Planning consent secured for South Australian surf park

The City of Onkaparinga Council Assessment Panel has approved plans for ‘The Break Surf & Stay’ - a surf park and tourism destination on South Australia’s picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Break has partnered with Endless Surf to deliver the lagoon’s wave technology, making South Australia one of the first locations in the world to use its cutting-edge pneumatic system. Similar to swell in the ocean, Endless Surf waves are made using air and pressure within pneumatic chambers, allowing for flexibility of waves for all kinds of surfers.

Endless Surf and Myrtha Pools announced.a partnership in 2022, aiming to alleviate many of the common challenges that surf park developers face when constructing and operating their surf lagoon. The partnership will see state-of-the-art Myrtha Pools stainless steel pool technology available exclusively for Endless Surf projects.

The South Australian $100 million precinct will be located on 7.1 hectare at Tuit Road, Aldinga - set back from the coast on vacant land zoned for tourism development, just 40 minutes from Adelaide. With an expansive surf lagoon and beach, native vegetation, accommodation, wellness and dining precinct and coastal inspired community facilities by award-winning local architects Studio Gram, the precinct promises an authentic ‘barefoot luxury’ experience.

Project founding partners Ben McCarthy, Richard Sheppard, Leigh Gapp and Dwight Stuchbery are surfing enthusiasts with expertise across property finance and development, engineering, sustainability and surf park technology.

McCarthy’s work as the founding Group Development Manager of URBNSURF – operators of Australia’s first commercial surf park in Melbourne with a second in Sydney soon to be opened – has informed the team’s approach to surf park delivery and operation.

Leading advisory firm FinCap is also on board to drive further investment in the privately funded project.

Highlights of ‘The Break’ include:

• ‘Endless Surf’ powered 11,700 sqm surf lagoon with beachside amenities

• Cutting edge pneumatic wave generating technology creating high quality surf waves up to 2.1m high for rides of up to 18 seconds (single peak) or 9 seconds (split peak) – The Break intends to be the first in the Southern Hemisphere to employ this next-gen technology

• State-of-the-art water treatment plant with water renewably sourced from managed aquifer recharge

• Surf academy offering a range of surf-fit programmes tailored for all abilities

• 35 short stay villas, nestled into the local landscape

• Publicly accessible beachside amenities including craft brewhouse and licensed restaurant, plus nature play and skating areas

• Wellness studio and event space

• Retail and rental store for boards, wetsuits and more

• Lifeguard and first aid facilities

• All-abilities changerooms

• Extensive parking facilities

• Extensive native landscaping, with 300 new trees planted (including native and drought tolerant) and existing vegetation on peripherals maintained.

The project is committed to fostering healthy, active communities through its onsite surf academy and facilitating surfing participation and growth in South Australia, particularly among children and disadvantaged groups. The Break’s active tourism offering extends well beyond the surf lagoon, with visitors encouraged to take advantage of children’s nature play areas and skateable landscaping, as well as explore nearby coastal walks, cycling trails and beaches.

Additionally, The Break will serve as an ideal venue for a wide range of local, state, national, and international surfing competitions and events while providing South Australians with consistent access to world class waves, wellness and resort facilities at their doorstep.

Construction is set to commence in early 2025 with first waves pencilled for mid-2026.

The Break founding partner, Richard Sheppard shared “The Break has been an absolute passion project for everyone involved and brings together the best in technology, design and visitor experience while thoughtfully integrating the local environment and surfing community into the overall experience.

“There is a significant market for health and wellness, active and surf tourism that is largely untapped in South Australia and we believe this transformational project will help to unlock that opportunity for the region and the state. And that’s to say nothing of the benefits of attracting new visitors to this region’s world class vineyards, beaches, eateries, trails and landscapes.

“We have worked closely with the City of Onkaparinga through the approvals process to ensure that this project ultimately enhances the local area’s character, economy and lifestyle and creates a safe, welcoming environment for all.”

The Break founding partner, Ben McCarthy added “We’re bringing Endless Surf to South Australia because it quite simply represents the best and most flexible in surf park technology.

“The customisable nature of pneumatic waves means we will be able to cater for everyone, from kids learning to surf through to professionals competing at an international level – often at the same time.

“Our vision is to see The Break become a destination for families and surf lovers from around the country and the world, while also using the facilities to teach every South Australian kid to surf in safe, inclusive, controlled conditions.”

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison noted “Projects like this that embrace a different type of tourism are critical for South Australia and help drive additional visitation to our beautiful regions.

“There’s no doubt that the Fleurieu and McLaren Vale are already world-renowned destinations, and The Break will add another layer of wellness and surf-inspired tourism for the region while also driving economic and social outcomes for the local community.

“I commend the team for their bold vision and investment in the South Australian tourism landscape and look forward to seeing these beautiful plans shape into reality.”

For more information about The Break, visit thebreak.com.au 

For investment opportunities, visit fincap.com.au 

To contact Myrtha Pools' Australian and New Zealand representatives, click here to visit the Myrtha Pools listing in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.