing and designed to ensure free-flow traffic.

The project would provide a range of opportunities for locals from the construction to the daily operation of the waterpark, making it another win for the local economy.

It will create employment for 193 full time staff during the peak season and 87 full-time staff during non-peak periods.